topic Re: Telephone Interviews? in Community Chat

Telephone Interviews?

granddi — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 20:40:09 GMT

Could someone familiar with the process of telephone interviews enlighten me as to the process.

From the company point of view, what are they expecting? Are they looking for the right answers to questions? Are they trying to gauge the applicants attitude or temperment?

Should the applicant ask lots of questions or do you wait to see if you get a face to face.

Just hoping to get past the phone to the next level.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

missy1 — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 20:49:12 GMT

Good luck with this. I don't care for phone interviews at all.

One can give "wrong" answers on their hypothetical scenarios, but be a great worker. I prefer to meet with them. They are trying to weed out the applicants with this method. It saves them time and money. They tend to ask you the questions, not you.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

I am still oxox — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 20:47:33 GMT

You have to get a sense of who is interviewing you. Since it is a phone interview you can be comfortable but not so much so that you forget it is an interview. Answer the questions asked.

I personally would not ask too many questions until a face to face interview.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

Diva on The Q — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 20:53:32 GMT

@granddi wrote:
Could someone familiar with the process of telephone interviews enlighten me as to the process.

From the company point of view, what are they expecting? Are they looking for the right answers to questions? Are they trying to gauge the applicants attitude or temperment?

Should the applicant ask lots of questions or do you wait to see if you get a face to face.

Just hoping to get past the phone to the next level.

Granddi: It's been my experience that the interviewer is not necessarily looking for right or wrong answers. I think the main purpose for a telephone interview is to get a general idea of your mindset (i.e. temperment, life philosophy, attitude). A bit of advice, if I may? Be sure to answer the phone with a smile and keep that smile throughout the interview. Believe it or not, it can make a difference in your favor. Good luck!

Re: Telephone Interviews?

patbz — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 21:08:26 GMT

@granddi: I worked in recruiting for years and in a phone interview, if you are asked a question about a hypothetical ( "name an instance where you did something successfully..." ) remember the STAR approach ( in your answer set up the Situation, tell what your Task was, what Action did you take and finally what was the Result).

Re: Telephone Interviews?

sfnative — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 21:09:24 GMT

@granddi

Please know I understand your concern from personal experience.

We had moved out of state and were slated to return. However, my particular profession is what we would call a "niche" profession, so positions are far and few between. I was on a related forum one day answering an elementary question someone had asked based on federal regulations, when I decided to asked asking the question if she would let me know of any job openings in her area, as I was moving there in 2 months time. She got right back to me, indicating they had been looking for someone for over 2 years, finding no one qualified.

Bottom line: within days, I was set up with a telephone interview with the department head, as they were not budgeted to fly me out to the west coast.

What turned out to be a wise decision in the end, I decided to keep my mouth shut unless asked to answer questions. And, some of the questions were "loaded," from a regulatory standpoint. I was also ask for my personal, not professional, viewpoint on several "hot" issues, which I found interesting, so had to do some quick thinking: wanted to give them an answer that counted for something intelligent and decent.

I was fortunate. They needed me badly, so I was hired and was also in a position to negitate my salary to a higher level. Though the ladies with whom I had to work came with a lot of simply horrible baggage, 1.5 years later I was promoted into what turned out to be my dream job.

So, in the end, things happed for a reason and I felt blessed.

All the best to you! Be calm, be yourself, be professional, be positive.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

Mustang Shar — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 21:14:15 GMT

In addition to keeping a smile on your face, please dress as if you are going to a face to face interview. It gives you confidence even though you aren't being seen unless of course a video interview. Some good advice here and good luck, it sure is different to get your foot in the door.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

GCR18 — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 21:16:46 GMT

It sounds like they are narrowing down the applicants. Talk into your voice mail and play it back. You want to be upbeat, talk in complete sentences, don't use slang or words like ya. I would ask a question or two or you may come off as not being interested. Ask something job related, like could you tell me a little more about xyz software. Close out the call with a positive statement. Thank you for for your time. I think I am a good fit for xyz and look forward to hearing back from you.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

GCR18 — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 21:27:47 GMT

@patbz wrote:
@granddi: I worked in recruiting for years and in a phone interview, if you are asked a question about a hypothetical ( "name an instance where you did something successfully..." ) remember the STAR approach ( in your answer set up the Situation, tell what your Task was, what Action did you take and finally what was the Result).

Yes, STAR method is good. You talk about the situation, but bring it home by saying what you contributed. For example, tell me about the last time you worked with a group on a project that was successful. The team created a data base and we won an award. You didn't say what you specifically did that led to the success. The question is looking can you work in a group and get along with others.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

Snowpuppy — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 21:42:11 GMT

My current employer is phone interviews only. Large employer, they simply don't have the time to do face to face. Sometimes the team members interviewing are on conference calls from other offices.

My interview was 20 minutes, mostly clarifying my experience and asking if contact info for personal/professional references was up to date. Got an offer within 72 hours and negotiated a start date.

I did ask several questions and was answered promptly. No games or guessing.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

granddi — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 00:09:51 GMT

@patbz wrote:
@granddi: I worked in recruiting for years and in a phone interview, if you are asked a question about a hypothetical ( "name an instance where you did something successfully..." ) remember the STAR approach ( in your answer set up the Situation, tell what your Task was, what Action did you take and finally what was the Result).

STAR!! you are

Re: Telephone Interviews?

software — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 00:38:12 GMT

It can be intimidating but it's a great timesaver for both.

In addition to the other suggestions, try to put yourself in a quiet place, no background noises, no interruptions.

During the entire call, pretend you are looking at your future boss, and they are looking at you. Even on the phone, posture is important, be comfortable but not slumped. The interviewers can pick up on other things besides your direct answers.

If you would fidget or fiddle during a face-to face interview, don't do it on the phone.

I've done a couple of these, I like to believe I'm on a short list if they take the time to call.

No company here relies on phone-only.

@granddi wrote:
Could someone familiar with the process of telephone interviews enlighten me as to the process.

From the company point of view, what are they expecting? Are they looking for the right answers to questions? Are they trying to gauge the applicants attitude or temperment?

Should the applicant ask lots of questions or do you wait to see if you get a face to face.

Just hoping to get past the phone to the next level.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

catchersmom — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 10:43:48 GMT

@granddi Good morning!

I have used phone interviews in the past if we have a tremendous amount of applicants with potential, but they are always followed up by a face to face meeting (second round) if the applicant seems like a good fit.

Qualities I look for: articulate, able to easily converse in a professional manner, clear speaking voice, appropriate social reactions. During phone interviews I tend to ask more general questions "What interests you about working for our organization?" and save the more skill specific questions for face to face.

I try to start the interview process from the very first interaction. During extremely busy times with heavy volume of applicants I will often have our receptionist call the applicant to confirm we have received their application and ask if they are still interested in the position---we've weeded out quite a few that way! Her calls are recorded and when I play back the interaction she's been treated rudely, had profanity used, etc. It never ceases to amaze me because she always starts the call identifying herself and stating that our calls are recorded. If the applicant will treat the receptionist that shabbily then they are definitely not someone we are interested in.

Good luck to you! Please try not to be too nervous and know that you have much to offer. Keeping my fingers crossed

Re: Telephone Interviews?

gardenman — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 12:12:55 GMT

I had a fully automated phone interview about a year ago. A pre-recorded voice asked you questions and you responded then pressed the pound key when you were done with your response at which point the next question would be asked. At the end you were allocated time to make a statement about why you'd be a good fit for the company. That was weird. I've also been asked to do webcam interviews.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

catchersmom — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 12:55:03 GMT

@gardenman wrote:
I had a fully automated phone interview about a year ago. A pre-recorded voice asked you questions and you responded then pressed the pound key when you were done with your response at which point the next question would be asked. At the end you were allocated time to make a statement about why you'd be a good fit for the company. That was weird. I've also been asked to do webcam interviews.

@gardenman That's really interesting (pre-recorded questions) and something I have never heard of. I do find it a bit odd as well.

The webcam interviews is something I have been dodging lately lol. I'm the one that doesn't want to do them; we've had several applicants that have offered---they usually live out of state and are moving to our area and my employer doesn't pay for travel to interviews.

If you don't mind me asking--what is your opinion on the webcam interviews?

Re: Telephone Interviews?

gardenman — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 13:28:35 GMT

@catchersmom wrote:
@gardenman wrote:
I had a fully automated phone interview about a year ago. A pre-recorded voice asked you questions and you responded then pressed the pound key when you were done with your response at which point the next question would be asked. At the end you were allocated time to make a statement about why you'd be a good fit for the company. That was weird. I've also been asked to do webcam interviews.
@gardenman That's really interesting (pre-recorded questions) and something I have never heard of. I do find it a bit odd as well.

The webcam interviews is something I have been dodging lately lol. I'm the one that doesn't want to do them; we've had several applicants that have offered---they usually live out of state and are moving to our area and my employer doesn't pay for travel to interviews.

If you don't mind me asking--what is your opinion on the webcam interviews?

I'm not a big fan of them. It's one more thing between you and the interviewer. I think the more one-on-one things are the better it is for everyone.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

chrystaltree — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 14:09:04 GMT

I managed a department of 40 plus for 10 years before I stepped into an analyst role. I conducted many telephone interviews, they are actually screening interviews. We look at the resumes and end up with a group of "possibles" and we do the telephone interviews. There's no way to prepare for such an interview. If you truly have the education, skill set, experience that you put on your resume; you have nothing to worry about. You need to be relaxed, focused, no interuptions in the house (no barking dogs, no people talking in the background) and answer the questions. Telephone interviews are not long. I wanted get a "feel" for that person and whether that person would fit into the department. Yes, to get a feel for that person's temperment. Don't ask lots of questions but you should have 3 questions prepared in advance. If you pass that telephone interview, you will get a face-to face interview. Good luck!!!!

Re: Telephone Interviews?

granddi — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 15:49:16 GMT

Thanks to all for taking the time to share your experiences.

Re: Telephone Interviews?

VaBelle35 — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 21:45:40 GMT

Is it an interview or just a phone screen?

Most companies use phone screens to screen out people who aren't qualified or are asking too much money than the job pays.

We use phone screens to save everyone time and weed the field of 30 or so good resumes down to 5 or so serious candidates.

We use a phone interview to narrow down the field to the top 2 or 3 and then we bring in the 2-3 to meet in person (or they will have a video interview in our office where the recruiter sits with the candidate and the managers are on screen.