Questions related to phone interview

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bluebluesky

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Eventually I received a phone interview invite (although it's called chatting by the professor) from one of my top choices! I am very happy and nervous about this. I know that there may be some interview questions in other threats but I would like to ask some more specific questions related to phone interview.

1. Is this a prerequisite for on-site interview? (if on-site interview is usually required and some other student have actually received on-site interview for this program but maybe different POI?)

2. What questions are usually discussed on phone interview? What are the usual criteria for assessing someone? Am I selected for phone call before direct on-site invite because there are something that the POI wants to clarify before they make the decision of on-site or not?

3. Does it matter at all if you let the POI chooses the phone time or you choose it?

I would appreciate any feedback/suggestions about what I need to watch out for this phone call. Thanks. :scared:
 
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Eventually I received a phone interview invite (although it's called chatting by the professor) from one of my top choices! I am very happy and nervous about this. I know that there may be some interview questions in other threats but I would like to ask some more specific questions related to phone interview.

1. Is this a prerequisite for on-site interview? (if on-site interview is usually required and some other student have actually received on-site interview for this program but maybe different POI?)

2. What questions are usually discussed on phone interview? What are the usual criteria for assessing someone? Am I selected for phone call before direct on-site invite because there are something that the POI wants to clarify before they make the decision of on-site or not?

3. Does it matter at all if you let the POI chooses the phone time or you choose it?

I would appreciate any feedback/suggestions about what I need to watch out for this phone call. Thanks. :scared:


Relax and breathe blue... lol

1. Not exactly. The professor may just want to speak with you to get a feel of whether or not they think you should come for an on-site interview. Or they may want to speak with you on the phone because on their interview day you may not get much 1 on 1 face time... it all depends on the person and program.

2. I had quite a few phone interviews and I asked them the questions I felt were important for me. Such as is grant writing included in the program? How is multiculturalism weaved into the program? Things like that are what I asked... it just all depends on what you are interested in.

BUT... this all depends on the POI you are speaking with. They'll set the tone... so if they are really focused on them talking and asking the questions go with that... but generally it seems as if my POIs have been very receptive to a more conversational thing.

3. I dont think so... don't like skip an exam for a phone interview, but be pretty open and flexible with the times you can meet.

Good Luck.
 
I would second everything Wapote84 said. It is so hard to try and predict the logic from the other side and it is not a good use of your energy. Relax and follow the lead of the POI and have fun with it. Congrats on landing an interview with a top choice!!! 👍
 
The reason you likely weren't getting replies is there is absolutely no way we can know the answer to 1 & 2. This is school/POI dependent. Maybe that is how that particularly POI does things. Maybe they are trying to make decision about whether or not to invite you. Maybe that POI is going to be at a conference during interview week and is speaking to all applicants via phone. We have no way of knowing.

I cannot imagine #3 being important, as long as you are polite throughout the process.
 
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