My interviewer was late, but our phone interview lasted about seven minutes. He finally called, and the first thing he mentioned was that my resume looked like a high school kid's, and that in comparison to other candidates, I was severely under-qualified. I responded that I really was not concerned with the other applicants, and that I would like to focus on discussing my qualifications during the time we set aside. Why was I selected for an interview? I was actually really excited when I received the notification that they requested to schedule an interview! I explained that I was able to achieve a 4.0 in my field, and that I learned in one of my business classes that students transitioning from college to their respective fields should showcase their education on their resume, followed the most recent and if possible, relevant, work experience. We discussed my administrative experience in another industry, and he pointed out that those claims were not on my resume. I explained this is because administrative experience is implied with accounting roles, but accounting experience is not implied with administrative roles, which is why I have differently structured resumes for different opportunities, but that a common theme throughout all of them is their transparency. When I wasn't be talked over and down to, I was able to mention some of my course work including a project company in QB and advanced excel. I was not able to mention where I completed my internship. At the end of the interview, he let me know they would not be pursuing my application, and I thanked him for his time and feedback.
Note to the interviewer:
Please don't waste your applicants' time.
Please refrain from comparing your applicant to other applicants unless it is somehow applicable.
Please avoid pursuing applications you have no intentions of reasonably considering.
Please reflect on your intentions as the interviewer.
Thank you for demonstrating the company culture before I made the 50 minute drive.
Thank you for being honest, I will make improvements to my resume based on your suggestions.
Thank you for showing me there is a contrast between interviewers that are interested in their candidates achievements and the interview we had.
Thank you for encouraging me to continue to look for an employer that is welcoming.
I wish you continued success, and I wish the candidate that fills that role good luck.