Advantages and disadvantages of telephone interview

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I wanted to get feedback in reference to telephone interviews for CRNA school. Has anyone had one? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

I applied to University of Maryland (brand new program, just got approval), and I have been granted an Interview. I didn't asked for a telephone interview, I am willing to travel but due to time constraint, the faculty that called me, offered to do a telephone interview via speaker phone on May 7th. He mentioned that getting a last minute ticket would be to expensive for me and that is the reason they will do a telephone interview.

I am really excited since the first program I applied to, I got to interview, but didn't get in. I hope this is my opportunity to make my dreams come true and accomplish a long term goal I have been working on for many years.

Any advice is welcome. :)

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Specializes in ER.

Maybe the advantage would be for you if you DID make a personal appearance just to let them know how much you want to get in. They will certainly have a better memory of you if they see you in the flesh.

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I think if they are offering the telephone interviews than they will not hold it against you if you take that route. A friend interviewed at SMU via telephone from his sunroom and was accepted there, I also interviewed there and chose to fly out and interview just so I could see the city and school. Point is, I really don't think it matters as far ability to get accepted, but it is nice to be able to see the school and faculty/director first hand before deciding whether that school is for you or not. Don't forget, you are interviewing them almost as much as they are you!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I am not a CRNA, but I had a telephone interview for my PhD program and I conduct telephone interviews for hiring nursing student externs. If they recommended a phone interview, I seriously doubt they will hold that against you in any way.

As with a face-to-face interview, they probably have some standard questions that they have prepared to ask every candidate and then they are prepared to ask a few follow-up questions depending on the answers you give. They are probably also prepared to let the conversation wander a little spontaneously into unplanned areas as most productive conversations usually do.

With a phone interview, you don't have the opportunity to make a visual impression (good or bad), so your words become of primary importance -- as does the tone of your voice. Don't be afraid to pause and think for a moment ... or ask them to clarify or repeat a question. Speak clearly at a reasonable pace and answer their questions thoughtfully. Have questions to ask them prepared ahead of time.

Make sure there is no distracting noise in the background. Make sure you are in a physically comfortable place and position for the interview -- a private, quiet place in which you can think and talk. If you have children, or a dog, etc. get them out of the way so they will not interupt or distract you. Don't use your cell phone unless there is no other choice: the sound quality will probably not be as good and that will be an unnecessary distraction/strain during your interview. In other words, set up an environment for yourself that will help you do a good job and give a good impression.

Personally, for my phone interview for my PhD program many years ago, I sat propped up on my bed ... and sipped a glass of wine. It worked well for me!

Good luck,

llg

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I have to agree with boathead, go if you can afford it, Maryland is beautiful this time of year and I think you'll impress them if you show up. You should interview them as Trauma reccomends. Go, you'll have a good time!

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Thank you everyone for your great feedback. I was a student at University of Maryland for my BSN and my husband also graduated from there. So I know the University and the nursing school faculty well. At this point, because of my job demands, it is not possible for me to fly, therefore I am going to do the telephone interview on May 7th at 9:30 a.m. CA time. I am preparing myself to do my best. I will let you know the results. I ask for your prayers and good wishes.

Thank you again :p

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canoe head was right by my accout

its like I always say " if you wanna go, drop the dough"

you can show off your new suit, who could say no to that?

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I'm not a CRNA but I've had a couple of phone interviews for jobs and for my post grad Bsc.

The one advantage of the phone interview is that you can have all your materials about the school in front of you. E.g when they ask you why this school? or what do you know about this program. You can have highlight of points that you want to address in front of you.

Main thing though is to listen to the questions asked. It's amazing how much talking we do without speaking.

Someone also told me something which sounds kinda funny but seems to work. Dress up for the part. If you feel proffessonal it also comes across in your voice.

Hope all goes well and

LOTS OF LUCK

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