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Would it be rude to ask for a phone interview instead of an in-person interview?
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I've been searching for a new job as a software developer in the last few weeks and have noticed that in every single one of the interviews there's a pattern.
First, there's a "get to know you" interview with a HR representative, where I'm asked things like who do I live with, what do I expect of the position I'm being interviewed for, which were my past professional experiences and things like that.
After this interview with HR, there will most likely be a techinical interview.
The problem is that I'm searching for a job in a specific part of town. To get there, I have to leave earlier (and lose almost the whole afternoon) and come in later (and lost most of the morning), since my current company is kinda far from where I'm interviewing and I need to use public transportation.
So, would it be unprofessional, impolite or come off as if I didn't want the job that much if I ask if there really is a need for an in-person interview or if we could use the phone or skype?
Edit: I work as a web developer in Brazil.
professionalism interviewing software-development
asked Jul 18 '16 at 11:58
GustavoMP
1,6842816
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I've been searching for a new job as a software developer in the last few weeks and have noticed that in every single one of the interviews there's a pattern.
First, there's a "get to know you" interview with a HR representative, where I'm asked things like who do I live with, what do I expect of the position I'm being interviewed for, which were my past professional experiences and things like that.
After this interview with HR, there will most likely be a techinical interview.
The problem is that I'm searching for a job in a specific part of town. To get there, I have to leave earlier (and lose almost the whole afternoon) and come in later (and lost most of the morning), since my current company is kinda far from where I'm interviewing and I need to use public transportation.
So, would it be unprofessional, impolite or come off as if I didn't want the job that much if I ask if there really is a need for an in-person interview or if we could use the phone or skype?
Edit: I work as a web developer in Brazil.
professionalism interviewing software-development
asked Jul 18 '16 at 11:58
GustavoMP
1,6842816
9
"I'm asked things like who do I live with" - Are you really asked this in interviews? In the US, this is a completely irrelevant and inappropriate question to ask in a job interview.
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:23
@alroc yes, and I find it quite absurd. Here where I live (Brazil) most HR people are clueless about what to do in interviews. If there's a thing I'm 100% SURE I'll be asked is where and with who do I live,
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:34
@GustavoMP so refuse to answer the question (politely). "I don't believe that my living arrangements are pertinent to my job application."
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:36
2
@alroc I'm afraid I would risk not getting any job at all by doing that. Like I said, every company asks that. Must be something cultural. Anyway, I don't really care about answering. I'm just annoyed to lose half of a work day to answer dumb questions in a 10 minutes interview that could very well be answered through phone.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:37
I think if you have video capability so the folks interviewing you can see your expressions, it would be a lot easier to arrange. Phone interviews are enough for the basics, but I don't think I would be serious about a job candidate until I've actually interacted with them "face to face". I can't tell over a phone whether the candidate is looking up the answer to my questions, or whether they seem genuinely interested in the job.
– ColleenV
Jul 18 '16 at 12:52
 |Â
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up vote
2
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up vote
2
down vote
favorite
I've been searching for a new job as a software developer in the last few weeks and have noticed that in every single one of the interviews there's a pattern.
First, there's a "get to know you" interview with a HR representative, where I'm asked things like who do I live with, what do I expect of the position I'm being interviewed for, which were my past professional experiences and things like that.
After this interview with HR, there will most likely be a techinical interview.
The problem is that I'm searching for a job in a specific part of town. To get there, I have to leave earlier (and lose almost the whole afternoon) and come in later (and lost most of the morning), since my current company is kinda far from where I'm interviewing and I need to use public transportation.
So, would it be unprofessional, impolite or come off as if I didn't want the job that much if I ask if there really is a need for an in-person interview or if we could use the phone or skype?
Edit: I work as a web developer in Brazil.
professionalism interviewing software-development
asked Jul 18 '16 at 11:58
GustavoMP
1,6842816
I've been searching for a new job as a software developer in the last few weeks and have noticed that in every single one of the interviews there's a pattern.
First, there's a "get to know you" interview with a HR representative, where I'm asked things like who do I live with, what do I expect of the position I'm being interviewed for, which were my past professional experiences and things like that.
After this interview with HR, there will most likely be a techinical interview.
The problem is that I'm searching for a job in a specific part of town. To get there, I have to leave earlier (and lose almost the whole afternoon) and come in later (and lost most of the morning), since my current company is kinda far from where I'm interviewing and I need to use public transportation.
So, would it be unprofessional, impolite or come off as if I didn't want the job that much if I ask if there really is a need for an in-person interview or if we could use the phone or skype?
Edit: I work as a web developer in Brazil.
professionalism interviewing software-development
asked Jul 18 '16 at 11:58
GustavoMP
1,6842816
edited Jul 18 '16 at 12:47
asked Jul 18 '16 at 11:58
GustavoMP
1,6842816
asked Jul 18 '16 at 11:58
GustavoMP
1,6842816
asked Jul 18 '16 at 11:58
GustavoMP
1,6842816
1,6842816
9
"I'm asked things like who do I live with" - Are you really asked this in interviews? In the US, this is a completely irrelevant and inappropriate question to ask in a job interview.
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:23
@alroc yes, and I find it quite absurd. Here where I live (Brazil) most HR people are clueless about what to do in interviews. If there's a thing I'm 100% SURE I'll be asked is where and with who do I live,
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:34
@GustavoMP so refuse to answer the question (politely). "I don't believe that my living arrangements are pertinent to my job application."
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:36
2
@alroc I'm afraid I would risk not getting any job at all by doing that. Like I said, every company asks that. Must be something cultural. Anyway, I don't really care about answering. I'm just annoyed to lose half of a work day to answer dumb questions in a 10 minutes interview that could very well be answered through phone.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:37
I think if you have video capability so the folks interviewing you can see your expressions, it would be a lot easier to arrange. Phone interviews are enough for the basics, but I don't think I would be serious about a job candidate until I've actually interacted with them "face to face". I can't tell over a phone whether the candidate is looking up the answer to my questions, or whether they seem genuinely interested in the job.
– ColleenV
Jul 18 '16 at 12:52
 |Â
show 1 more comment
9
"I'm asked things like who do I live with" - Are you really asked this in interviews? In the US, this is a completely irrelevant and inappropriate question to ask in a job interview.
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:23
@alroc yes, and I find it quite absurd. Here where I live (Brazil) most HR people are clueless about what to do in interviews. If there's a thing I'm 100% SURE I'll be asked is where and with who do I live,
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:34
@GustavoMP so refuse to answer the question (politely). "I don't believe that my living arrangements are pertinent to my job application."
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:36
2
@alroc I'm afraid I would risk not getting any job at all by doing that. Like I said, every company asks that. Must be something cultural. Anyway, I don't really care about answering. I'm just annoyed to lose half of a work day to answer dumb questions in a 10 minutes interview that could very well be answered through phone.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:37
I think if you have video capability so the folks interviewing you can see your expressions, it would be a lot easier to arrange. Phone interviews are enough for the basics, but I don't think I would be serious about a job candidate until I've actually interacted with them "face to face". I can't tell over a phone whether the candidate is looking up the answer to my questions, or whether they seem genuinely interested in the job.
– ColleenV
Jul 18 '16 at 12:52
9
9
"I'm asked things like who do I live with" - Are you really asked this in interviews? In the US, this is a completely irrelevant and inappropriate question to ask in a job interview.
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:23
"I'm asked things like who do I live with" - Are you really asked this in interviews? In the US, this is a completely irrelevant and inappropriate question to ask in a job interview.
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:23
@alroc yes, and I find it quite absurd. Here where I live (Brazil) most HR people are clueless about what to do in interviews. If there's a thing I'm 100% SURE I'll be asked is where and with who do I live,
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:34
@alroc yes, and I find it quite absurd. Here where I live (Brazil) most HR people are clueless about what to do in interviews. If there's a thing I'm 100% SURE I'll be asked is where and with who do I live,
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:34
@GustavoMP so refuse to answer the question (politely). "I don't believe that my living arrangements are pertinent to my job application."
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:36
@GustavoMP so refuse to answer the question (politely). "I don't believe that my living arrangements are pertinent to my job application."
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:36
2
2
@alroc I'm afraid I would risk not getting any job at all by doing that. Like I said, every company asks that. Must be something cultural. Anyway, I don't really care about answering. I'm just annoyed to lose half of a work day to answer dumb questions in a 10 minutes interview that could very well be answered through phone.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:37
@alroc I'm afraid I would risk not getting any job at all by doing that. Like I said, every company asks that. Must be something cultural. Anyway, I don't really care about answering. I'm just annoyed to lose half of a work day to answer dumb questions in a 10 minutes interview that could very well be answered through phone.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:37
I think if you have video capability so the folks interviewing you can see your expressions, it would be a lot easier to arrange. Phone interviews are enough for the basics, but I don't think I would be serious about a job candidate until I've actually interacted with them "face to face". I can't tell over a phone whether the candidate is looking up the answer to my questions, or whether they seem genuinely interested in the job.
– ColleenV
Jul 18 '16 at 12:52
I think if you have video capability so the folks interviewing you can see your expressions, it would be a lot easier to arrange. Phone interviews are enough for the basics, but I don't think I would be serious about a job candidate until I've actually interacted with them "face to face". I can't tell over a phone whether the candidate is looking up the answer to my questions, or whether they seem genuinely interested in the job.
– ColleenV
Jul 18 '16 at 12:52
 |Â
show 1 more comment
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
9
down vote
accepted
Would it be rude to ask for a phone interview instead of an in-person interview?
Yes. Rude and presumptuous. Like it or not, there's a power disparity when it comes to hiring which means that the hiring manager or HR get to dictate how their process moves. If they skip phone screens and want to jump straight to an in-person interview then you can't really ask them to change the fundamentals of their process. There are many reasons for doing interviews in person and a lot of them are reasonable. It's also not the company's concern that you are inconvenienced by being far away from their location, that's part and parcel of applying for positions that would require relocating or dealing with a long commute.
Now you can ask to do a phone screen in addition to and before the in-person interview. Phone screens are also common for a good reason and it's reasonable to ask to speak to the hiring manager or HR before taking time off work to attend an interview. That's entirely reasonable to ask and people with experience in hiring will generally be willing to do so. Discussing the benefits of phone screens would take this post too far but suffice to say that their main goal is to save time for all parties involved. A quick phone call can quickly identify deal-breakers that would invalidate an application.
Say or write something like:
Thank you for inviting me to interview. Since I'd like to avoid wasting your time I was wondering if it would be possible to arrange a quick phone call to discuss the position and [pick one or more of]:
- get aligned on the type of profile that you're looking for
- see if I could be a good fit for your culture
- get an idea of the salary range [can come across as aggressive to bring up early but if you're spoilt for choice and especially if they contacted you this is fine to ask]
- ...
Note that this avoids mentioning anything about the inconvenience to you because that's really not the company's concern. Good hiring managers will always try to accommodate candidates, especially in high-demand sectors, but the reality of job interviews is that they will always take a chunk out of a regular work day.
answered Jul 18 '16 at 14:53
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
+1 for phrasing the request in a way that highlights the benefits to the other party
– thelem
Jul 18 '16 at 15:07
Thanks for the answer. I hope that by doing what you suggest I can avoid some issues I had in the past, like people plain lying about what they were willing to pay.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 16:08
@GustavoMP I can't speak to the situation in Brazil but no reputable company should ever be lying about their salary range. Off course you'll fall somewhere on that salary range. Plenty of people hear X-Y and only remember Y.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 18 '16 at 18:21
@Lilienthal happened to me a few weeks ago. They asked how much I wanted on the first contact, via phone, a few days before the interview. I said X. After one hour of interview, they said the max they could pay for that position was half of X. A lot less than what I earn now. Anyway, there's so much wrong in the hiring process of most companies here... I'll try doing what you said.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 18:29
1
@Lilienthal - I think we agree. Just a different definition in our terminology. I read the OP's post and interpreted their use of "interview" as the phone screening because they specifically said 10 minute talk with HR. The way your post was originally worded, I thought you didn't even think a phone screen for that was acceptable. But I think you interpreted "interview" as the actual "interview". I don't know why anyone would try and get out of that unless it is a short term job, after all, you don't want to accept a job and show up and absolutely hate the place for whatever reason.
– Dunk
Jul 22 '16 at 16:16
 |Â
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up vote
2
down vote
One thing I have learned over the years is that you can ask for anything, as long as you are willing the accept the result. In this case HR may be fine with the request and give you a phone interview, however they also may decide that you are already making demands and being difficult so why should they bother to continue the interview process.
You don't mention where you are or what job you are interviewing for. If you are in a high demand low supply industry you may be more successful in putting restrictions on the interview. Good luck.
answered Jul 18 '16 at 12:45
JasonJ
6,47041334
If asking for an initial phone screen in lieu of taking off from work is considered "being difficult" then I certainly wouldn't want to work for that company. A company like that would probably consider asking for your paycheck that they are 2 weeks late depositing as being difficult. Of course if you "demand" the phone interview in a demanding way then you probably are a difficult person. However, a simple I'm currently employed and don't have much leave time remaining, could we please do an initial phone screen before an in-person visit just to be sure you are interested should be fine.
– Dunk
Jul 19 '16 at 22:29
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
You should phrase your response more towards "asking" in the sense of inquiring (perguntar), rather than requesting (pedir). Ask something like "How flexible are you as far as in-person versus phone interviews?" Your goal should be to come across as trying to find out what the company's needs are (they really feel like an in-person interview is crucial versus they don't really care and are just offering it as a default), rather than trying to get them to accommodate yours.
answered Apr 27 at 18:44
Acccumulation
1,48029
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
9
down vote
accepted
Would it be rude to ask for a phone interview instead of an in-person interview?
Yes. Rude and presumptuous. Like it or not, there's a power disparity when it comes to hiring which means that the hiring manager or HR get to dictate how their process moves. If they skip phone screens and want to jump straight to an in-person interview then you can't really ask them to change the fundamentals of their process. There are many reasons for doing interviews in person and a lot of them are reasonable. It's also not the company's concern that you are inconvenienced by being far away from their location, that's part and parcel of applying for positions that would require relocating or dealing with a long commute.
Now you can ask to do a phone screen in addition to and before the in-person interview. Phone screens are also common for a good reason and it's reasonable to ask to speak to the hiring manager or HR before taking time off work to attend an interview. That's entirely reasonable to ask and people with experience in hiring will generally be willing to do so. Discussing the benefits of phone screens would take this post too far but suffice to say that their main goal is to save time for all parties involved. A quick phone call can quickly identify deal-breakers that would invalidate an application.
Say or write something like:
Thank you for inviting me to interview. Since I'd like to avoid wasting your time I was wondering if it would be possible to arrange a quick phone call to discuss the position and [pick one or more of]:
- get aligned on the type of profile that you're looking for
- see if I could be a good fit for your culture
- get an idea of the salary range [can come across as aggressive to bring up early but if you're spoilt for choice and especially if they contacted you this is fine to ask]
- ...
Note that this avoids mentioning anything about the inconvenience to you because that's really not the company's concern. Good hiring managers will always try to accommodate candidates, especially in high-demand sectors, but the reality of job interviews is that they will always take a chunk out of a regular work day.
answered Jul 18 '16 at 14:53
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
+1 for phrasing the request in a way that highlights the benefits to the other party
– thelem
Jul 18 '16 at 15:07
Thanks for the answer. I hope that by doing what you suggest I can avoid some issues I had in the past, like people plain lying about what they were willing to pay.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 16:08
@GustavoMP I can't speak to the situation in Brazil but no reputable company should ever be lying about their salary range. Off course you'll fall somewhere on that salary range. Plenty of people hear X-Y and only remember Y.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 18 '16 at 18:21
@Lilienthal happened to me a few weeks ago. They asked how much I wanted on the first contact, via phone, a few days before the interview. I said X. After one hour of interview, they said the max they could pay for that position was half of X. A lot less than what I earn now. Anyway, there's so much wrong in the hiring process of most companies here... I'll try doing what you said.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 18:29
1
@Lilienthal - I think we agree. Just a different definition in our terminology. I read the OP's post and interpreted their use of "interview" as the phone screening because they specifically said 10 minute talk with HR. The way your post was originally worded, I thought you didn't even think a phone screen for that was acceptable. But I think you interpreted "interview" as the actual "interview". I don't know why anyone would try and get out of that unless it is a short term job, after all, you don't want to accept a job and show up and absolutely hate the place for whatever reason.
– Dunk
Jul 22 '16 at 16:16
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
9
down vote
accepted
Would it be rude to ask for a phone interview instead of an in-person interview?
Yes. Rude and presumptuous. Like it or not, there's a power disparity when it comes to hiring which means that the hiring manager or HR get to dictate how their process moves. If they skip phone screens and want to jump straight to an in-person interview then you can't really ask them to change the fundamentals of their process. There are many reasons for doing interviews in person and a lot of them are reasonable. It's also not the company's concern that you are inconvenienced by being far away from their location, that's part and parcel of applying for positions that would require relocating or dealing with a long commute.
Now you can ask to do a phone screen in addition to and before the in-person interview. Phone screens are also common for a good reason and it's reasonable to ask to speak to the hiring manager or HR before taking time off work to attend an interview. That's entirely reasonable to ask and people with experience in hiring will generally be willing to do so. Discussing the benefits of phone screens would take this post too far but suffice to say that their main goal is to save time for all parties involved. A quick phone call can quickly identify deal-breakers that would invalidate an application.
Say or write something like:
Thank you for inviting me to interview. Since I'd like to avoid wasting your time I was wondering if it would be possible to arrange a quick phone call to discuss the position and [pick one or more of]:
- get aligned on the type of profile that you're looking for
- see if I could be a good fit for your culture
- get an idea of the salary range [can come across as aggressive to bring up early but if you're spoilt for choice and especially if they contacted you this is fine to ask]
- ...
Note that this avoids mentioning anything about the inconvenience to you because that's really not the company's concern. Good hiring managers will always try to accommodate candidates, especially in high-demand sectors, but the reality of job interviews is that they will always take a chunk out of a regular work day.
answered Jul 18 '16 at 14:53
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
+1 for phrasing the request in a way that highlights the benefits to the other party
– thelem
Jul 18 '16 at 15:07
Thanks for the answer. I hope that by doing what you suggest I can avoid some issues I had in the past, like people plain lying about what they were willing to pay.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 16:08
@GustavoMP I can't speak to the situation in Brazil but no reputable company should ever be lying about their salary range. Off course you'll fall somewhere on that salary range. Plenty of people hear X-Y and only remember Y.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 18 '16 at 18:21
@Lilienthal happened to me a few weeks ago. They asked how much I wanted on the first contact, via phone, a few days before the interview. I said X. After one hour of interview, they said the max they could pay for that position was half of X. A lot less than what I earn now. Anyway, there's so much wrong in the hiring process of most companies here... I'll try doing what you said.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 18:29
1
@Lilienthal - I think we agree. Just a different definition in our terminology. I read the OP's post and interpreted their use of "interview" as the phone screening because they specifically said 10 minute talk with HR. The way your post was originally worded, I thought you didn't even think a phone screen for that was acceptable. But I think you interpreted "interview" as the actual "interview". I don't know why anyone would try and get out of that unless it is a short term job, after all, you don't want to accept a job and show up and absolutely hate the place for whatever reason.
– Dunk
Jul 22 '16 at 16:16
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
9
down vote
accepted
up vote
9
down vote
accepted
Would it be rude to ask for a phone interview instead of an in-person interview?
Yes. Rude and presumptuous. Like it or not, there's a power disparity when it comes to hiring which means that the hiring manager or HR get to dictate how their process moves. If they skip phone screens and want to jump straight to an in-person interview then you can't really ask them to change the fundamentals of their process. There are many reasons for doing interviews in person and a lot of them are reasonable. It's also not the company's concern that you are inconvenienced by being far away from their location, that's part and parcel of applying for positions that would require relocating or dealing with a long commute.
Now you can ask to do a phone screen in addition to and before the in-person interview. Phone screens are also common for a good reason and it's reasonable to ask to speak to the hiring manager or HR before taking time off work to attend an interview. That's entirely reasonable to ask and people with experience in hiring will generally be willing to do so. Discussing the benefits of phone screens would take this post too far but suffice to say that their main goal is to save time for all parties involved. A quick phone call can quickly identify deal-breakers that would invalidate an application.
Say or write something like:
Thank you for inviting me to interview. Since I'd like to avoid wasting your time I was wondering if it would be possible to arrange a quick phone call to discuss the position and [pick one or more of]:
- get aligned on the type of profile that you're looking for
- see if I could be a good fit for your culture
- get an idea of the salary range [can come across as aggressive to bring up early but if you're spoilt for choice and especially if they contacted you this is fine to ask]
- ...
Note that this avoids mentioning anything about the inconvenience to you because that's really not the company's concern. Good hiring managers will always try to accommodate candidates, especially in high-demand sectors, but the reality of job interviews is that they will always take a chunk out of a regular work day.
answered Jul 18 '16 at 14:53
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
Would it be rude to ask for a phone interview instead of an in-person interview?
Yes. Rude and presumptuous. Like it or not, there's a power disparity when it comes to hiring which means that the hiring manager or HR get to dictate how their process moves. If they skip phone screens and want to jump straight to an in-person interview then you can't really ask them to change the fundamentals of their process. There are many reasons for doing interviews in person and a lot of them are reasonable. It's also not the company's concern that you are inconvenienced by being far away from their location, that's part and parcel of applying for positions that would require relocating or dealing with a long commute.
Now you can ask to do a phone screen in addition to and before the in-person interview. Phone screens are also common for a good reason and it's reasonable to ask to speak to the hiring manager or HR before taking time off work to attend an interview. That's entirely reasonable to ask and people with experience in hiring will generally be willing to do so. Discussing the benefits of phone screens would take this post too far but suffice to say that their main goal is to save time for all parties involved. A quick phone call can quickly identify deal-breakers that would invalidate an application.
Say or write something like:
Thank you for inviting me to interview. Since I'd like to avoid wasting your time I was wondering if it would be possible to arrange a quick phone call to discuss the position and [pick one or more of]:
- get aligned on the type of profile that you're looking for
- see if I could be a good fit for your culture
- get an idea of the salary range [can come across as aggressive to bring up early but if you're spoilt for choice and especially if they contacted you this is fine to ask]
- ...
Note that this avoids mentioning anything about the inconvenience to you because that's really not the company's concern. Good hiring managers will always try to accommodate candidates, especially in high-demand sectors, but the reality of job interviews is that they will always take a chunk out of a regular work day.
answered Jul 18 '16 at 14:53
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
answered Jul 18 '16 at 14:53
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
answered Jul 18 '16 at 14:53
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
answered Jul 18 '16 at 14:53
Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
53.9k36183218
+1 for phrasing the request in a way that highlights the benefits to the other party
– thelem
Jul 18 '16 at 15:07
Thanks for the answer. I hope that by doing what you suggest I can avoid some issues I had in the past, like people plain lying about what they were willing to pay.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 16:08
@GustavoMP I can't speak to the situation in Brazil but no reputable company should ever be lying about their salary range. Off course you'll fall somewhere on that salary range. Plenty of people hear X-Y and only remember Y.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 18 '16 at 18:21
@Lilienthal happened to me a few weeks ago. They asked how much I wanted on the first contact, via phone, a few days before the interview. I said X. After one hour of interview, they said the max they could pay for that position was half of X. A lot less than what I earn now. Anyway, there's so much wrong in the hiring process of most companies here... I'll try doing what you said.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 18:29
1
@Lilienthal - I think we agree. Just a different definition in our terminology. I read the OP's post and interpreted their use of "interview" as the phone screening because they specifically said 10 minute talk with HR. The way your post was originally worded, I thought you didn't even think a phone screen for that was acceptable. But I think you interpreted "interview" as the actual "interview". I don't know why anyone would try and get out of that unless it is a short term job, after all, you don't want to accept a job and show up and absolutely hate the place for whatever reason.
– Dunk
Jul 22 '16 at 16:16
 |Â
show 2 more comments
+1 for phrasing the request in a way that highlights the benefits to the other party
– thelem
Jul 18 '16 at 15:07
Thanks for the answer. I hope that by doing what you suggest I can avoid some issues I had in the past, like people plain lying about what they were willing to pay.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 16:08
@GustavoMP I can't speak to the situation in Brazil but no reputable company should ever be lying about their salary range. Off course you'll fall somewhere on that salary range. Plenty of people hear X-Y and only remember Y.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 18 '16 at 18:21
@Lilienthal happened to me a few weeks ago. They asked how much I wanted on the first contact, via phone, a few days before the interview. I said X. After one hour of interview, they said the max they could pay for that position was half of X. A lot less than what I earn now. Anyway, there's so much wrong in the hiring process of most companies here... I'll try doing what you said.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 18:29
1
@Lilienthal - I think we agree. Just a different definition in our terminology. I read the OP's post and interpreted their use of "interview" as the phone screening because they specifically said 10 minute talk with HR. The way your post was originally worded, I thought you didn't even think a phone screen for that was acceptable. But I think you interpreted "interview" as the actual "interview". I don't know why anyone would try and get out of that unless it is a short term job, after all, you don't want to accept a job and show up and absolutely hate the place for whatever reason.
– Dunk
Jul 22 '16 at 16:16
+1 for phrasing the request in a way that highlights the benefits to the other party
– thelem
Jul 18 '16 at 15:07
+1 for phrasing the request in a way that highlights the benefits to the other party
– thelem
Jul 18 '16 at 15:07
Thanks for the answer. I hope that by doing what you suggest I can avoid some issues I had in the past, like people plain lying about what they were willing to pay.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 16:08
Thanks for the answer. I hope that by doing what you suggest I can avoid some issues I had in the past, like people plain lying about what they were willing to pay.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 16:08
@GustavoMP I can't speak to the situation in Brazil but no reputable company should ever be lying about their salary range. Off course you'll fall somewhere on that salary range. Plenty of people hear X-Y and only remember Y.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 18 '16 at 18:21
@GustavoMP I can't speak to the situation in Brazil but no reputable company should ever be lying about their salary range. Off course you'll fall somewhere on that salary range. Plenty of people hear X-Y and only remember Y.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 18 '16 at 18:21
@Lilienthal happened to me a few weeks ago. They asked how much I wanted on the first contact, via phone, a few days before the interview. I said X. After one hour of interview, they said the max they could pay for that position was half of X. A lot less than what I earn now. Anyway, there's so much wrong in the hiring process of most companies here... I'll try doing what you said.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 18:29
@Lilienthal happened to me a few weeks ago. They asked how much I wanted on the first contact, via phone, a few days before the interview. I said X. After one hour of interview, they said the max they could pay for that position was half of X. A lot less than what I earn now. Anyway, there's so much wrong in the hiring process of most companies here... I'll try doing what you said.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 18:29
1
1
@Lilienthal - I think we agree. Just a different definition in our terminology. I read the OP's post and interpreted their use of "interview" as the phone screening because they specifically said 10 minute talk with HR. The way your post was originally worded, I thought you didn't even think a phone screen for that was acceptable. But I think you interpreted "interview" as the actual "interview". I don't know why anyone would try and get out of that unless it is a short term job, after all, you don't want to accept a job and show up and absolutely hate the place for whatever reason.
– Dunk
Jul 22 '16 at 16:16
@Lilienthal - I think we agree. Just a different definition in our terminology. I read the OP's post and interpreted their use of "interview" as the phone screening because they specifically said 10 minute talk with HR. The way your post was originally worded, I thought you didn't even think a phone screen for that was acceptable. But I think you interpreted "interview" as the actual "interview". I don't know why anyone would try and get out of that unless it is a short term job, after all, you don't want to accept a job and show up and absolutely hate the place for whatever reason.
– Dunk
Jul 22 '16 at 16:16
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
One thing I have learned over the years is that you can ask for anything, as long as you are willing the accept the result. In this case HR may be fine with the request and give you a phone interview, however they also may decide that you are already making demands and being difficult so why should they bother to continue the interview process.
You don't mention where you are or what job you are interviewing for. If you are in a high demand low supply industry you may be more successful in putting restrictions on the interview. Good luck.
answered Jul 18 '16 at 12:45
JasonJ
6,47041334
If asking for an initial phone screen in lieu of taking off from work is considered "being difficult" then I certainly wouldn't want to work for that company. A company like that would probably consider asking for your paycheck that they are 2 weeks late depositing as being difficult. Of course if you "demand" the phone interview in a demanding way then you probably are a difficult person. However, a simple I'm currently employed and don't have much leave time remaining, could we please do an initial phone screen before an in-person visit just to be sure you are interested should be fine.
– Dunk
Jul 19 '16 at 22:29
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
One thing I have learned over the years is that you can ask for anything, as long as you are willing the accept the result. In this case HR may be fine with the request and give you a phone interview, however they also may decide that you are already making demands and being difficult so why should they bother to continue the interview process.
You don't mention where you are or what job you are interviewing for. If you are in a high demand low supply industry you may be more successful in putting restrictions on the interview. Good luck.
answered Jul 18 '16 at 12:45
JasonJ
6,47041334
If asking for an initial phone screen in lieu of taking off from work is considered "being difficult" then I certainly wouldn't want to work for that company. A company like that would probably consider asking for your paycheck that they are 2 weeks late depositing as being difficult. Of course if you "demand" the phone interview in a demanding way then you probably are a difficult person. However, a simple I'm currently employed and don't have much leave time remaining, could we please do an initial phone screen before an in-person visit just to be sure you are interested should be fine.
– Dunk
Jul 19 '16 at 22:29
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
One thing I have learned over the years is that you can ask for anything, as long as you are willing the accept the result. In this case HR may be fine with the request and give you a phone interview, however they also may decide that you are already making demands and being difficult so why should they bother to continue the interview process.
You don't mention where you are or what job you are interviewing for. If you are in a high demand low supply industry you may be more successful in putting restrictions on the interview. Good luck.
answered Jul 18 '16 at 12:45
JasonJ
6,47041334
One thing I have learned over the years is that you can ask for anything, as long as you are willing the accept the result. In this case HR may be fine with the request and give you a phone interview, however they also may decide that you are already making demands and being difficult so why should they bother to continue the interview process.
You don't mention where you are or what job you are interviewing for. If you are in a high demand low supply industry you may be more successful in putting restrictions on the interview. Good luck.
answered Jul 18 '16 at 12:45
JasonJ
6,47041334
answered Jul 18 '16 at 12:45
JasonJ
6,47041334
answered Jul 18 '16 at 12:45
JasonJ
6,47041334
answered Jul 18 '16 at 12:45
JasonJ
6,47041334
6,47041334
If asking for an initial phone screen in lieu of taking off from work is considered "being difficult" then I certainly wouldn't want to work for that company. A company like that would probably consider asking for your paycheck that they are 2 weeks late depositing as being difficult. Of course if you "demand" the phone interview in a demanding way then you probably are a difficult person. However, a simple I'm currently employed and don't have much leave time remaining, could we please do an initial phone screen before an in-person visit just to be sure you are interested should be fine.
– Dunk
Jul 19 '16 at 22:29
suggest improvements |Â
If asking for an initial phone screen in lieu of taking off from work is considered "being difficult" then I certainly wouldn't want to work for that company. A company like that would probably consider asking for your paycheck that they are 2 weeks late depositing as being difficult. Of course if you "demand" the phone interview in a demanding way then you probably are a difficult person. However, a simple I'm currently employed and don't have much leave time remaining, could we please do an initial phone screen before an in-person visit just to be sure you are interested should be fine.
– Dunk
Jul 19 '16 at 22:29
If asking for an initial phone screen in lieu of taking off from work is considered "being difficult" then I certainly wouldn't want to work for that company. A company like that would probably consider asking for your paycheck that they are 2 weeks late depositing as being difficult. Of course if you "demand" the phone interview in a demanding way then you probably are a difficult person. However, a simple I'm currently employed and don't have much leave time remaining, could we please do an initial phone screen before an in-person visit just to be sure you are interested should be fine.
– Dunk
Jul 19 '16 at 22:29
If asking for an initial phone screen in lieu of taking off from work is considered "being difficult" then I certainly wouldn't want to work for that company. A company like that would probably consider asking for your paycheck that they are 2 weeks late depositing as being difficult. Of course if you "demand" the phone interview in a demanding way then you probably are a difficult person. However, a simple I'm currently employed and don't have much leave time remaining, could we please do an initial phone screen before an in-person visit just to be sure you are interested should be fine.
– Dunk
Jul 19 '16 at 22:29
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
You should phrase your response more towards "asking" in the sense of inquiring (perguntar), rather than requesting (pedir). Ask something like "How flexible are you as far as in-person versus phone interviews?" Your goal should be to come across as trying to find out what the company's needs are (they really feel like an in-person interview is crucial versus they don't really care and are just offering it as a default), rather than trying to get them to accommodate yours.
answered Apr 27 at 18:44
Acccumulation
1,48029
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
You should phrase your response more towards "asking" in the sense of inquiring (perguntar), rather than requesting (pedir). Ask something like "How flexible are you as far as in-person versus phone interviews?" Your goal should be to come across as trying to find out what the company's needs are (they really feel like an in-person interview is crucial versus they don't really care and are just offering it as a default), rather than trying to get them to accommodate yours.
answered Apr 27 at 18:44
Acccumulation
1,48029
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
You should phrase your response more towards "asking" in the sense of inquiring (perguntar), rather than requesting (pedir). Ask something like "How flexible are you as far as in-person versus phone interviews?" Your goal should be to come across as trying to find out what the company's needs are (they really feel like an in-person interview is crucial versus they don't really care and are just offering it as a default), rather than trying to get them to accommodate yours.
answered Apr 27 at 18:44
Acccumulation
1,48029
You should phrase your response more towards "asking" in the sense of inquiring (perguntar), rather than requesting (pedir). Ask something like "How flexible are you as far as in-person versus phone interviews?" Your goal should be to come across as trying to find out what the company's needs are (they really feel like an in-person interview is crucial versus they don't really care and are just offering it as a default), rather than trying to get them to accommodate yours.
answered Apr 27 at 18:44
Acccumulation
1,48029
answered Apr 27 at 18:44
Acccumulation
1,48029
answered Apr 27 at 18:44
Acccumulation
1,48029
answered Apr 27 at 18:44
Acccumulation
1,48029
1,48029
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
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9
"I'm asked things like who do I live with" - Are you really asked this in interviews? In the US, this is a completely irrelevant and inappropriate question to ask in a job interview.
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:23
@alroc yes, and I find it quite absurd. Here where I live (Brazil) most HR people are clueless about what to do in interviews. If there's a thing I'm 100% SURE I'll be asked is where and with who do I live,
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:34
@GustavoMP so refuse to answer the question (politely). "I don't believe that my living arrangements are pertinent to my job application."
– alroc
Jul 18 '16 at 12:36
2
@alroc I'm afraid I would risk not getting any job at all by doing that. Like I said, every company asks that. Must be something cultural. Anyway, I don't really care about answering. I'm just annoyed to lose half of a work day to answer dumb questions in a 10 minutes interview that could very well be answered through phone.
– GustavoMP
Jul 18 '16 at 12:37
I think if you have video capability so the folks interviewing you can see your expressions, it would be a lot easier to arrange. Phone interviews are enough for the basics, but I don't think I would be serious about a job candidate until I've actually interacted with them "face to face". I can't tell over a phone whether the candidate is looking up the answer to my questions, or whether they seem genuinely interested in the job.
– ColleenV
Jul 18 '16 at 12:52