Comments | applyingtograd: Phone interviews

fuzzylogician in applyingtograd

Phone interviews

Jan 15, 2009 00:37

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 ( Read more... )

phone interview

Comments 7

bob January 15 2009, 00:04:41 UTC

you're writing is very native english =]

be sure to ask them questions!

it's good that they asked you for an interview

bob January 15 2009, 00:05:07 UTC

"your" haha oops

greekdaph January 15 2009, 02:29:40 UTC

My advice is to think of questions you can ask them about the program, the fit, etc. Remember that this is a mutual process--you have to like them as well as them liking you. Asking thoughtful questions is another good way to show your seriousness as an applicant.

And I echo the other commenters in saying that given the strength of your written English, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about in regards to your spoken English.

Good luck! This is exciting!

anonymous January 15 2009, 03:47:28 UTC

I bet you'll do great. Your English looks perfect online, so I don't think you'll have a problem. One thing I would do is familiarize myself with the dept. and school as much as possible. From the way you worded it, it sounds like they want to maybe see you demonstrate knowledgeable, specific interest in their program. Admissions committees can be self-centered and want to hear that students are really familiar with their program. This comes from the experience of working for an admissions office and also conducting job interviews, not from doing phone interviews myself - but I hope I can help!

ladylucretia January 15 2009, 14:51:07 UTC

My advice:

-have a list of questions in front of you
-also have notes on the program to refer to
-make sure to breathe! take your time speaking to avoid accidentally interrupting them
-if you really get tongue tied, you can claim the phone reception is poor and that you need to move to another area, that will buy you some time
-you can also ask them to repeat questions if you need to

Good luck!

rusleeping January 15 2009, 16:17:35 UTC

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 ( ... )