I know this has been asked before many times but here goes again: just found out I've got a PhD interview next Friday for a project I'd really like to do! Yay!

However, scary as well...this is my first and I've only done non-science job interviews recently, at which I am not very good because I get nervous about answering questions about myself of the type you get in non-academic interviews. However, I'm guessing that this is more likely to be about the work/what I've done on my Masters.

Have been told it's 25 mins or so plus a tour of the Dept/lab and possibly meeting a former PhD student who's now a postdoc there.

Any general tips would be much appreciated! It's psychology/neuroscience if that makes any difference, not sure if interview styles differ within sciences though guessing it varies in different places.

Good luck Igorina! I'm afraid I can't offer any advice, anyone else want to chime in?

Thanks Reenie! Just heard I will also be having a 20-min 'informal chat' with the main supervisor when I get there, before the lab tour and 'formal' interview with both supervisors. Not quite sure what to expect for that...anyone else had a similar setup?

Not sure if this is any help (from FindAPhD.com):

"What happens at a PhD interview?

It's not really for us to say what you might be asked. PhD interviews vary tremendously depending on the supervisor concerned. It is likely however that you will be asked about your third year project or any other research experience you may have.

If you have been given details of any particular references then make sure you do your best to read them. If you've not been given this info, then use the web to find relevant papers (particularly those by your potential supervisor). You are not likely to be examined on these things, but the supervisor will be looking to see that you were at least interested enough to read them.

The other question you are likely to be asked is why you want to do a PhD in general, and this PhD in particular. You should think about the answers to these questions before you go to the interview. Many people apply for a PhDs because they can't think of anything else to do. A good supervisor will try to avoid these people.

Finally, remember to find out as much as you can while you're there. Try to speak to PhD students working in your potential new lab/Department and see if you like the atmosphere. Don't be afraid to ask the PhD students about the quality of supervision. Three years is a long time to be stuck with a bad supervisor or to work in an unfriendly environment."