[Peanut Butter is Good]

It was very unexpected, because my campus application was declined online, over a month ago. But, I got a phone call yesterday asking to do a phone interview. Also, it’s for a full time audit position beginning in January (perfect for my situation). I was told if I do well, it will be a fast track to getting an offer, after a few more interviews.

Anywayyyyyy. I’m here because I’ve never actually done a phone interview. Mine is coming up on Monday. I’m sure many of the same principles of in-person interviewing apply here, but I’m sure there’s ways to improve that I can learn from some you.

[Anonymous]

First of all, they're calling because they didn't fill their quota and need someone. They want you to be good so they can get this behind them. Don't act like a little..you know..and be all thank you thank you plz plz I'll do anything to work here! You have some power here so be confident. It's 2014 so you definitely ain't using a landline. Make sure your phone is charged. They can't see you. Sit in front of a computer or notepad with some basic notes/bullets outlined so you can tackle routine questions. Be somewhere quiet but comfortable. Don't be a goober.

[Texan_Stuck_In_OK]

“Don't be a goober.”

This applies to ALL interviewees! Sage advice right there.

A 88, B 76, F 84, R 76 Passed 2014

Licensed in OK

[Peanut Butter is Good]

So being too nice = bad? Is smiling a negative? The line between “I like this guy” and “this guy will work hard and stay out of my way” seems very hard to tow.

[Texan_Stuck_In_OK]

No, being desperate is bad. Keeping a goofy grin on your face for an entire interview will likely creep the interviewer out.

A 88, B 76, F 84, R 76 Passed 2014

Licensed in OK

[Anonymous]

why are we talking about smiling for a phone interview..

[abranaugh]

One piece of advice that I have always heard about phone interviews is to dress like you are going to an actual interview and sit at a desk instead of a couch or comfy chair. This has always helped me speak with more confidence.

[Peanut Butter is Good]

yes, yes, i realized that after I made my comment.

still, it's probably a good question to explore since i have other in-person interviews on deck as well (including a different big 4 firm).

[Anonymous]

you have more than likely encountered goobers in your life. don't be one.

[krschneids]

I don't think @bigfourexpert is telling you to be a jerk. There's nothing wrong with being nice. In fact, you SHOULD be nice. No one is going to want to work with someone who seems aloof. But you don't need to grovel, necessarily.

AUD 79 (7/14)
FAR 78 (7/14)
REG 78 (8/14)
BEC 81 (10/14)

[krschneids]

Also, you don't need to constantly smile during an in-person interview, but you shouldn't be stone-faced the whole time either. Smile when it feels natural to smile (i.e., when you meet your interviewer, if the interviewer tells a joke, if the interviewer is telling you about why he/she likes the company, etc.).

Honestly, just be yourself. It's so easy to tell when a person is trying to be something he or she isn't.

AUD 79 (7/14)
FAR 78 (7/14)
REG 78 (8/14)
BEC 81 (10/14)

[Peanut Butter is Good]

lol I don't think many of us encounter goobers unless we are in a position of extreme power. I'm a regular guy, so I'm not sure who would want to grovel towards me.

[Anonymous]

I'll go against the grain on a couple of things posted in this thread, you can decide what works best for you.

Smiling during a phone interview will not negatively impact your interview. If you're anything like me you smile naturally, so do what makes you comfortable.

Additionally, I have a low voice and feel that sometimes I can be hard to understand on the phone. I have read before that speaking while standing helps open your lungs and may help you come across more clear on the phone. This may not be true, but it has worked for me in the past.

I will agree with some previous posts to make bullet point notes for common interview questions as you will more than likely not get a laid back conversational interview like what is more common in the office and will have to answer more behavioral style questions. Also, do make sure your phone is charged and you have quiet room available for your interview, preferably somewhere you can shut the door as you will want privacy.

Anyway, be yourself, make yourself comfortable, and be confident. You'll do fine.

Edit: Also, don't forget to prepare good questions and try to get the interviewers contact information as I feel a thank you or follow up email is still professional for this circumstance. Don't be disappointed if the phone interviewer can not answer your questions because they may work in HR and be unfamiliar but it never hurts to ask good questions.

[Author]

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