How to prepare for phone interviews

[Member03326588]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello all,

I've read through some old threads regarding these pre on-site interview phone interviews and their format. The majority say to have a description of your research interests, know theirs, and have questions prepared.

Is there any other info we should be prepared with?

Also, what types of questions are appropriate to ask at this stage rather than the on-site interview?

Thanks!

 

[VeggieDelight]

The only pre-onsite interview I had over the phone was unannounced, which I didn't really appreciate, but hey.

Have you already secured an invite for the onsite? I'm assuming if they want to speak to you over the phone before actually meeting you, they have some specific questions to ask you. In my case, the on-site interview invite had not been extended, and even at the end of the phone conversation, my POI said that they would get back to me (I eventually got the invitation). He had called to check about my interests in clinical work. So, what you've read is fine. But I wouldn't go overboard on having questions ready. A few basic things that might not have been clear on their website is fine. If you've already gotten the onsite invite (in which case I wonder why in the world they are phone interviewing you), you don't want to bombard them with questions over the phone that might get answered on interview day. If not, at this stage, it's still more about them checking to see if you're appropriate for an interview.

 

[syzergy]

The only pre-onsite interview I had over the phone was unannounced, which I didn't really appreciate, but hey.

So I've been thinking about what to do if this happens. Is it inappropriate to ask to call them back? Not by saying that you're unprepared but that you can't talk at length at that moment (e.g. going into a meeting). Or is it just best to let unknown numbers go to voicemail? I have no problem doing a phone interview but I would like a few minutes to prepare myself.

 

[deuce22]

So I've been thinking about what to do if this happens. Is it inappropriate to ask to call them back? Not by saying that you're unprepared but that you can't talk at length at that moment (e.g. going into a meeting). Or is it just best to let unknown numbers go to voicemail? I have no problem doing a phone interview but I would like a few minutes to prepare myself.

One recommendation I've heard is to prepare an index card for each school you've applied to with basic info about the program, POI, research interests, your credentials, etc. and leave it in a place you can get to quickly in case someone calls. Being put on the spot and succeeding should only increase your chances of being accepted.

 

[VeggieDelight]

Another strategy is to make a list of the possible area codes the calls could come from and actively avoid them.

In all seriousness, I would not answer the phone and say I couldn't talk. Your reason might be perfectly legitimate, but it may not be taken as such by your interviewer. Either let all unknown calls go to voicemail, or answer it and have something prepared (along the lines of what chuckdanger suggested). This is really no different from the onsite interview because you have no idea exactly what they're going to ask you in either situation.

 

[syzergy]

chuckdanger - That's a great idea! I will definitely have to make up some cards. Thank you!

veggiedelight - Yeah, that's what I've been thinking. To be safe, I'm probably won't answer my phone for the next few months. It actually tells me what state the number is from so if it's not local it's probably going to be from a school. Random on the spot interviews - not at all stressful...


I actually did a practice interview with my mentor the other day. I was so nervous even though we've been working together for years and have a really close relationship. She asked me a ton of hard but very basic questions and it was super stressful. At least for me, I think it all comes down to practice, practice, practice. I have to go over some basic answers so I'm not completely making things up on the spot during interviews.