Hi there, I have just heard that I have an interview for a PhD, it's in freshwater ecology. I just want to know what to expect, is it generally like a job interview? I know it can be variable depending on the person interviewing but are there common themes?

And are you expected to dress like you are for a job interview i.e in a suit/smart clothes?

Thank you!

Caroline

Hi Caro

My experience was that I always faced a panel of interviewers, each of whom had their own angle. Expect some technical questions on the project and topic (nothing too dreadful, it's usually just to check you've read up and are genuinely interested in the field). They may also ask you about your undergrad/masters projects and how you handled research. General questions such as why you want to do a PhD, where you see your career going, why you want to pursue this topic at this institute. In one case I had quite a few questions about how I'd assert myself in terms of directing research, time management etc, so it's good to have a few examples of your skills. As for clothing, I (and other candidates I've seen) always treated it as a formal interview and dressed smartly.

Good luck!

Hey Caro,

I'm not sure what it's like in your subject area (im in social sciences), but my interview was quite relaxed really. I had to do a 15min presentation on how I would design my research project, then just had an informal chat/ interview with 2 of my supervisors where they asked questions to guage my interest and experience of the subject. It was not what I expected at all!

I'd agree with Teek on the smart dress!

Good luck!

I had a similar experience to JinKim, although slightly more informal. It kinda went: I turned up, we talked about what my research would be on, we talked about the personality attributes required for a PhD, they tried to sell the University to me and then, two hours later, I left. Got the train back home and, in the intervening period, they'd sent me an acceptance e-mail. I did dress up (no suit, just shirt and trousers), I didn't want to gamble on informality.

My experience probably isn't very helpful, but there is one useful question I asked (probably lifted from this forum) - what's the success rate of PhD's in this department - how many finish?

Slightly off-topic, but did anyone not have to do an interview for a PhD place? I'm referring only to people who didn't apply for an advertised position with the topic already specified. In my department, we just don't seem to do them!

Thanks for all the info! It's been really useful. I think I'll go smart but maybe not wear my trouser suit!

My letter said that the interview would only be about 30 mins which I thought was a bit strange! My job interviews have usually been at least 45 mins and I thought a PhD interview would have a lot more to discuss!

Oh well I guess I'd better be prepared for anything!

In my search for funding I got accepted to 5 or 6 PhD programs without having to interview for them. I ended up going for the one that did interview me - seemed like they actually cared.