what to expect from a phone interview

khlee

Senior member
Oct 9, 2002
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im supposed to get a call from IBM tonight for a software engingeering internship. how hsould i prepare for this and what kinda questions can i expect?
 

RagingBITCH

Lifer
Sep 27, 2003
17,618
2
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Expect questions about your education, career plans, some behavioral questions, and maybe one or two odd questions (like the "what animal would you be" or "what kind of tree are you")
 

FortFunFoSho

Golden Member
Mar 7, 2002
1,101
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I had a phone interview that was supposed to be just over my resume, but instead it turned out to be a full on interview that sucked ass balls.
 

CoolTech

Platinum Member
Jul 10, 2000
2,345
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Know how you would answer all these questions, and you'll be fine :

Why should I hire you?

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

How would you describe yourself?

How do you think a friend or professor who knows you would describe you?

What motivates you to do a good job?

How do you determine or evaluate success?

In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?

What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?

How has your college career prepared you for a career in (your career)?

Why did you select (your school)?

What led you to choose a major in (your major)?

Which college subjects did you like the best? Least? Why?

Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?

What is your GPA and do you think it is a good indication of your academic achievement?

What have you learned from your participation in extra curricular activities?

What are your long and short-term career goals? Why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing to achieve them?

What non-career goals have you established for yourself within the next ten years?

What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

What are the most important rewards you expect from your career?

What do you expect to be earning in five years?

What qualifications or qualities should a successful person in your career field possess?

Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and subordinates.

In what work environment are you most comfortable?

How do you work under pressure?

Describe the ideal job for you following graduation.

Why do you want to work for us?

What two or three things are most important to you in a job?

What in your opinion, are the key ingredients in building maintaining successful business relationship?

What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work for?

Do you have a geographical preference? Why?

Are you willing to relocate?

How much on-the-job travel would you be willing to do?

Are you willing to spend at least six months (or a year, or eighteen months) as a trainee?

Why do you think you might like to live in (the city or town) where our company is located?

Have you ever worked as part of a team and how did you like it?

If you were a car, what kind would you be and why?

Behavioral Questions

Have you ever worked with someone that you did not get along with as part of a team? How did you handle that situation?

Describe how you would handle a deadline project that is given to you at the last minute.

Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult person. What was the situation? What did you do?

Give me an example of any major problem you faced and how you solved it.

Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What were the repercussions? What did you learn?


 

RagingBITCH

Lifer
Sep 27, 2003
17,618
2
76
Originally posted by: FortFunFoSho
I had a phone interview that was supposed to be just over my resume, but instead it turned out to be a full on interview that sucked ass balls.

Why would you expect it to be just over your resume? The recruiter/HR personnel already has your resume. They can see your qualifications on it. A phone interview screens out the good from the bad so they can get the good people in for a face to face interview.