[KassiusKlay]

So I was able to get a phone interview (not even sure its an interview) with the recruiter for a big 4 firm around here. I have a few friends who work at the same firm and a few more who had in person interviews. None of them had phone interviews. I am a little confused as to what this could entail. It was set up by really good recommendation by a family member who works high up in the same firm. From what I can gather the reason I am not doing an in person interview is because I did not go the conventional route of being recruited on campus. I am wondering if this is more of a “get to know you first” kind of a deal? Does anyone have any experience with preliminary phone interviews? All my friends went through campus recruiters so they couldn’t really help me out. I would appreciate any advice! Thanks!

Form is temporary, class is permanent.

Audit 4/19/12 - 77
BEC 5/31/12 - 75
FAR 8/30/12

[Anonymous]

I went through these last fall. I think they're mostly looking to see how personable you are and if you can hold a conversation. They'll ask you a couple behavioral questions and that's about it.

My advice would be to stand when you're on the phone. It will make you sound more confident and your voice will be projected. Also, SMILE. It makes a difference.

Good luck!

[KassiusKlay]

Thanks @cashmoney10, thats what I kind of figured. Good luck with your tests!

Form is temporary, class is permanent.

Audit 4/19/12 - 77
BEC 5/31/12 - 75
FAR 8/30/12

[Anonymous]

Phone interviews means that they have a bunch of resumes on hand, and they need to do a preliminary screening to lower the numbers of candidates for a first face-to-face interview.

So, if, the call lasts 45mins to 1hr = Good sign, specially if at the end, the recruiter says something like “ok, well, what would be your availability for a face-to-face interview?”…

If the call lasts 10-25mins = hmmm, not too good, specially if the recruiter says something like “ok, thanks for your time, i will pass your resume along and based on what they say, i will give you a call”.

Advise, you passed two parts, no need for you to disclose the score to them. Sounds weird, but, they tag people for that, trust me. All they should know though, is your GPA.

Disclaimer: I am basing my comments on the fact that i am a former Big4 employee and also, had experience in recruiting.

[KassiusKlay]

@LeilaniMorris Thanks so much for the heads up!

Form is temporary, class is permanent.

Audit 4/19/12 - 77
BEC 5/31/12 - 75
FAR 8/30/12

[Anonymous]

I had a phone call scheduled which I was told was just for me to ask questions and see if a specialized job at a Big 4 was what I was interested in doing versus the regular audit job which I already had an offer for. With that being said, I went into the phone call thinking it was just an informational interview for my benefit. Instead, it turned out to be an extremely technical phone interview. If your just going for audit though, I doubt any interview would be technical.

[Anonymous]

But, luckily, I scraped through that phone call and still ended up getting the job after everything was said and done.

[MeaDebitum]

I wouldn't bank too much on how long the call lasts. I've been offered positions when the phone call didn't go longer than 15 minutes.

[MeaDebitum]

I wouldn't bank too much on how long the call lasts. I've been offered positions when the phone call didn't go longer than 15 minutes.

[FindaJob]

Just show that.U r excited and give them a darn good reason why u applied for that office Or city… Enthusiasm and try to have a conversation rather than having a q&a kinda thing … Good luck … My first phone interview went terrible … Very easy asked about the industries I had experience in… the second was easy as well .. I just started a conversation rather than making it sound like an uncomfortable q&a Phone call …

two to go !

[Author]

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