What do you do if your phone rings during an interview?

Answer 1

First of all, it is important to catch your initial reaction. DO NOT curse in front of the interview panel.

Then, turn the phone off as quickly as possible and apologize. Say "Oh, I am so sorry" and move on. Don't dwell on it. Don't make a million excuses. If you had to leave the phone on because your grandmother is in the hospital you should have told them when the interview started. And they don't want to hear that this never happens to you, because it obviously just did.

Continue the interview as if nothing had happened. Don't let it throw you off. ---- Secondly, turn your phone off before you enter the interview.

Answer 2

What does or does not happen in an interview depends on so many factors: the size and type of company; the expertise and experience of the interviewer; the kind and level of job you’re applying to. Generally speaking, a phone ringing in an interview setting suggests poor planning on the part of the interviewer. However, it may also be an interviewer’s tactic to see how the candidate responds to an unusual incident while under pressure. Whether deliberate or accidental, a ringing phone signals a disruption that tests the wits, courtesy, and ability to handle stress, of the candidate. Acceptable responses include the candidate pausing briefly, without speaking, to give the interviewer a moment to respond and/or asking the interviewer if s/he would like you to step out of the room so the phone can be answered. Regardless, the decision is up to the interviewer whether or not to address the call, and if s/he chooses not to, and ignores the phone, then your task is to proceed as it rings without becoming rattled or distracted. Clare Keating for 3C Communications Consulting Group Here is my rule for any situation where a phone rings while you are talking to someone. If you have a relationship to build, offer the persuant to "grab that if you wish." You only have 2 seconds to alow the person to answer the call before the caller hangs up. If the interviewer thinks it will take long he/she will be long, the decision will be made in one second. Then its up to yourself to judge if he/she handles you properly.