All the best for tomorrow CB. You've done all you can, just try to get a good nights sleep, if possible, as that will benefit you more than anything else at this stage. Good luck!

Thanks for the link. What I don't like and I'm glad I didn't fall for it was the idea of self-funding that is often pushed by some academics. I was encouraged by some to self fund and attempts were made to sell the idea on the basis that it would pay in the long run....thankfully I never believed that and actually did a funded PhD largely for the income it would provide!

That is good, I hope it all continues to go well. I would also respect them for their honesty as regards jobs because they're not setting you for disappointment but obviously it would be great if you got a job. Just my opinion, but it's better to try and get yourself out there sooner rather than later but remain disciplined as regards your PhD workload.

I hope it all works out.(up)

This is my understanding to answer some of your questions

1. No, you can start applying before submitting.
2. Not sure, but approaching the research group lead and
expressing your interest could be a starting point. Keep an eye on relevant websites to see what appeals to you and take it from there.
3. Not sure but I think supervisors decide on the examiners and approach them. Mine picked the examiners but consulted me.
4. I don't see why not if it's in their interest or they know you.

That's actually a really good suggestion so many thanks. I would take any job and apply for what I want from there. I am very bad at interviews as I view them as a real pressure and under pressure I most definitely engage my mouth well before my brain.

That's actually a really good suggestion so many thanks. I would take any job and apply for what I want from there. I am very bad at interviews as I view them as a real pressure and under pressure I most definitely engage my mouth well before my brain.

Oh and they're conducting interviews into next week. I feel like a needle in a haystack!!!

Hi Ady and everyone, got the stuff printed via a family member early this morning, arrived with a few minutes to spare (as I went to the wrong place!). The start of the interview was very promising and then I seriously messed it up:$ I could see I shocked them at one point and I shocked myself. I left the interview and nearly got wiped out by a lorry because I was so busy going back over what I should have said and shouldn't have said. I've a horrible feeling it's going to be one of those weeks:$:-( In fairness, if it was based on effort I'd get the job because everything was going against me even reaching interview :-s

Thanks all. Leaving now to try and access a printer before the interview. Strangely enough, I'd a terrible nights sleep...

Thanks all. Leaving now to try and access a printer before the interview. Strangely enough, I'd a terrible nights sleep...

Thanks to the both of you. Better to try, even if I feel :$ and at least they'll know I'm sincere and cared enough to attend. I'll set my alarm clock for a very early hour and try to print elsewhere. If I can't I'll do as StrawberryGirl has suggested. Thanks again!

Well I've had the day from hell and am feeling pretty bad (down) and so thanks to the kind person who considered me helpful today. I've now four stars and so at least I was productive in some way...(up)

Job interviews are very few and far between and I've seriously messed up. I was offered an interview for early tomorrow morning but was so focused on doing my corrections I read the letter and put it aside. This afternoon I returned to the letter and part of the interview entailed getting stuff of the internet to bring to interview and as I was doing this my internet went down, which never happens! Eventually it got working again and I was also required to take copies of a number of things for interview and the first page printed out OK and then it ran out of ink! Not a problem as I have an extra cartridge and went to use it but the other cartridge is jammed in the machine and I simply cannot get it out and boy have I tried!!!

Quite obviously some of this stuff is needed for interview and at this late hour there's nothing I can do about it so should I,

Ring first thing tomorrow and say I was very sick overnight and much to my regret I can't attend as I can't shake off the bug

Ring and tell the truth, even though it sounds like a lame excuse. I'd imagine they wouldn't be sympathetic to my lack of organisation (again this is very, very unlike me) and even if they saw the funny side I wouldn't have time to make it to interview.

Just learn from the experience and just don't contact them.

Any other suggestions?

Passed PhD (date of viva) (subject to minor corrections being approved).