Telephone interviews are often the first real interaction you’ll have with a potential employer. While they may feel informal, they are a crucial stage in the recruitment process, where recruiters decide who progresses to a face-to-face interview.
At Premier Group Recruitment, we help candidates navigate this stage with confidence. To make your next telephone interview a success, here are 10 common questions you may be asked, along with example answers to guide you.
1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
"I’m a marketing professional with five years’ experience in digital campaigns and social media strategy. In my current role at XYZ Ltd, I manage campaigns that have increased engagement by 40% year-on-year, and I’m now looking for a role where I can take on more strategic responsibility."
2. Why are you looking to leave your current role?
"I’ve enjoyed my current position, but I’m looking for a role that offers greater opportunities for growth and development in line with my career goals."
3. What has been your biggest achievement so far?
"I led a project that reduced operational costs by 15%, which was implemented company wide. It was a challenge but extremely rewarding to see measurable results."
4. How do you handle stressful situations?
"I stay calm, prioritise tasks, and focus on problem-solving. I also ensure open communication with colleagues to maintain perspective and momentum."
5. Can you give an example of a challenge you overcame at work?
"During a product launch, unexpected delays threatened our deadline. I reorganised priorities, delegated effectively, and communicated progress daily, ensuring successful delivery on time."
6. Why do you want to work for this company?
"I admire your focus on innovation and employee development. The role aligns perfectly with my skills in project management and my ambition to contribute to a forward-thinking team."
7. Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team.
"I collaborated on a cross-functional project to launch a new service. Regular check-ins and clear communication allowed us to complete the project ahead of schedule."
8. How do you prioritise tasks when everything feels urgent?
"I assess urgency and impact, create a structured plan, and communicate with colleagues if priorities need adjusting. This ensures that high-priority tasks are completed efficiently without losing sight of longer-term goals."
9. When could you start?
"I would be available after giving my current employer one month’s notice, allowing for a smooth transition."
10. What are your salary expectations?
"Based on my experience and market standards, I would expect a salary in the region of £35,000–£40,000, though I’m open to discussion depending on benefits and growth opportunities."
How Premier Group Recruitment Can Help
Telephone interviews can be daunting, but preparation makes all the difference. At Premier Group Recruitment, we support candidates by:
- Offering tailored coaching for likely questions
- Running mock interviews to build confidence
- Providing feedback and guidance after each stage
Our goal is to help you present yourself at your best and progress to the next stage with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Telephone interviews don’t need to be intimidating. With preparation, practice, and the right guidance, you can confidently navigate this stage and make a lasting impression.
Here at Premier Group, we’re committed to helping candidates succeed at every stage of their job search. Contact us today to take the first step toward your next career move.
