Hi everyone, I am from a target school applying for many BB S&T SA positions. Since my school is hit hard by huge snow storms, many of my on-campus in person interviews are being replaced by phone interviews.
Are there any significant differences between in person and phone interviews? Should I go about my preparation differently? Do interviewers evaluate candidates differently?
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Approach it just like an in person. Everything will be based on verbal cues so drink some tea, make sure you enunciate, pause appropriately, etc. I would say it might be smart to put on a suit and sit at a table when you take the phone call so you are in the interviewing zone.
Gotta love this snow.
what type of tea would you recommend? we're talking hot tea here?
Haha, I don't know, probably something hot. I sound rough when I wake up so my thinking was to just get yourself to sound as smooth and put together as possible.
I bought some Yerba from the reading terminal and love it.
have your finance notes and resume in front of you. trust me, it will help. otherwise, dont stress and dont think too much of it.
This really helped me during the phone interview. I put on my suit and tie and had my whole wall covered with notes to answers of many of the common technical and behavioral questions along with my resume. When I was asked a question that I wasnt 100% sure about, I would make it sound like im thinking about the answer and in the mean time look through my notes on the wall and just use it as a guide. Reason why its better to have it posted on the wall rather than in a pile on your desk, is because the interview can hear when you shuffling through papers or Ctl Fing the pdf prep guide. Its not always about having the info in front of you, is just knowing that you have access to it that make you sound much more confident.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Let us know how they go and if you get asked any interesting questions.
I'd recommend having some basic notes on the firm and questions in front of you. I know that I generally speak at a more rapid pace when on the phone so focus on speaking slowly and enunciate your words.
As for the suit suggestions... I personally do the opposite... Most comfortable when wearing comfortable clothing (less is more in my case) so I'd always chill out in my room... pace around and get in the zone.
May sound obvious but make sure you either A) have flawless cell reception or use a landline. Doesn't hurt to drop your interviewer an email beforehand saying "XXX-XXX-XXXX is the best number to reach me at" even though you have your cell on your resume.
Good luck
i like to use hands free devices for phone interviews.. i jus like using my hands when i talk
HAHAH
Thanks for the advice everyone! I had 3 phone interviews the past couple of days, and so far I have made one final round, one "on hold" for final round, and one still pending. I would say each interview was about 90% fit and 10% technical, so nothing too difficult.
Phone VS. In Person- informational interview w/ Goldman Employee (Originally Posted: 08/27/2013)
Hey WSO,
I had a meetup with a GS senior analyst in NY scheduled but an unexpected deal came up. They offered to meet up before/after but I will only be in NY that weekend.
He kindly offered a phone convo instead. This is a really big deal since i'm at a non-target (really off the map school) and have no previous finance or big-name experience. He was my interviewer for a program (he's an alum from 09) and I'd like to think we hit it off since I was accepted and the convo flowed well.
Anway I'm going to be in NY that weekend and it's all expense paid (plane ticket/hotel). I have two options now, what would you do?
-Buy a bus ticket and spend 18 hours ( DET to NY), possibly leverage the weekend to meet with other alums (they've been really receptive so far)
-Have a phone conversation .
I've always been able to shine more in person vs the phone.
If I do select the 2nd option, what can I do to really impress him/ have a possible followup or introduction to other GS people.
Thanks! :)
in person is always better. Change your flight to an earlier time and eat the cost
Yes in the long run the cost is negligible - but obviously don't come off as too desperate :)
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