So I'm not the only one that finds the concept of a "template" CV rather disturbing... ? :D

Some courses don't get classed like that at all! XD My MRes won't be classified anyway... and I mean everyone on the course, not that I'm so terrible they're refusing to classify me!

Forgive me if its not my place to ask, but what is your partner actually doing while you're working on your PhD?

Depends on the subject: I'm sure most science ones have compulsory interviews unless you are going straight through from an undergrad or Masters level lab project.

Humanities, no idea... but I am under the impression the whole process is different from sciences.

O_o Whats the point?! Surely, you jest!

Anyways if all you want it for is to return to the "student life" then you will find it is very different from undergrad! But yes, its not just for job prospects, by that stage you should have your own motivation, enjoyment etc

I'm sure it happens to the best of us. :)

I was actually told an interview a few years ago that I had got the place but a few weeks later I got an email from the other supervisor that in fact, I hadn't and someone with an excellent 1st had turned up after me! :D Whoops! :D It pissed me off something rotten but in the long term I've probably been better off.

By the sounds of it, this is probably a "Whoops!" and they hit "Reply to All" or something similar. I would take it as a compliment, it might have been that they had some really dire applicants and were relieved to see you! :D

Doppio espresso is where its at, yo. XD

:D Only one other forum refer to me as "Mambo", I don't know you, do I? :D he he

Anyways he won't say which is why I got a bit worried... but I am getting interviews so I assume all is well so far. Unless of course the lab where I had my most recent interview haven't asked for references yet.

I've usually had both interview me... it should say who is interviewing you in the invite, surely.

I always refer to people by their title if I perceive them to be superior to me... I guess that was just the way I was brought up. Everyone else here refers to everyone else by name, though.

I assume "statement of research" is the same thing as a proposal? Or is it more similar to a covering letter?

Rather than start a new topic I thought I would ask here:

My supervisor/tutor mentioned to me the other day that he had written a reference for several Phd places I have applied for in the past month. I have had two interviews both of which were not successful, one outright rejection and I have two more interviews next week. I am really concerned about what he has told them, seeing as I just can't seem to get my experiments to work. I have spent three months trying to get it right and he has even watched me work and he reckons I am doing nothing wrong. Is it likely that I am getting turned down because my supervisor is telling them I am crap in the lab?! I'm working really hard, I just think I have had really bad luck.

Maybe ask them?!

I got a 2:1 at undergrad and I've almost finished an MRes at Birmingham Uni, if thats any indication...

10 years?!

You're surely referring to an extended part time position?!