Telephone Interviews?

[Rose Tyler]

I just got an interview with a masters program and I'm waiting on another one. While, obviously, an in-person interview would be  preferred, I live in a relatively remote location and plane tickets are very expensive. I want to be able to put my best foot forward without having to completely drain my bank account. Does anyone have any stories about getting an acceptance with a phone interview?

 

What can I expect from the interview? How much of a disadvantage will I have?

[PsychandPhilo]

I think in person helps you make a better impression since it makes the process just feels more natural for you and your not just a voice or a face on a screen. I just had an on campus interview for a PhD program and I learned so much more (from grad students, unrelated professors, feel of the program) than I would have got from phone or Skype. So it's to your benefit as well.

That being said, I understand the money problem. I got invited to the same MA program weekend and I'm considering the money factor too.

Edited February 19, 2015 by PsychandPhilo

[C10H12N2O]

I literally only did interviews over the phone and I got officially accepted to two programs, unofficially accepted to another (still waiting for the paper work) and have one more interview next week. I honestly feel like you can make a great impression over the phone and that you have nothing to worry about!

My interviews were pretty much all the same they asked why I wanted to go to graduate school, why I wanted to attend their institution, what I was planning to do after graduate school, about my research listed on my CV, and my current research interests. Make sure you have questions planned to ask them about the program/funding/their supervisory style and their lab. It will help you clarify what program is the best fit for you and it shows them that you are interested. 

Good luck

[TXInstrument11]

If you have internet access (seems like you do!), the more plausible method would likely be a Skype interview. I've had a few of these when communicating to POIs in different provinces (I'm from Canada). 

I really hate Skype, so I personally would not offer that up as an alternative unless they ask. Not being able to make eye contact while talking to somebody (virtually) face-to-face creeped me the hell out. In contrast, I totally owned my phone interview and was immediately offered an on-site interview on the school's dime. 

 

With video feed delay over the net, I ended up talking over my POI and vice versa just as often as I did on the phone. No advantage whatsoever unless your POI prefers that (then they may think you're being weird by pushing for phone). In retrospect, I wish I had simply said my webcam or mic was acting up - partly true anyway if talking about my desktop computer. 

 

But that's just my two cents. If you like Skype and are comfortable talking on it then go right on ahead. Them being able to put a face to your name is better than being applicant # 00 from such and such state/country. 

[psych face]

I'm worried about this too, but mostly because I already have a lot of things scheduled, like conferences and another interview, and they wait so long to tell you what weekend to pencil in that I inevitably have other stuff going on that takes precedence. I feel like they probably would have to expect that some people have things going on.

 

I would honestly prefer to Skype just because I don't want to miss any additional classes or obligations this semester.

 

Also, I just did a phone interview about a week ago, and it was perfectly fine. It went really well. They asked the same questions I expected them to ask in person and I had to do a lot of talking about awkward-ish things, but it was okay. I just don't like to talk on the phone for long periods of time like that, my ear gets uncomfortable.