Phone interview:

[Deleted]

What to expect?

My wife applied for a position at SUNY Binghamton a month or so ago. Last week she was sent an email requesting more information in regards to past research, publications, references etc.

Earlier today she received another email stating that the committee likes her as a candidate and if she would be available for a phone interview next Friday at 1pm. My wife replied and said yes.

She is taking next Friday off to make sure she is able to take the call. She is not sure what to expect, is it like any other interview?

SUNY Binghamton is an hour from us but it is all highway. Fingers crossed and hopeful.

[zibazinski]

They want her to do a phone interview? I don't get the question.

[zibazinski]

Oh, well, good luck.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

It was like any other interview. They wanted to know more details about my work history and ask me questions like why was I leaving, where do I see myself headed in 5-10 years etc. It was easy.

[swasat]

I've been through a few phone interviews and taken a few as well. They are like any other interview.

Things to consider:

- Make sure there are no distractions/noises when your DW takes the interview.
- Full focus on what the interviewers are saying
- The interview can be as long as the interviewing committee wants IF they haven't told you the time duration in advance. Make sure she has enough time on hands.
- Since its over the phone there is no shame in asking to repeat the question if she doesn't understand something. Its expected that there might be communication issues.
- Be forthcoming and clear. Too many long pauses can put them in doubt.

[Deleted]

May 17, 2012 13:29:28 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

They want her to do a phone interview? I don't get the question.[/quote

Yes they wanted to schedule a phone interview with her for next Friday.

I've never had a phone interview and neither has my wife, so was curious as to what to expect

[Peace Of Mind]

It's pretty much the same as the first interview in person. They are just trying to find out if they want to call her in for a real interview to see if she has the qualifications and personality they want for that position. If it goes well they'll have her come in. That way neither are wasting a lot of time for the actual interview.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

Some people look good on "paper" (looking at just a resume), but can't form a complete sentence or thought if their life depends on it. Some employers like to prescreen people before asking them to travel to an in-person interview, and a phone interview is one way to do that.

My wonderful DH just had a phone interview last week for a casting call, actually. He did well enough to get a followup Skype interview last week ... and he jets off to Washington, DC next week to be filmed. (He'll be one of 16 new people featured on the Air National Guard website)

[Deleted]

It usually starts out "What are you wearing"

[telephus44]

I've only had one phone interview - interviewer was in CA and it was too much money to do it in person. It was the same as any other job interview - went about 35 minutes. The only advice I have is not to say "umm" or "ahhh" too much. Thoughtful pauses are ok, or even "Give me a moment to collect my thoughts" as long as you're not silent for the next 5 minutes.

[Bob Ross]

May 17, 2012 14:45:51 GMT -5 @mmc said:

It usually starts out "What are you wearing"

See, I also like to throw in some heavy breathing for effect.

[andi9899]

I've never had a phone interview and neither has my wife, so was curious as to what to expect

This is something a lot of companies seem to be doing. The one I have had pretty much consisted of them telling me about the position and asking a few questions about myself. Kind of feeling you out to decide if they want to bother with a face to face and vice versa. Doesn't take as long as a traditional interview since you're not getting that in depth.

[Deleted]

If it is a regular phone interview and not skype, she can have her resume in front of her or some bullet point reminders of how awesome she is. You can kind of get away with a bit of a cheat sheet.

Whether or not she needs that, I'm usually really compulsive about writing down the names of everyone on the call. If you don't have a name and a face and a handshake - type proper introduction, I am terrible about forgetting people's names. You don't want to be midway through the call and saying "that's a great question Bill, er Tom, thanks for asking"

[qofcc]

I would take notes, have some talking points prepared and my resume handy as Sarah suggested. Also find a quiet room with good acoustics. You could have her talk on the phone in different rooms of the house and get your opinion on which sounds better. Another tip I've heard is to stand up because you voice presents better than when sitting down and make sure you speak clearly, have a smile in your voice and a glass of water handy. Good luck!

[kindthatjingles]

I found too that over the phone people tend to talk faster etc. Call her and have her practice some of her answers.

Tell her to put dog in another room and shut door, nothign worse than a dog barking in the call either

[swamp]

I've had one phone interview and it was awful. I didn't realize how much I rely on nonverbal cues until I didn't have any.

[Cookies Galore]

I had one phone interview and it did not go well! Here's some advice:
-get thee away from all TVs, electronic devices, cats, windows, toys, anything that can cause a distraction. Preferably, lock yourself in a dark basement.
-dress in clothing better than your pajamas so you feel like you're interviewing. Your oversized sweatshirt with the hole in the wrist is a distraction!
-have your resume handy so you know what to say about yourself
- uh, hmm, err are really great phrases! use them a lot!
-make faces at the phone, they can't see your fear!




Good luck to your wife! If she's good at selling herself then she will do great.

[Deleted]

I may be totally off-base, but I would want to be prepared for the possibility that they ask me to Skype. So well-dressed, neat room, etc. It probably won't happen but imagine if they really like her and asked her to skype during or immediately after the conversation? Even if it's highly unlikely I think it's best to be prepared just in case.

I think that psychologically she should be dressed for an interview anyway, but that's just me.

[Deleted]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the great advice/tips.

She is a bit nervous and also the quiet/shy type, so will be hard for her to pick up on cues on the phone.

And also the big empty silence thing... Can definitely see that happening.

Out dog staying quiet might be the other issue. We'll figure something out.

[constanz22]

What position did she apply for? I'm kinda surprised she's considering a job in Binghamton. It's a helluva drive in a blizzard...LOL! If I knew she was open to working in this area, I could've been keeping my eye out for jobs. What field is she in again? I might have some connections or ideas...

[swamp]

May 17, 2012 16:49:04 GMT -5 @debthaven2 said:

I may be totally off-base, but I would want to be prepared for the possibility that they ask me to Skype. So well-dressed, neat room, etc. It probably won't happen but imagine if they really like her and asked her to skype during or immediately after the conversation? Even if it's highly unlikely I think it's best to be prepared just in case.

I think that psychologically she should be dressed for an interview anyway, but that's just me.

Maybe that was the problem. I did the phone interview in my bathing suit.

[maryjane]

I have interviewed people over the phone and have been interviewed.

Here is what I learned.

1. Do a practice run. Your wife can make some mock interview questions and then have someone call her and interview her.

2. As others have mentioned, wear professional clothes.

3. Keep a small mirror by the interview area, use it as a visual reminder to remember to mirror your facial expressions to what you want to say and to smile. You can actually hear the difference in someone's voice when they smile. Nerves and social expectations cause most of us to smile when we talk in an interview. Most people forget to do this on phone interview (in my experience) and they come across as low energy/less likable.

[Deleted]

Maybe that was the problem. I did the phone interview in my bathing suit.

Did you get the job?!

At my age I look better in an interview suit than in a bathing suit LOL!

[swamp]

May 17, 2012 19:19:22 GMT -5 @debthaven2 said:

Maybe that was the problem. I did the phone interview in my bathing suit.

Did you get the job?!

At my age I look better in an interview suit than in a bathing suit LOL!

No, I didn't get the job. It was a judicial clerkship in Eugene, Oregon. I didn't expect to get the job and was surprised I even got an interview since I have absolutely no connections to Oregon and had no reason to go there other than the skiing is better.

[telephus44]

Ok, so how did it go? It was today, right?

[TheOtherMe]

I just saw the thread. I've had several phone interviews and gotten a real interview from all of them. Some were pure screening calls telling me how bad the salary was and I had to make a decision as to whether I was still interested. Others were like the first interview--the one to see if I can actually talk even though I am well educated.

Some have gone well, some not--just like in person interviews.

[Deleted]

The interview is this coming Friday.

Thanks for all the suggestions and tips and hopefully it leads to a face to face interview.

*fingers crossed*

[Deleted]

May 17, 2012 17:15:33 GMT -5 constanz22 said:

What position did she apply for? I'm kinda surprised she's considering a job in Binghamton. It's a helluva drive in a blizzard...LOL! If I knew she was open to working in this area, I could've been keeping my eye out for jobs. What field is she in again? I might have some connections or ideas...

Yeah hopefully doing a blizzard the University would be close and she would be able to stay home

She has a bachelors in Biology and a masters in Public Health.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

May 20, 2012 5:08:51 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

May 17, 2012 17:15:33 GMT -5 constanz22 said:

What position did she apply for? I'm kinda surprised she's considering a job in Binghamton. It's a helluva drive in a blizzard...LOL! If I knew she was open to working in this area, I could've been keeping my eye out for jobs. What field is she in again? I might have some connections or ideas...

Yeah hopefully doing a blizzard the University would be close and she would be able to stay home

She has a bachelors in Biology and a masters in Public Health.

Ummmm......universities in upstate NY rarely close. In the 4 years I was up there, night classes were cancelled ONCE, but despite the 2+ feet of snow we got, classes the next morning went back on schedule.

[Deleted]

May 20, 2012 9:37:28 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

May 20, 2012 5:08:51 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

Yeah hopefully doing a blizzard the University would be close and she would be able to stay home

She has a bachelors in Biology and a masters in Public Health.

Ummmm......universities in upstate NY rarely close. In the 4 years I was up there, night classes were cancelled ONCE, but despite the 2+ feet of snow we got, classes the next morning went back on schedule.

I don't know, my wife to SUNY Albany an I took a few classes at Siena and they have both close due to snow while we were there (2008-2010).