The Career Center at Santa Clara University - Telephone or Group Interviews

Occasionally, employers will utilize phone or group interviews as part of the interview process.

Phone Interview
- Keep your resume and a list of your accomplishments in front of you. Have a pen, paper, and water readily available.
- Write your questions out in advance.
- Be sure you won't be interrupted. Turn call waiting off.
- If the time isn't scheduled and it isn't convenient, ask if you can set another time.
- To add energy, stand up or sit forward and smile.
- Do not chew gum or eat.
- Consider using a land line so as to avoid a dropped call or static.
- Write down names and titles of those who introduce themselves over the phone.
- Clearly wrap up each answer and then pause to let interviewer know you are finished. Avoid word whispers to fill in the silent space.
Group Interview With Other Job Candidates

Group interviews with other job candidates are used to determine how knowledge is used in discussion, your leadership qualities, communication with possible team mates, how you will face the public and customers, and your level of knowledge and experience.
Group Interview With Panel of Employees

Panel interviews can be time efficient for the department. They also allow staff to see your reaction to stress. You will be asked questions from all the panel members. You should always remain calm during a panel interview.

When you enter the room, shake hands with each panelist or interviewer. Explain that you brought a fresh copy of your resume for everyone.
Begin your answer to each question by looking at the person who asked it. Then make contact with others on the panel. It is not necessary to make eye contact with each person for every question.
Finish your answer while looking at the person who asked the question.
When it's time to ask a question of your own, direct it to one person when appropriate.
At the end of interview, shake hands again with everyone.
After the interview send at least one thank you letter, to the head of the committee. When possible, it's very good if you send a thank you letter to all the interviewers.