phone interview baruch students

By: Robert Smith

Peer for Career, Majoring in Marketing and Advertising

And it was over in the blink of an eye. I just completed my first phone interview in basketball shorts with my laptop open while Facebook was glaring in my eyes. I was left wondering, “Did I answer that question right?

This question holds great weight, especially when you have no real way to judge how well you’ve done. With no real indication of how I did, I was left in limbo until I got a rejection letter a couple of weeks later.

After this phone interview, I have participated in a few other phone interviews with a fair amount of success. Based on my experiences and some of my friends, here are some tips that I believe can help you successfully complete many phone interviews that lie ahead.

Dress for success: I’ve been told to dress up as if you’re sitting in front of the person. You are more likely to act the part. Go all out and dress for the job you want.
Ask for clarification: If you didn’t hear or understand something, respectfully asks the interviewer to repeat the question. Use the handset if possible to have your hands free.
Find a quiet area: Interview in a place where there is no background noise. Also, find an area where there are no cell phone service problems. It can be really frustrating to have 2 dropped calls in less than 5 minutes.
Be resourceful: Have your resume and company information in front of you. Glance at it every now and then to ensure that you are answering the questions in the most accurate way possible. Also, it paves the way to ask really good questions.
Have a written list of questions: You can refer to these during the interview and make notes on the employer’s responses.
Take notes as you go: This will help you remember what was said and it can be information helpful for the thank you note or upcoming in-person interviews.
It’s just an interview: Don’t make it bigger than what it’s supposed to be. Don’t over analyze the interviewer’s long pauses. This pause is normal since the employer is without any visual cues and he or she may need a moment to take notes.

Tag: phone interview baruch students

Making the Most of a Phone Interview.