Hi, I've got an interview in a couple of weeks. It'll be my first and i'm terrified! I'm preparing answers to obvious Q, but if anyone has experience of unusual questions that caught you off guard, please tell me them! Area: Genetics

I think it helps to read the published work of the supervisor in his/her previous studies and make sure you know something about the research you are applying to undertake. Also think of about three questions you can ask about the project, which will sure to impress. Good luck!!Andy

Hey- no need to be terrified. They know you're a student so they won't expect you to know the answers to everything. Some like to ask you about your weaknesses and strengths. So point out that you can be persistent and don't give up if experiments don't work the first time.

Ask to talk to the other lab members without their boss and see if they think it is a good lab to do your PhD in. Find out who will be your supervisor in the lab (not the lab head) and see if you can talk to him/her- if you don't like him you'll find it hard to work together for 3 years.

And yes, Angy is right- I've heared my boss complain to other lab heads that people come to interviews without a clue of what the group is doing. Also go on pubmed and look for a review about their topic, it will be much more easier to read than a noemal publication.

I had lots of genetics questions for my interview for a molecular genetics PhD - i.e. they asked me to outline the stucture of DNA, and describe the function of the enzymes involved in the formation of DNA. I was so tongue tied and messed it up. Goodluck!!

Hey, thanks to everyone who replied! I've been chatting to lecturers/potential supervisors and I'm begining to calm down! Thanks again.