I sent in my resume and cover letter for an internship in California (I live in TX). The coordinator emailed back saying he would like to set up an interview. I don't know how to respond because it didn't sound like he wanted an in-person interview (plus-a lot of college students apply for this so they know that they are all across the country) I just don't want to sound stupid responding as if it were a phone interview...
My point is that there's no way I could fly there and interview, but I really want this. Hope you understand what I am getting at
Thanks so much
2006-07-31 10:45:23 · 6 answers · asked by klove28 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I don't have a clue what type of internship you're looking for but am answering as if it is a business position. These are certainly at a premium. So, if he really didn't give you much info then e-mail him back and request details of the prospective interview. He should then let you know whether this is an online, teleconference, or in person interview. But, you must ask, never "presume"
If this interview is to be in person many prospective employer's will pay for a ticket to get you out there. Some may even pay for a hotel room for one night. However that is pretty rare I think.
If the coordinator responded he knows where you currently are living and probably understands you cannot afford to fly out. Don't take this for granted of course. E-mail him back asking for the details of the interview. You will not sound stupid -- you don't know until you ask. It is permissible to request transportation to the interview. But certainly give him the chance to bring it up. If they will not do this, or find this presumtuous then hey! you can't go anyway so what's th dif?
If this doesn't work out keep trying you'll find the right one.
That sounded pretty glib but you must keep a positive outlook. People who interview for a living can read your body language and what you are really trying to say. Most prefer upfront, upbeat and of course the right amount of confidence. (In other words just be who and what you are. Yeah Yeah, heard that before haven't you)
LOL!
I hope this helps, it been a long time since I was last interviewed.
Best of luck, let us know if you get the internship!!!!!
2006-07-31 11:13:23 · answer #1 · answered by fishergirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call and clarify that it is a phone interview. That is a screening process. If employers still like you after that and want to meet you, they usually pay for your flight or reimburse you for it. It might be different for an internship.
All the same rules apply during a phone interview. Sit up straight, don't chew gum, don't get casual just because you can't see them. Answer questions from the employers point of view. So when they ask you a question, you have done your research and know what their needs are and you can then become the perfect person to fill those needs. Good luck!
2006-07-31 10:56:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would email back and let him know that you are very interested in an interview and the best time to contact you by phone would beat ___________ (fill in the blank, and be sure you give a contact phone number). That way, you have left the door wide open for him to propose whatever arrangements it is he has in mind. If he does call back and want you to fly out for an interview, at that time you would be able to let him know that travel is not feasible for you, and you are not presuming anything either.
2006-07-31 10:55:30 · answer #3 · answered by gone 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's for an internship, then they also understand that you don't have a lot of experience with the job interviewing process. If there's something that's unclear, just ask for clarification when you call.
"Hi, I was calling back in response to your request to schedule an interview. Will this first round of interviews be in person, or can we schedule a conference call?" or something of that nature.
2006-07-31 10:50:04 · answer #4 · answered by keengrrl76 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about "Thank you for considering me for the position and I am available for your phone interview on Wednesday, anytime." That way, he is forced to be more specific if a formal interview is required.
2006-07-31 10:51:18 · answer #5 · answered by GP 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they read your resume, they know that you live in Texas. I don't think that they would expect you to fly out without some discussion first, and I don't think it sounds stupid to assume that it's a phone interview.
Relax...
2006-07-31 10:51:58 · answer #6 · answered by cassandra 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋