Tomorrow I have a phone interview for my dream job

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ThLunarian

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Update: I just had the phone interview! See Post 55 for details!


I applied for an Assistant National Bank Examiner position at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. I passed their General Knowledge test and their writing skills test, and I just received the phone call to schedule my interview for tomorrow.

I have never wanted anything more in my life (that I actually had a chance to get). This job is better than any job that anyone in my entire family has ever even applied for.

I need to nail this interview. Now I'm actually very good at in person interviews, I think. It comes naturally to me.

The problem is that I'm awful at talking on the phone. I'm just not comfortable at it, I tend to trip over my words, and there are often awkward silences. I frequently forget to say important things.

I plan to spend tonight researching the position and the interviewer as much as possible, but if anyone has some tips on how to put my best foot forward then that would be great.

Also, do you think I should mention how much the idea of this job excites me? I'm kind of torn on that.

Thanks guys.
 
I find the idea that dressing up the part, even if it's for a phone interview, is something of a psychological motivator and helps me to "feel" like its a face to face interview.

The good thing about a phone interview is that you can have your notes to the side of you if you ever need to refer to it, including potential questions to ask at the end of the interview.
 
Tell them in the interview, in a friendly way, that "and I apologize in advance if I stumble on the phone, interviews make me nervous."


If the JOB involves phone calls, and most do, you don't want them thinking you ALWAYS suck at it.
 
Have a friend call you and grill you. Do a full mock-interview; stop and repeat parts of the interview you think might cause you to stumble.

Also, dressing the part is a good idea as it will put you in the interview state of mind.

Anyway, relax and good luck.

Oh, and if you're on a cell phone, either charge it or make sure it's plugged in for the duration of the interview.
 
freshair said:
I find the idea that dressing up the part, even if it's for a phone interview, is something of a psychological motivator and helps me to "feel" like its a face to face interview.

The good thing about a phone interview is that you can have your notes to the side of you if you ever need to refer to it, including potential questions to ask at the end of the interview.
Click to expand...

This. Dress up. Put yourself in the mind set. Get your portfolio out and prepare everything that is running through you head concisely in note form.
 
Stinkles said:
Tell them in the interview, in a friendly way, that "and I apologize in advance if I stumble on the phone, interviews make me nervous."


If the JOB involves phone calls, and most do, you don't want them thinking you ALWAYS suck at it.
Click to expand...

Im sorry, but whatever you do, don't do the above. That's pretty much asking to be dinged.

Wear a suit, use a landline as advised above, and relax. Phone interviews are much less stressful than in person. Good luck, you'll be fine.
 
I also find using a headset helps a ton. Dress up, go to your office/private room/someplace you feel business-y, put on your headset (even just the apple earbuds for the iphone work)

Act like you are talking to someone in the room, pretend they are there and remember to look at their eyes (weird yes, but it helps me concentrate and stay in the conversation without feeling lost).

Stinkles said:
Tell them in the interview, in a friendly way, that "and I apologize in advance if I stumble on the phone, interviews make me nervous."


If the JOB involves phone calls, and most do, you don't want them thinking you ALWAYS suck at it.
Click to expand...


Jesus christ no. DO NOT DO THIS.
 
Whenever I have a serious phone conversation I plug in my iPhone's earbuds. This way I hear the person in both ears for maximum concentration and it frees up my hands for taking notes, quick Google searches or whatever.

Phone conversations are more difficult than real-life interviews because it is impossible to read the other person's state of mind. In the end it just comes down to acting normal. Be yourself and don't be ashamed if you're a bit nervous, a job interview is serious stuff and being a bit nervious is good for your focus. Just try and relax. Read up on the company and the person you're going to talk to, be sure you understand the job description. Prepare a couple of questions so the interview isn't a one-way street.


Godspeed, good sir. And let us know how it went.
 
Phone interviews are easy.

You can type out a bunch of questions and answers on your computer and recite your responses. Without, you know, making it seem as if you're reciting your answers.

I find it extremely helpful to have a few anecdotes typed out -- brief stories that illustrate your strengths and highlight your experiences. It's easy to start rambling when you tell a story, and having it typed out will help you stay focused and to the point.

Oh, and keep a copy of your resume in front of you, too.
 
freshair said:
I find the idea that dressing up the part, even if it's for a phone interview, is something of a psychological motivator and helps me to "feel" like its a face to face interview.

The good thing about a phone interview is that you can have your notes to the side of you if you ever need to refer to it, including potential questions to ask at the end of the interview.
Click to expand...

SJRB said:
Whenever I have a serious phone conversation I plug in my iPhone's earbuds. This way I hear the person in both ears for maximum concentration and it frees up my hands for taking notes, quick Google searches or whatever.

Phone conversations are more difficult than real-life interviews because it is impossible to read the other person's state of mind. In the end it just comes down to acting normal. Be yourself and don't be ashamed if you're a bit nervous, a job interview is serious stuff and being a bit nervious is good for your focus. Just try and relax. Read up on the company and the person you're going to talk to, be sure you understand the job description. Prepare a couple of questions so the interview isn't a one-way street.


Godspeed, good sir. And let us know how it went.
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MC Safety said:
Phone interviews are easy.

You can type out a bunch of questions and answers on your computer and recite your responses. Without, you know, making it seem as if you're reciting your answers.

I find it extremely helpful to have a few anecdotes typed out -- brief stories that illustrate your strengths and highlight your experiences. It's easy to start rambling when you tell a story, and having it typed out will help you stay focused and to the point.

Oh, and keep a copy of your resume in front of you, too.
Click to expand...

Yes Yes Yes. I'd also light a candle. Sooth your troubled soul.
 
MC Safety said:
Phone interviews are easy.

You can type out a bunch of questions and answers on your computer and recite your responses. Without, you know, making it seem as if you're reciting your answers.

I find it extremely helpful to have a few anecdotes typed out -- brief stories that illustrate your strengths and highlight your experiences. It's easy to start rambling when you tell a story, and having it typed out will help you stay focused and to the point.

Oh, and keep a copy of your resume in front of you, too.
Click to expand...

this is really helpful. this is exactly what i did for my phone interview at my current job.
 
MC Safety said:
Phone interviews are easy.

You can type out a bunch of questions and answers on your computer and recite your responses. Without, you know, making it seem as if you're reciting your answers.

I find it extremely helpful to have a few anecdotes typed out -- brief stories that illustrate your strengths and highlight your experiences. It's easy to start rambling when you tell a story, and having it typed out will help you stay focused and to the point.

Oh, and keep a copy of your resume in front of you, too.
Click to expand...

This is excellent advice. Pre-writing some typical questions and answers works two fold; it helps you figure out what to say and what sounds good/bad, and it also helps you out if you blank because the answer is right there. I have had a few phone interviews in the past few months and these things have helped.

Doing your due diligence and research on the company and position will help as well, as it will help you cater your answers to the specific skills required.

Also, it is a GOOD thing to express your excitement for the job. Good luck.
 
There really isn't a science for job interviews beyond being able to cogently and succinctly articulate (a) why you want the job and (b) why they should want you in the job. Past that, it's just a matter of staying engaged with the person or people you're speaking with.

Since you say you tend to do well with in-person contacts, I'd echo all the advice others have offered about setting it up to be as much like an in-person interview as possible. Should do a lot to make you feel comfortable.
 
I feel for you OP, I just had a phone interview yesterday for an internship I really want and it went really well I think I may have gotten the job, but I hate phone interviews. It is awkward being on the phone especially if you can't hear the people on the other end as well. Just try and relax and take advantage of the fact that they can't see you so you can research things as you are talking to them and if you need to you can get up and walk around to calm yourself. I did a lot of walking around yesterday, I really don't know what it is about talking on phones that forces me to walk around my apartment like an idiot.

And having a landline backup or something is also advisable. I had a phone interview a couple months back where my phone dropped the call and could not call back for several minutes, they never called me back though it was okay because I didnt really want the position anyway,

Oh and OP, a good question to always ask an interviewer is "what they have been most proud of accomplishing at their job?" Every-time I ask that question the interviewer's love it and respond that not many people ask that, dunno why though seems like a standard question.
 
Just keep GAF open and run each question by us before answering. You'll be good.

Serious advice: Yeah, get a headset to keep your hands free.
 
I am really glad I made this thread because you guys have given tons of good suggestions that I would never have thought of myself.

A landline is impossible and I have never used a headset for a phone call so this is a bad time to start, but everything else I am definitely going to do. Thank you.
 
ThLunarian said:
I am really glad I made this thread because you guys have given tons of good suggestions that I would never have thought of myself.

A landline is impossible and I have never used a headset for a phone call so this is a bad time to start, but everything else I am definitely going to do. Thank you.
Click to expand...

good luck!
 
Stinkles said:
Tell them in the interview, in a friendly way, that "and I apologize in advance if I stumble on the phone, interviews make me nervous."


If the JOB involves phone calls, and most do, you don't want them thinking you ALWAYS suck at it.
Click to expand...

I would never say this, even it was true....
 
ThLunarian said:
I applied for an Assistant National Bank Examiner position at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. I passed their General Knowledge test and their writing skills test, and I just received the phone call to schedule my interview for tomorrow.

I have never wanted anything more in my life (that I actually had a chance to get). This job is better than any job that anyone in my entire family has ever even applied for.

I need to nail this interview. Now I'm actually very good at in person interviews, I think. It comes naturally to me.

The problem is that I'm awful at talking on the phone. I'm just not comfortable at it, I tend to trip over my words, and there are often awkward silences. I frequently forget to say important things.

I plan to spend tonight researching the position and the interviewer as much as possible, but if anyone has some tips on how to put my best foot forward then that would be great.

Also, do you think I should mention how much the idea of this job excites me? I'm kind of torn on that.

Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

I'm really happy for you, yet envious at the same time. As much as I love the world of finance, I haven't made better steps to progress further besides a HS accounting class and working at a credit union and a retail financial service store. Between my brother-in-law, who's a senior analyst and this good news for you, I really need to sit down and assess my life.

So in a way, thank you and good luck, I really mean it. I know you'll do good.

Grab a friend or family member and have them conduct a mock interview with you over the phone, to help prepare you mentally. The awkward silence comes from not having a physical person to pick up on body language as an extra communication tool. Remember, they may be just writing down notes or just giving you time to speak in case you want to add something to what you just said.
 
Did my phone interview in boxers and nothing else. Felt so cozy man, got dat job. I also had tons of notes and prepared for a week, so do that too.

Don't be afraid to write down the question, have a headset if possible. Don't be afraid of phone silence, it's okay.
 
CNCOMICS said:
I'm really happy for you, yet envious at the same time. As much as I love the world of finance, I haven't made better steps to progress further besides a HS accounting class and working at a credit union and a retail financial service store. Between my brother-in-law, who's a senior analyst and this good news for you, I really need to sit down and assess my life.

So in a way, thank you and good luck, I really mean it. I know you'll do good.

Grab a friend or family member and have them conduct a mock interview with you over the phone, to help prepare you mentally. The awkward silence comes from not having a physical person to pick up on body language as an extra communication tool. Remember, they may be just writing down notes or just giving you time to speak in case you want to add something to what you just said.
Click to expand...

Thanks man. And don't get discouraged. I'm 31 and I just graduated college in December. I spent 9 years away from school, and during most of that I didn't think I would ever go back. If you put your mind to it, you can get there.
 
ThLunarian said:
Thanks man. And don't get discouraged. I'm 31 and I just graduated college in December. I spent 9 years away from school, and during most of that I didn't think I would ever go back. If you put your mind to it, you can get there.
Click to expand...

Oh my god, that's almost my scenario. I just turned 30 in January. I'm so glad I stopped by Off-Topic GAF today. Thanks again!
 
Uncle00Jesse said:
Im sorry, but whatever you do, don't do the above. That's pretty much asking to be dinged.

Wear a suit, use a landline as advised above, and relax. Phone interviews are much less stressful than in person. Good luck, you'll be fine.
Click to expand...

Yeah, don't take my advice. Take this guy's advice. I only interview dozens of applicants a year by phone.

And definitely wear a suit. To a phone interview. For sure.

And when, as your OP infers, you stumble and panic during the phone call, they will think that is how you always behave on the phone, and that it isn't simply nerves on an interview call.

And make sure you wear French cuffs.
 
I had a very similar thing two days ago. Video chat interview for a huge opportunity. Today I heard that I got it, one of the best days of my life. Here are things that I think you should do:

- Dress up to be in the right mood
- Think ahead of questions you might be asked, especially standard ones (strengths/weaknesses etc)
- Think of a couple of things about yourself you want to say and think of ways to cram them in
- If possible, link everything you say about yourself to past performance. Don't just claim things without providing any proof.
- Smile, even if they don't see you.

Good luck OP! I'm sure you'll be fine.
 
Stinkles said:
Tell them in the interview, in a friendly way, that "and I apologize in advance if I stumble on the phone, interviews make me nervous."


If the JOB involves phone calls, and most do, you don't want them thinking you ALWAYS suck at it.
Click to expand...

Who gave you such terrible advice?
 
crimzonflame said:
Who gave you such terrible advice?
Click to expand...

The OP has stated that he is really notably bad at this. If you think he's going to solve a massive psychological block with pat Dr. Phil advice, I hope you're right. If he isn't, then he should get out in front of it.

AND WEAR A SUIT


And feed it pizza.

Again - I have hired dozens of people and interviewed many more than that. Over 20 years. But sure, I have no idea what I am doing.
 
It is common to be nervous on interviews and the interviewee should know that already. There is no need to explain more. That being said, I don't think it is a problem to state it or keep it to yourself. Whatever you feel more comfortable with. As the interview goes on, you should become more relaxed and things will go more smooth from there.
 
Stinkles said:
The OP has stated that he is really notably bad at this. If you think he's going to solve a massive psychological block with pat Dr. Phil advice, I hope you're right. If he isn't, then he should get out in front of it.

AND WEAR A SUIT

And feed it pizza.

Again - I have hired dozens of people and interviewed many more than that. Over 20 years. But sure, I have no idea what I am doing.
Click to expand...

I have to agree. If OP gets nervous doing interviews over the phone he should just say it. "I've not done too many phone interviews, so please forgive me if I seem a little nervous." If you're gonna be nervous anyway, just a heads up helps. So if OP stammers once or twice they'll chalk it up to nervousness, as opposed to not knowing the material.
 
  • Use a landline if possible, a friend of mine dropped his interview call and it definitely doesn't help
  • Talk to a friend over the phone before the interview, it will help you relax and speak more naturally.
  • Have a copy of all of the information that you have sent them in front of you for reference.
  • Try to be in a quiet area, if you live with others inform them of your call and the importance and get them to be as quiet as possible.
  • Be confident, the fact that you are being considered for this position speaks for your abilities.
  • Treat it as a standard interview, prepare for it. Look at the organization, familiarize yourself with the role, etc,
 
Stinkles said:
The OP has stated that he is really notably bad at this. If you think he's going to solve a massive psychological block with pat Dr. Phil advice, I hope you're right. If he isn't, then he should get out in front of it.

AND WEAR A SUIT

Again - I have hired dozens of people and interviewed many more than that. Over 20 years. But sure, I have no idea what I am doing.
Click to expand...

You know I know that you know.

But I wouldn't be overly dismissive of wearing a suit during a phone interview, as I imagine it might help set the mood and tone for a professional conversation.
 
MC Safety said:
You know I know that you know.

But I wouldn't be overly dismissive of wearing a suit during a phone interview, as I imagine it might help set the mood and tone for a professional conversation.
Click to expand...

It goes without saying that the OP should do whatever makes him feel MORE comfortable on the phone. But that could just as readily be sitting in a bath.

As a piece of standalone advice, it's hilarious. As a piece of advice for someone who gets nervous about being on the phone already, it sounds (to me) like telling him to also stand on one foot.
 
Stinkles said:
It goes without saying that the OP should do whatever makes him feel MORE comfortable on the phone. But that could just as readily be sitting in a bath.

As a piece of standalone advice, it's hilarious. As a piece of advice for someone who gets nervous about being on the phone already, it sounds (to me) like telling him to also stand on one foot.
Click to expand...

I'm not talking about comfortable, but rather professional. There's a big difference.
 
If you use a headset for gods sake test it beforehand by ringing a friend, and make sure you can hear your own voice properly. I made the stupid mistake of using my in ear headphones with a built in mike once, it's fine for short conversations but any longer and you start to sound like your deaf.

The dressing up for it thing... No. Wear what you feel comfortable in. If you think you'll be more relaxed in a suit go for it. If you'd be more comfortable in your jim jams, wear them. I'd go with the jim jams.

Most important thing for the actual interview part of the interview is to look up/ask/find out what sort of questions you're going to be asked. Is it going to be 'tell me a time you overcame conflict in the workplace' and all that S.T.A.R. bullshit or technical questions about the actual job?

Write down 3 questions to ask. Write them down on paper don't just think of them because if you're like me the second they ask if you have any questions they all magically disappear.

If you're nervous have it set up so after the interview you have something enjoyable and relaxing to do. Like, some chocolate to eat, vidya to play, go make a cup of coffee. That way even if it goes shit you have something to look forward to and you aren't just sat there alone in your expensive suit crying.
 
Apart from just writing up model answers to questions that you're anticipating, make sure that they sound natural, and most importantly, you can recite the key points from memory.

If you're reading word for word from your PC or a sheet of A4, the interviewer will be able to tell.
 
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