Phone interviews

[fuzzylogician]

I have a phone interview tomorrow, and am worrying myself sick trying to figure out what to expect. My field (linguistics) doesn't usually use interviews in the application process, so I'm caught a little off guard. I received this email two days ago:  "I am writing from School to let you know that the admissions committee had met and made some

Comments

[rusleeping]

I agree that it's a bit mutual, but be clear--they are interviewing you. They could just have easily have written: "Congratulations. You have been accepted into the program."

I've had a couple of academic phone interviews and the things I did to prepare:

1) Spend time looking through the website
I have even printed off the photos of people I was talking to. Sometimes you won't know, but I felt more comfortable knowing something about the people one the line.

2) I agree with the advice of preparing some questions ahead of time, but also don't be robotic. If you think of a question in the conversation, just ask it.

3) Even though this stuff was in your application, be prepared to talk about your research interests, why you are interested in that school, and why you think you are a good fit for the program.

Again, here I've even made very short notes on a card (e.g., primary interest: underwater basketweaving; secondary interests: salt water, etc.)

This can help you organize your answers but also can jumpstart your answer if your mind goes blank.

4) Don't be afraid to ask someone to repeat the question.
I don't think you need to claim there's a problem with the phone reception. I'm a native English speaker, and I've had to ask someone to repeat a question. Sometimes you don't hear the question; sometimes you don't know what they are asking.

Also, I kept a blank pad of paper, so that I could make notes as the question was being asked. Again, just a word or two that I want to stress in my answer.

I'm sure you'll do fine. Remember, they wouldn't call you if they weren't interested.

Good luck.