Phone interview - Share experience

Question

Do you have any advice for a phone interview for job? I got one tomorrow. It's much harder to show our interest and ethusiatism. Any guide or suggestion? --K

togafoot · Answer

I got my current position in Japan via phone interview (I was based in the UK at the time).

Only tips i have is to speak slightly slower because the sometimes the signal isn't clear.
You can also prepare some notes, with lists of questions and do some writing while you are doing it. That way you can tailor the questions according to what information the interviewer gives you.

In terms of my actual experience... I was looking to relocate to Japan, but had no Japanese speaking skills. But because of my 'speciality' i was asked to interview for a consultancy role as a contractor.

The interview itself was not a problem for me as the questions were all about my area of expertise. However the main issues was that there was 3 interviewers and 2 of them didn't understand a word i said (i spoke quickly and have a regional UK accent). Fortunately for me, the main interviewer was from the UK, and i was offered the contract.

aaudetat · Answer

Be really careful about how long you talk. I've been on the recruiting end of a number of phone interviews, and the applicant can't see me making my "ok, good answer, i'm ready to move on" face, so they just keep going. In general, I would give the abbreviated version of the answer and then offer to elaborate if necessary.

rhyme · Answer

Solid advice. I'm guilty of this - its harder to tell when you need to shut up and move on. I was a bit long winded yesterday on a call and don't know if I'll get invited back. The strangest thing of all was that, at the end, after we've discussed next steps and whether or not I'd be avaliable to fly out, I say something like "Absolutely, I'd love to. I'm excited about the opportunity and I know I'd integrate well into your organization, so if you feel there might be some value in so doing, I'd very much enjoy the opportunity to speak with you and your team in person." I don't remember what I said exactly, but something like that. I expected her response to be "Thanks, well be in touch". Instead she said: "Uhm, can I ask one more quick question? .... How do you speak English so well?" That one took me for a loop. I have no clue what she might have been expecting...

aaudetat · Answer

She was expecting this:

I lik-a your company, you know-a? I want-a to work-a for you! I make-a you sausage! Spaghetti!

and then she thought you would pinch her booty over the phone.

At least, that's what I expected when I first met you.

gmatclb · Answer

I think filler words are much more important in these interviews... avoid those pauses...

okay
let me see
hmmmm
so, *repeat question*
ok, give me a few moments
wow, that's a good question

And also give some feedback when the other person is talking...just small utterances to let them know you're listening and still on the line...

yes
okay
I see
nice

I also like to stand up and walk around. It helps project confidence and enthusiasm and helps curb anxiety.

aaudetat · Answer

Along these lines, it's also a good idea to smile while you're talking. It really does come through in your voice.

Oh, and do something that will help you concentrate. It's easy to space off during phone conversations, since you don't have the person in front of you to ground you in the conversation. I walk around, or do some task that doesn't require much brain power but uses enough bandwidth so that I can't pick up something else that's too distracting...if that makes any sense. Knitting, folding towels, etc.

rhyme · Answer

Fair enough. When I first met you, I figured you'd show up in some kind of multi-colored marijuana stenched 60's era hippie hand me-down garb with a "Free Tibet!" t-shirt you got while volunteering to save the whales.

aaudetat · Answer

That shirt was in the wash.

rhyme · Answer

LOL

kryzak · Answer

oh you two are just too funny!!! LOL! :lol:

msday · Answer

has there been a GMATClub romance yet? I feel like it's bound to happen...!

togafoot · Answer

be aware of the nationality the interviewer is and adopt your speaking culture appropriately.

e.g. If a Japanese interviewer, be more modest and humble
If a Dutch interviewer, you can be more opinionated
If a Finnish interviewer be more direct and concise.

etc. etc.

rhyme · Answer

Woot woot....

Hand another phone screen yesterday morning and got the call back for round 2 last night... WOOT!! Before I go to r2.... I need banker to help me prepare a bit for this next round... need to know a bit more going in this time...

aaudetat · Answer

I'd say that's somewhat statistically unlikely.

First, the majority of GMATClub is male. (And in my experience, b-school is a pretty straight environment.) Second, the two would have to meet. Third, they'd have to like each other.

2 and 3, of course, could be switched!

And if it DID happen, Praetorian would probably be giddy with joy. Think of the PR!

Praetorian · Answer

Its the nature of the beast. I think you would find a majority of males in a typical MBA classroom.

But seeing how we love to bring people together, I am about to run with this idea and start mbasingles.com (True Love. Delivered.) eharmony my aaaaa.

kryzak · Answer

Maybe at Duke, but definitely not at Kellogg.

Praetorian the matchmaker, that would be interesting! :shock:

helianthusdd · Answer

I don't have any advices. However, below some phone interview questions they often ask in phone interview...
1. Tell me about yourself?
2. What are your biggest strengths?
3. Why did you leave your last job?
4. What are your career goals?
5. Why do you want to work here?
6. What is your greatest weakness?
7. How many years of experience do you have in _____?
8. What are the top duties you perform in your current position?
9. Why are you considering leaving your current position?
10. What do you know about this company/position?
11. What size groups do you work in and do you have any group size preferences?
12. Have you received any raises or promotions at your current employer?
13. Do you have any managerial experience or are you more of an individual contributor?
14. Why did you decide to study in XX?
15. What were your favourite subjects? Why?

cahillcahill · Answer

Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical phone interview questions. In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.

Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
Unless you're sure your cell phone service is going to be perfect, consider using a landline rather than your cell phone to avoid a dropped call or static on the line.

Phone interview - Share experience

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