Stacy Rollins was pensive as she waited for her interview with an investment banking firm. She felt well prepared because she had summarized all of her critical information into her résumé, which had been reviewed by her business communication professor prior to sending it to the recruiter. She felt well qualified for the position and wanted to make a good impression. She had been through three other interviews for different positions and had developed the ability to respond to questions that all of the recruiters seemed to have in common. Unlike the first three, however, this interview was going to be conducted as a teleconference. The recruiter placed the phone call, introduced herself, and added that she was placing Stacy on speakerphone, although she did not describe who else was in the room, listening in. The recruiter began the interview by saying, “Stacy, we have the résumé you e-mailed yesterday. It looks good. You are familiar with the job requirements, I suppose. We are seeking a candidate with superb analytical skills, demonstrated ability to work in team settings, and the ability to communicate and to manage communication effectively.” “Oh, yes!” Stacy replied. “I think I am a good match for your criteria.” The recruiter was silent for a moment. “So . . .” she said finally. A prolonged pause ensued. The recruiter said nothing further, though the phone line was apparently still open. Stacy was perplexed. She had not experienced this in other interviews. She did not know what to do.

1. Place yourself in Stacy’s shoes; knowing what you do about interviews, what would you do at this point?

2. What could the recruiter’s objective be for posing the non-question and then saying nothing further?

3. What advantages and disadvantages of conducting interviews by teleconference doesthis case demonstrate?