Question about phone interviews

[krnlady]

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Hello!

I am a counseling psychology PhD candidate and I have been lucky enough to receive several interview offers. However, I had to commit to an interview at a particular school that is on the same day as my top choice school, which notified extremely late that I had gotten an interview. Therefore, I had to schedule a phone interview with my top choice 🙁 Their website indicates that it is not likely that applicants will be admitted without an in-person interview, but the interview email I received from them quite openly states that phone/skype can be arranged if we cannot make it. I am so bummed that I cannot go in person, but considering how late they notified, do you think they might discriminate less between in-person and phone interviews? Would it be appropriate to indicate why I could not make it (another school required commitment for interview before I knew about my top choice) or let them know they are my top choice? I do not want to appear desperate, but I do want to show how much I really wanted to be there in person. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Good luck to everyone!

 

[mishpug]

Can you schedule an in-person interview on another day with your top choice program? I think it is fine to be candid with them that you have already committed to another interview and you want to honor that commitment, but they are a top choice for you and you are willing to make whatever alternate arrangements work for them.

 

[krnlady]

Hm, shoot, I didn't even think to do that because the email stated to either respond with attending in person or phone interview. The phone interview is tomorrow. Too late...? I would definitely be willing to fly there though.

 

[mishpug]

Well, I certainly think that you could offer to come in person for a visit over the course of the phone interview. Did they already have their in-person interviews?
I ask that because if they have already had the in-person interviews, they may have a shorter timeframe for making decisions.

Either way, they offered the phone interview which means that they understand that sometimes applicants cannot attend the interview day and hopefully they will fully consider you. Good luck, this is such a stressful process.

 

[krnlady]

Nope, they have not. It is later this week. I will definitely say that over the phone, hopefully it shows my level of interest. Thanks for the helpful advice!