Phone Interview advice

[MissRyan]

Hey everyone!

I was hoping that some of you who have had phone interviews could fill me in on what to expect...

Thanks!

[fuddy]

Hooray something I can help with! And hooray for you and your interview!

I've only had one actual phone interview, but I'll tell you what I can. Mine lasted for over an hour (yikes) but I'm sure it varies. She basically told me about what she was working on (and asked me what I thought I'd be interested in of what she described). Be ready to give a little shpeel about your current research and about your future research interests. Definitely have some questions ready for them (atmosphere of the department, requirements, etc).

If they want to spend an hour of their day on the phone with you, they must like you! So relax (or try to, or seem like you are).

Good luck!

[electricfan]

Hooray something I can help with! And hooray for you and your interview!

I've only had one actual phone interview, but I'll tell you what I can. Mine lasted for over an hour (yikes) but I'm sure it varies. She basically told me about what she was working on (and asked me what I thought I'd be interested in of what she described). Be ready to give a little shpeel about your current research and about your future research interests. Definitely have some questions ready for them (atmosphere of the department, requirements, etc).

If they want to spend an hour of their day on the phone with you, they must like you! So relax (or try to, or seem like you are).

Good luck!

20 minutes.

"X,Y,Z each are looking for grad students this fall. Are you still interested?"

"Why are you interested in this field?"

"If it turns out you do not like the program, how long would it take you to figure that out?"

"Why did some of your math grades suck so bad?" (okay, not a direct quote there)

"Would you like to visit for an interview with X,Y,Z in person?"

[juror#1]

My only true phone interview (the other calls were them just inviting me to interview) lasted about 30 minutes. First I was asked about my research, who I thought I was a good fit for (luckily I did not answer the first time they called because it ended up being a professor I had not done much research on beforehand). Then I asked a couple of questions about her research. Then, and this one caught me off guard so be prepared, she asked me how I would expand upon her research and my other poi options' research (new directions, additional variables, etc.). After that awkward five minutes she asked if I had any further questions about the program or the process. The next time I heard from her I was accepted and invited to visit.

So basic advice: keep a note sheet or something around that has information about the research at the university, ideas of where you will fit, and most importantly, the names of the faculty. If you have that information and stay calm you should do just fine! Good luck!!

[MissRyan]

Hooray something I can help with! And hooray for you and your interview!

I've only had one actual phone interview, but I'll tell you what I can. Mine lasted for over an hour (yikes) but I'm sure it varies. She basically told me about what she was working on (and asked me what I thought I'd be interested in of what she described). Be ready to give a little shpeel about your current research and about your future research interests. Definitely have some questions ready for them (atmosphere of the department, requirements, etc).

If they want to spend an hour of their day on the phone with you, they must like you! So relax (or try to, or seem like you are).

Good luck!

Thanks Fuddy! An hour? Whew...! I was told that mine was going to last thirty minutes. Your advice is great, thanks so much! BTW, what is the 2nd acceptance?? GMU and ?

[MissRyan]

Thank you all for your helpful advice...I will certainly prepare according to your experiences!

[luinar]

lol, I JUST finished my phone interview and I find this post!

Anyway, hope to add on to help other ppl

1. I was also asked what kind of research interests I had, but my interests were too narrow! Similar to juror#1, the interviewer wanted me to reply broadly so that my interests overlapped with most of the faculty in the social department (so that they would approve of my admission me thinks?). That was awkward, and my most regrettable answer during the interview

2. My interviewers asked me what career path I was thinking of pursuing in the future.

3. They asked me what kind of mentoring style I preferred. I explained to them the style of my current research supervisor

4. They asked me whether I preferred teaching or research. (They have a research-oriented program..)

I think I may have forgotten some questions, but those were the big ones. In the end, they told me about the visiting weekend, and also asked me to truthfully indicate where their school comes on my list (which was like no.1 since I really want to go there )

Hope I'm accepted! *crosses fingers* Good luck to everyone out there!

[fuddy]

Thanks Fuddy! An hour? Whew...! I was told that mine was going to last thirty minutes. Your advice is great, thanks so much! BTW, what is the 2nd acceptance?? GMU and ?

I was also accepted to Houston, but the interview was with GA Tech. I'm sure they vary a lot in time, etc - just be prepared, have some notes in front of you, and breathe! The best part of mine was when I tried to make a joke (don't do it) and she definitely couldn't tell I was joking and it got really awkward, haha. Things are a little weird on the phone because you don't have visual cues to pick up on when the person is going to speak, how they are reacting to what you say, all that stuff.

Since I/O generally doesn't have a formal interview process, it is probably an informal q&a session like mine was, but that is just my guess! Good luck!

[MissRyan]

I was also accepted to Houston, but the interview was with GA Tech. I'm sure they vary a lot in time, etc - just be prepared, have some notes in front of you, and breathe! The best part of mine was when I tried to make a joke (don't do it) and she definitely couldn't tell I was joking and it got really awkward, haha. Things are a little weird on the phone because you don't have visual cues to pick up on when the person is going to speak, how they are reacting to what you say, all that stuff.

Since I/O generally doesn't have a formal interview process, it is probably an informal q&a session like mine was, but that is just my guess! Good luck!

Wow! Your on a roll with your applications! Is that you who posted Houston on the results page? You must be so proud of yourself...I am sure you will have even more news this coming week.

Thanks again, and I ll let you know how my interview goes