Advice for Phone Interview needed please

DevilStarX · 02-19-2009, 12:27 PM

I'm new to the forum and I see tons of great advice out there and could use some help. I know that there are some great threads already for how to do phone interviews but they all concern positions for programmers or designers.

I recently was scheduled for a phone interview for a marketing internship

and am very excited about it since I didn't expect to even hear from them. I could use some advice for this specific position if any of you got any.

First off let me list the things I know I should do:

1) Be calm and friendly...smile to relax
2) Know my resume inside and out
3) Be able to elaborate on past experience
4) Try to make it slightly informal yet formal to make interviewer relaxed and like you more
5) Ask questions

Again, any advice would be appreciated!!

Adrir · 02-19-2009, 01:18 PM

Prepare!

You can usually guess the types of question they are going to ask you: what experience with skill [insert desired skill] do you have? Why do you want to work here? What are your expectations? etc.

It usually helps to have a webpage open with company details (or even wikipedia), a copy of the CV you sent them and notes just in case you forget things. Sometimes nerves can get the better of you - even if you have genuine experience and a lot to talk about.

An example; in my last phone interview I was asked about leadership experience. I drew a complete blank - despite the fact I've been a Student Rep, I'm the President of the University Games Society and have lead several small but successful online game communities (clans, guilds, etc)!

Claxon · 02-20-2009, 12:02 AM

You may also be asked about what games you like & possibly posed questions such as "What would you do to improve revenues from your favorite game?" One thing you really don't want to say when a games company asks you what your favorite game is, is "Um... I don't know."

Gshonk · 02-20-2009, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrir

It usually helps to have a webpage open with company details (or even wikipedia)

Know the company, this really makes you look like you know and care about your career enough to research a job. Know their games, play them if you can. But still ask questions about the studio when they ask you if you have any.
Examples
1) What is the work environment like?
2) What are the normal work hours?
3) How often is crunch?
4) How long are normal crunch hours?
5) Who will I answer too?
6) What would be my main responsibilities?

Claxon · 02-20-2009, 07:14 AM

7) Will there be cake?

Gshonk · 02-20-2009, 09:57 AM

Answer: No, because the cake is a lie.

SkooterinEb · 02-20-2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrir

Prepare!

You can usually guess the types of question they are going to ask you: what experience with skill [insert desired skill] do you have? Why do you want to work here? What are your expectations? etc.

It usually helps to have a webpage open with company details (or even wikipedia), a copy of the CV you sent them and notes just in case you forget things. Sometimes nerves can get the better of you - even if you have genuine experience and a lot to talk about.

An example; in my last phone interview I was asked about leadership experience. I drew a complete blank - despite the fact I've been a Student Rep, I'm the President of the University Games Society and have lead several small but successful online game communities (clans, guilds, etc)!

...... CV?

DevilStarX · 02-20-2009, 04:30 PM

CV is pretty much your Cover Letter and Resume. Essential no matter what job or position you are applying for...Well, the resume more so than the cover letter.

Thanks for all your advice guys! I am feeling more confident and trying very hard to relax and not be too tense. I sound like a fricking robot running out of batteries or some professor giving a monotone lecture...any suggestions on that?