Phone interview or fly home

Tridion

Greetings all,

I just got a call from a company I applied to asking that I go for interview. Only problem I'm on holiday and they asked for the interview to be while I'm still away. I asked for it to be pushed back but now they've offered me a phone interview.

Should I fly home early or just do the phone interview? Does doing a phone interview put you at a significant advantage? Would they consider it a good sign if I were to fly home for the interview and conversely, would it be a mark against me that if I weren't to fly home?

thanks in advance.

AEG

Just to preface this I've never had a phone interview.

I'd look at the job in particular and take a good look at the description (if there is one) to basically rate your chances of getting it based on the skills and experience they require.

If you think you have a high chance of getting it, then I'd say it would be worth the cost of flying home - as that will 1) show dedication and 2) make you stand out more than a phone interview. Body language and physical appearance DO make a significant contribution to whether you get the job or not!

However if you rate your chances as low, based on the job description, then maybe opt for the phone interview - that way if you don't get it, you won't have paid for expensive flights home!

I'm not sure if it did, but I hope that helps a little!

tenchi-fan

You should do the phone interview.
Depending on the industry phone interviews may be more or less common, but the fact they offered you one is a good sign.
You could have some cheat notes in front of you.

Tridion

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, personality and presence are a big part of the job so I think I'll have to go back for it. I am raging but that's life I guess. I just wish companies were a bit more flexible with dates - it is August after all, the month a lot of people go on holiday.

thanks both

r3nu4l

Hope you haven't booked your flights yet...

I have been both the interviewee and interviewer on phone interviews so can offer both perspectives.

As an interviewer I can say that they consider your CV good enough to not only call you for interview but also to be flexible for you. That's a good sign. If you were only a 'might be worth talking to', then they may not have offered a phone interview. Sure, presence and personality are important but that can always come across on the phone by use of a 'warm' and friendly voice.

When I've interviewed people by phone I've always done it in a more informal manner and I'm much more interested in what the person has to say and how they interact. Our medical writers are required to not only have face-to-face contact with clients but daily phone contact also, so personality on the phone is just as important as 'real-life' personality. If the person comes across well then I call them for a face-to-face when they can make it.


As an interviewee just make sure you are somewhere that's relatively undisturbed by too much noise. It's stating the obvious but a coffee shop is not a good place to be for the call. Best of luck with whatever decision you make.

Tridion

Ach, it's too late. New flight booked and I've left them a voice mail confirming I'll do the interview in person.

To be honest, I've been looking for a job for too long to risk it but thanks for posting r3nu4l

r3nu4l

Well I really hope you get the job now Best of luck, knock em dead!

AEG

Yep, best of luck with it!