But I don't wanna interview on the phone!

May 17, 2007 11:49 AM

How do I turn the prospect of a phone interview into the prospect of an in person interview?

Forgive me for the naivete - I'm young and ill versed in the job hunting world!

People from a job I really really want just got back to me asking for a phone interview. Yay!

While I know its just an informative interview and whatnot, I reeeeallly hate speaking to people over the phone. What little charm I have does not come across over the phone (I think) - I already sound like a little girl and when I get nervous I tend to stutter/not find my words. I guess the Pros of a phone interview include the fact that I can write things out and look at them as I'm talking? Maybe? But like I said, who cares about the substance of the words if I sound like a nervous midget?

The times they offered aren't convenient anyways (I'll be traveling and going to class), so I'd like to just ask whether I can come in. What's the best way to do that without coming off oddly?

If there is no way to conveniently finagle my way into an in person interview, do y'all have any tips for me so that I don't sound like a 12 year old tween?

posted by Eudaimonia to work & money (17 comments total)

It seems like you could just ask, if they're convenient to you geographically anyway. I can't imagine it would do any harm. However, it is probably a decent bit more work for them to bring you in than to have someone call you.

I feel your pain, I loathe phone interviews. I have a lot of trouble understanding people on the phone (I apparently lipread a lot), which is obviously a huge problem in an interview, especially in a field where people are often not native speakers of English and are self-conscious about their understandability (I tend to blame my phone in lieu of being inadvertently insulting).

In terms of making yourself seem employable on the phone, spend the whole thing standing up straight, walking around, and smiling like a fool. And don't write things out; the interviewer will almost certainly be able to tell you're reading. If there's something you're sure you'll be asked and you have trouble remembering it, it's okay to make some notes, but resist the temptation to write out full sentences.
posted by crinklebat at 12:05 PM on May 17, 2007

I don't think asking to come in is a good idea. If they have asked you for a phone interview, that is what they would like to do. Face-to-face interviews take considerably more effort to set up. If the times they have offered don't work for you, you can say so and offer some other hours, but you have to be reasonable. You can't expect an interviewer to work entirely around your schedule, especially considering he probably has other people to interview, not to mention his normal job.

And to be honest, in almost every office job I can think of, being able to speak to someone over the phone is a necessary skill. What would you say if your employer asks why you don't want to do a phone interview? That you're deathly afraid of the phone? Then how will you speak to your customers, or your colleagues who telecommute? Or you can tell a lie - but what if you get caught?

if you are a student, though, one option you could try is to say that you don't have an office and thus it's difficult to find a good place to carry on a phone interview - this is a perfectly valid issue. You could then offer to come in person - but you should also offer other alternatives, such as asking your school's career center to provide you with a space, or scheduling the interview in early morning before class when you're still at home. This gives your interviewer the choice, and it shows him that you are flexible and willing to compromise in order to get things done, another vital skill.

Your school's career center may be able to offer phone interview tips. Probaly the best thing to do is the same thign you would do to prepare for a public speaking gig - practice. Have a friend go through a mock phone interview with you so you know what you're going to say.
posted by PercussivePaul at 12:15 PM on May 17, 2007

You may not have time before this interview, but it's possible to change your voice and how you talk. Look into voice/speech lessons, or do some web searching for some tips.
posted by acridrabbit at 12:52 PM on May 17, 2007

Seconding that it might be a bad idea to try to get an in person interview instead. If they asked for a phone interview, that's what they want to do. If it's a job you "really really" want, doesn't it make sense to do whatever they would like?

I worked with a manager once who insisted on phone interviews, mainly because he wanted to be sure the person was basically intelligent and coherent before committing the resources to bring them in for a face-to-face. It's hard to get a sense of a person by reading their resume or email, and for all a manager knows, these could have been written by someone else. He didn't disqualify anyone for being nervous, or based on their tone of voice. He definitely disqualified those who didn't call, called late, or weren't available for a phone interview. Not saying he's typical by any means, just trying to give you an example.

I'm sure you don't come across half as bad as you think, but if you're really nervous about it, practice. Call everyone you know and talk to them about the interview. Get comfortable with any questions you think they'll ask, or any questions you think you'll have. Pay attention to your tone, ask for feedback from the other person, and try to relax and breathe. Crinklebat's suggestions are good ones, especially smiling; when you smile it carries through the phone.

Worst case, admit that you're a bit nervous because you want the job that badly?
Good luck!
posted by sarahmelah at 1:09 PM on May 17, 2007

Some places use the phone interview to see how well you make a point, or if you ramble on. Discipline is important in this type of interview. In addition, you need to concentrate on the question being asked.

I don't know what kind of job you are gonna be phoned for, so this is fairly general advice in addition to reading whatever you google:

Since you can't see them, they can't see you. This works in that you can use a notepad/computer/calculator to solve problems - if it is that kind of interview. Don't worry about your voice. It sounds different outside your head anyways, but if you are worried, then relax, smile (smiling modulates your voice - its true!), take a breath, and speak slowly - no slang unless it is industry specific and it is current. No coffee within an hour of the interview - its a drag to have a phone interview and have to use the washroom.

No matter what, use a notebook to write a question summary down. This will help you focus on the question, and will help in the discipline portion mentioned above. Lotsa people go tangential to the problem, so this notebook thing helps keep you on track.

Keep a copy of your resume, cover letter, and the advertisement (if available) in a folder beside you for reference.

Don't have any background distractions. No radio, windows closed, XBox off, no email notification if you are using your PC. Don't touch your PC unless you need to use it. Oh, and turn off your cell phone too.

Phone interviews suck, plain and simple. No one likes them. So, don't feel that you are unique or incapable in that respect. If anything, they really want to hire you and they are probably pleased that they can talk to you in person. The recruiter knows the limitations that the phone places onto the interview, and so this will be taken into account.

If you KNOW you blew it (no question, you BLEW THE INTERVIEW) then, and only then, ask for an interview in person at the end of the phone call.

You can ask the question like; "If you feel that there are some questions that you would like to discuss in greater detail, perhaps we could set a date for an in-person meeting".

ONLY if you KNOW you blew the interview and are trying to do damage control.

Good luck.
posted by fox_terrier_guy at 1:15 PM on May 17, 2007

Phone interviews are short and relatively easy for the interviewer, so if there are a lot of candidates you might be hurting your chances by making your interview a hassle for them.

You can succeed at a phone interview -- and turn something you're nervous about into something you can do with confidence for the rest of your professional life -- with a little preparation.

To prep for any interview, read up on typical questions. Some questions are weird, and can throw you if you're nervous. AskMefi's archives (try looking under "interview" tag) have lots.

Obvious ones:
1. Why do you think you'd be a good fit for this job? What can you do for us? (have a prepared short pitch for this)
2. Why do you want to work here? What about our company, and this job, is a good fit for you? (ditto)
3. What are your 5 and 10 year career goals?
4. What's your strength, what's your weakness?
5. What kind of salary do you expect? (yikes)
6. How did you handle a past work situation where you made a mistake?
7. What do you like in a work environment? (eg collaboration, independence...?)


Practice a bit speaking with your voice in a lower register. Not cartoon fake-male low, but just a bit lower. How you talk to someone in person when you need to sound maximally reasonable and convincing. Talk a bit slower than you think you should, and practice avoiding saying "like" and "you know". Saying "well" is ok. Don't giggle. Don't natter on; have a sense of when you've made your point and just stop there. Have a stable of professional-sounding phrases like "I'm looking forward to that" or "I suppose I would.." rather than "Killer" or "I might, like, try...".

Rent movies with very convincing, professional-sounding female leads and see what vocal tricks they use.

Dress professionally before the phone interview; this will help you get in the right professional frame of mind. Standing while talking on the phone is a good suggestion, unless it gives you too much nervous energy. Smiling while talking on the phone is a good suggestion, unless it makes you sound extra-girly and too eager-to-please. For some women, cultivating a serious voice requires using a different expression from smiling -- more of a pleased-to-meet-you but still-firm tone. Try different things with a friend on the phone to see how it works for you.

Talking to the career center at your school is a good suggestion.
posted by LobsterMitten at 1:50 PM on May 17, 2007

Sound enthusiastic and energetic, but not as if you are playing basketball. I got my current job by sounding upbeat, happy, and enthusiastic on the phone, and then coming in and sounding smart and confident. Practice with a friend. Someone with whom you will not get embarassed and who will tell you if you sound silly.
posted by Medieval Maven at 1:59 PM on May 17, 2007

And remember, your goal in the phone interview isn't to get the job. It's to get the in-person interview.
posted by EllenC at 2:01 PM on May 17, 2007

I too think I tend to represent myself poorly on the phone, but changing it to an in person might be a bad idea. There's the chance that any attempt made to convince them to interview you in person will get you tagged as someone who will "buck the system" or "not play by the rules."

The nice thing about a phone interview is that you have a bit more control with your situation.

You can put on your most comfortable clothes, force your cat to sit in your lap, and relax a bit more while they're asking their questions. If you can put all your nerves into non-verbal things (saying petting a cat, or anything you would normally do, but shouldn't, in a traditional interview), you could easily pull it off.
posted by drezdn at 2:26 PM on May 17, 2007

I don't blame you. I suck on the phone too. Lost a majorly good prospect recently because my 30-minute phone call turned into me babbling myself breathless. I do much better in person, ideally in a room where I can draw on the wall too and explain myself with my hands. Phone interviews make it hard to connect with the other person.

I think everyone understands that the phone interview doesn't give enough info to make a final decision, and is just a preliminary screen to make sure you're not completely crazy / wrong / stupid, etc.

So don't put too much importance on it. You're not expected to wow them on the phone. Save that for in person. Focus on just not screwing up. Say no more than necessary, sound professional, smart, and you'll be okay.

If you REALLY don't want to do the phone screen at all, convince them that an in person meeting will be more informative for everyone and a better use of time. Offer to go to them at the time of their choosing.

But you can't necessarily talk someone out of doing a phone screen if they want to. Make too big a deal out of it and you'll disqualify yourself right there.

Good luck.
posted by scarabic at 2:40 PM on May 17, 2007

Thanks everyone for the awesome advice (though I will take pains to not use the word awesome in my interview). I applied to a few different positions and in my harried state I'd forgotten one of the requirements of this particular job was strong communication skills - I'm assuming a pleasant and intelligent phone manner is required and that I should just go ahead and take the phone interview.

However..err.. I somehow failed to notice that a solid knowledge of a particular program was also a requirement. I...I have no experience with this program (Access, if you're curious). I didn't lie or anything...I never mentioned anything pertaining to it and still applied b/c I'd glossed over that requirement. Should I write and say basically "I didn't realize this was a requirement. I learn quickly and would work to understand and effectively utilize said program... I would still love to be considered for the position, but I understand if solid knowledge is a prerequisite, etc...." Or should I not mention it? What would y'all do in this situation?

I know this was a rookie mistake, etc. ...I'd just like to be forthright and fix it and hopefully they will be impressed with me acknowledging my mistake and not wanting to waste their time?? perchance??
posted by Eudaimonia at 3:51 PM on May 17, 2007

Hello, I'm the sort of person who might be on the other end of the line when you do that phone interview.

The purpose of a phone interview is to find out whether it is worth my time to bring you in for a sit-down interview. I probably only call on 10% of the resumes I receive, and I will probably only do a sit-down interview 3-5 people for the open position. So no, you cannot just skip this and go directly to my office. The fact that you got this far is great; don't shoot yourself in the foot.

I am listening for several specific things. For example, your phone manners. This is not true of all jobs, but in my office everybody ends up answering the phone sometimes. I am also listening for how you answer questions (hopefully succinctly, thoughtfully, honestly, and accurately). I am on the lookout for things that might indicate you are not going to be a model employee. If you offer to shaft your current boss, why wouldn't you do the same to me? Your tone is another thing I will consider: is this person too cold? too familiar? does he/she sound professional? sane?

I will ask a bunch of questions, such as:

* I need someone who can work X hours/day of the week. Is that a problem?
* What are your salary expectations? Is that about what you are making now?
* This position requires Y license/certificate/skill/degree. Can you verify that you have it?
* When are you planning to start a new job?
* What made you decide to apply for this position?
* Tell me about your current/last job. What sort of things do you do? What did you like? What did you dislike? Why did you leave?
* What else should I know about you?

If I like what I hear -- or I am sufficiently desperate -- at this point I will set up the sit-down interview and offer you directions to my location. DO NOT say that's alright you'll get directions off Mapquest; I know where the confusing bits, congested spots, construction sites, and general pitfalls are. Even if you also get online directions, listen to the official guidance of somebody who is sitting where you are trying to go. If you do know exactly where it is, it is ok to say "Aren't you on Jones street between CompUSA and Safeway?" This gives me an opportunity to say "Yes that's right, you've really done your homework" or "No, actually we're on Main near 7th Street, what direction will you be coming from?"
posted by ilsa at 3:56 PM on May 17, 2007

...i feel i should add that this is an academic research assistant type job, so i don't think they're looking for what, say, a more "professional" position might...
posted by Eudaimonia at 4:51 PM on May 17, 2007

Eudaimonia, do you have Access on your resume? If so, you're in trouble; they may ask you questions you would only know if you'd used it (if you're really tricky, you can look these up and try to fake it. Not recommended). If not, they have seen that you have no experience in Access, and they want to talk to you anyway. You can apply for any job in the world. It doesn't matter if you've got none of the requirements. They just won't call you if they can tell from your application that you aren't what they're looking for.

If Access is really important, they'll ask you if you've ever used it, and you can say, "No, but I have used x that is similar and I picked it up quickly. I have no doubt about my ability to gain a working knowledge of Access within the first n days of working at your company."
posted by crinklebat at 5:44 PM on May 17, 2007

All I have is that I'm proficient with word, excel, powerpoint, and other microsoft apps. I'm assuming they inferred I had experience with access, but who knows? I just don't want them to think I pulled the wool over their eyes. Thanks much for the advice on what to say!
posted by Eudaimonia at 5:59 PM on May 17, 2007

Finding out things like if you have Access experience is part of why they want this interview. I've had a full sit down interview where I didn't have one of their main requirements, never said I did, don't know why they interviewed me really, and it was awkward and a big waste of time (I could only answer about half their questions, yikes).

With a phone screen they can find out quickly what your level of experience is and decide where to go from there. So don't do anything about it before hand but do expect it to come up in the interview. Then just be honest, including the stuff about being a fast learner (access really isn't that hard) and don't feel bad if they don't take it any further. It may be that you're a bad fit in some other way, it may be that you're so great they decide to interview you anyway. If nothing else this is good practice for when you get that perfect interview for that amazing job down the line.

As for the interview, lots of great advice already. Also, remember to breathe. Stop and take a deep breath before you launch into answering questions, both to calm your nerves and to give you a moment to sort out your thoughts. I'm a born babbler and this was the one thing that kept me on track whilst landing my dream job entirely by phone. Good luck!
posted by shelleycat at 6:23 PM on May 17, 2007

I nth not skipping the phone interview.
I frequently get accused by phone conversation partners of being a teenage girl. One trick i try to use is lowering my chin in towards my neck a bit -- this seems to bring my tone down a little.
remember that in a phone interview, they don't have the benefit of facial expression and body language to gauge your interest in the job, so try and use some enthusiasm and personality in your voice! And tell them you're interested!
I recommend NOT wearing your "comfiest" clothing while in the interview. I find that people do better in phone interviews if they treat it more like an in-person interview -- dress nicely! Walk around a bit to keep your energy level up during the interview, but make sure you have a set route planned in your environment so you don't acccidentally walk into a room filled with screaming toddlers or a working trash compactor or something.
the lack of access experience could be no big deal -- people underestimate how many companies hire for personality and trainability rather than an established set of already extant skills.

Good luck!
posted by Soulbee at 9:46 AM on May 18, 2007