What’s Lost in a Phone Interview Accelerated Learning Resources

What’s Lost in a Phone Interview

Interviews can be hit or miss: phone or in-person, casual or business attire. A coffee shop or an office, one interviewer or multiple interviewers— even the setting matters. I am also not sure what to make of the emerging role of so-called informational interviews before the actual interview, which may be followed by several rounds of interviewing. Each employer has a different process, too. Frankly, it all seems too complicated. I am very supportive of interviews in any process—from college admissions to jobs. I would prefer, however, if there was some effort at standardization.

But that is the current state of things. It is best to work within these parameters rather than complain about it. I have accepted this after several interview experiences. Overall, I prefer in-person interviews to phone interviews. I am sure most job applicants would agree. It is easier to demonstrate genuine interest in the position and properly explain one’s skills. These can also be conveyed over the phone, but a lot of the subtleties of human interaction are lost.

I recently had a phone interview for a company here in Washington that actually went quite well. A few days later, I learned that a good friend of mine also applied. He had an in-person interview. The discrepancy made me wonder and worry. Although I was happy with my interview, I felt that the interviewer would have a better impression of me after actually meeting me. I thought about following up with the company’s human resources/recruitment representative but decided against it. I would let the process proceed.

Then my friend received a response. I still hadnt heard back anything. This was worrisome. I corresponded with the person who interviewed me to check-in: I would hear back within a few weeks. Though this did not tell me much, it did reveal some useful information. Somehow, my friend and I ended up on different paths for the same position with the same company. This may or may not be a result of our interviewing experience.

The overlap and confusion aside, I am still optimistic about my prospects. It would be a great opportunity for me at this juncture in my life and career. Alas, I wait for now.

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