Phone Interviews: Having Tricks Up Your Sleeve
Many people, inexplicably, find phone interviews to be more nerve-wracking than in-person interviews. This may be partially because you don't get a chance to read the other person's body language, and you know they can't see your gestures and expressions, either. If you've made it this far in psychology, you already know that gestures and facial expressions are exceedingly important in communcation. So, phone interviews can be difficult. No making jokes that require a wink. But here are a few tips:
- The very best thing about phone interviews is that you can have extensive notes, and the other person will never know. Before the scheduled interview, create a document containing crucial information: questions you want to ask, questions you may be asked along with how you want to answer them, information about what the professor researches (so you don't get them mixed up with someone else!). Also include some general information about the program that you don't want to sound unknowledgeable about - whether it has multiple tracks, whether the professor you're talking to holds a special position, even what it's called (if not simply "clinical psychology").
- Remember that, even though the person you're talking to can't see your facial expressions, they can often hear them in your voice. Smile. Smile the entire time. Laugh. Sound buoyant and cheerful to be talking to them - don't worry, they can't see you sweating.
- Don't be afraid to take a moment to formulate an answer to an unexpected question. If you really can't stand silence, have a professional-sounding, gentle coughing fit. Or state something simple and general about the topic while you formulate your more precise answer.
- Try to ensure there isn't anyone else around, and you're not in a public area during the phone interview. I remember having a couple of phone interviews for a new job while I was at another job. I had to go out into my hot car to do the interviews, and one interview I even did while sitting on the curb outside a coffee shop ("Did I just hear a motorcycle?" asked my interviewer). This was not ideal in the least. Be in a private, quiet area. Try to get your family/roommates/whoever to leave the room. Sit in front of your computer so you can quickly look up info if needed (one of the other perks of phone interviews... you have re
