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Phone Interview Preparation
Phone interview
The goal of phone interview is to get on-site interview invitation. Phone interview is generally conducted
by a hiring manager, and it is often used to evaluate whether candidates meet the minimum requirements
for the position. In this way, employers can minimize time, expense, and efforts involved in on-site
interview. In general, you will be contacted by email (sometimes by phone).
While you keep applying to opening positions, you should do preparation for phone interview in parallel.
Why? This is because you have no idea when you will get phone interview notice. Once you get an email
about phone interview from hiring manager or HR people, phone interview is usually scheduled within 3
days ~ 1 week (maximum). So, if you start to prepare interview after you get email, then it's too late !!
Phone interview
The goal of phone interview is to get on-site interview invitation. Phone interview is generally conducted
by a hiring manager, and it is often used to evaluate whether candidates meet the minimum requirements
for the position. In this way, employers can minimize time, expense, and efforts involved in on-site
interview. In general, you will be contacted by email (sometimes by phone).
While you keep applying to opening positions, you should do preparation for phone interview in parallel.
Why? This is because you have no idea when you will get phone interview notice. Once you get an email
about phone interview from hiring manager or HR people, phone interview is usually scheduled within 3
days ~ 1 week (maximum). So, if you start to prepare interview after you get email, then it's too late !!
What you expect in phone interview
The followings are general format of the phone interview for the programming position.
Sometimes, coding questions can be skipped in the phone interview because it needs whiteboard toexplain the answers.
What to prepare?
The followings are general format of the phone interview for the programming position.
Key things you have to keep in mind for phone interview
The followings are general format of the phone interview for the programming position.
 | Interviewers introduce themselves |
| Describe the position, responsibilities, team, and the company | |
| Confirm the candidate's interest for the position |
| Interviewers ask candidates' background and experience. |
| Questions about projects on previous employment, research projects, dissertation, etc. |
| Interviewers ask technical questions |
| Programming concepts - C++, Java, or Perl depending on the position requirement | |
| Questions on algorithm / data structures | |
| Questions on your specialization. For example, if you are data mining guy, then specific | |
| questions on data mining can be asked. | ||
| Coding questions can be asked, but it depends. | |
| Interviewers may ask behavioral questions |
| Finally, you are given a chance to ask interviewers. Interviewers may also explain the next step. |
Sometimes, coding questions can be skipped in the phone interview because it needs whiteboard to
What to prepare?
The followings are general format of the phone interview for the programming position.
| Make a 5 minute summary of your work: goal, approach, main contributions, and results. |
| How your work can be used to create products of the company you are interviewing with? | |
| They may also ask some questions about how you evaluated your method | |
| In some cases, they are interested in how much your system is scalable. |
| Study your resume. They can ask any question on your resume. | |
| Interviewers are very much interested in your coding skills |
| What is your strongest programming languages (C++, Java, Perl, Python etc…)? | |
| What is the largest piece of code you've written in terms of lines of code? | |
| How do you debug programs? | |
| Have you developed programs as a team? Have you ever used CVS? | |
| You need to be familiar with concepts of C++ or Java. |
| They are interested in team players, so they usually ask your teamwork experience/skills. | |
| Study your specialization particularly if you have advanced degree (MS or PhD) | |
| Prepare to answer behavioral questions. Write your own paragraph for any expected questions. |
| Why are you interested in this position/company | |
| The most difficult problem you solved | |
| How do you solve the problem | |
| How can you contribute to this company | |
| What do you want to be in next 5 years? |
Key things you have to keep in mind for phone interview
| Be in a quite place where you will not be distracted. | |
| Have the job description. | |
| Have the resume you submitted to this position, so you can remember what you said. | |
| Have all the notes in front of you, e.g., C++ glossary, sample answers for typical questions, etc. | |
| Do not use cell phone. If you have to use cell, then please make sure it has enough battery :) | |
| Take notes on interviewer's questions. Same questions can be brought during on-site interview. | |
| Rehearse it and make it smooth. | |
| Write a 5 minute summary of your skills or experience that are directly related with the position. | |
| Have a reason why you want to leave your current job. | |