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Interview tips
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| Jackson |
Hey,
So i've managed to get through to the final 6 applicants and have an interview for a funded Ph.D. at my university in 2 weeks. Have been given 10 scientific papers to read and need to revise general science questions that might be thrown my way. But I was wondering if you guys have any general tips that you might be able to give me on interview techniques, general questions they might ask etc... I'm trying to build up a database of questions they might ask so I don't get caught out.
Cheers. |
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| srussell0018 |
Somebody gives you an elephant, what do you do with it?
(Actual question asked during my interview) |
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| Jackson |
| quote: | Originally posted by srussell0018
Somebody gives you an elephant, what do you do with it?
(Actual question asked during my interview) |
:wtf:
African or Asian? :p
What was your answer? |
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| Banora |
| I was asked if I would choose Autobots or Decepticons and was hired based on my answer and reason why. |
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| Lira |
I've just had a similar interview today and I believed I nailed it.
Well, show confidence, be prepared to explain the thorny aspects of the project (in case there's anything polemic/difficult about it), tell them you love your field and need the funding to do a better job (and I believe you really do, so it will sound genuine), and be prepared to face criticism not just to your project but also to the framework you're working under.
For example:
- It says here that you're going to analyse the algae in the digestive tracts of dolphins born overseas, as your field seems to believe proximity is a bad thing concerning anatomic studies. However, wouldn't it be cheaper to just study dolphins born in local hospitals?
:D |
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| Zyklon_Jay |
| If they are asking you about your weaknesses, at the point you pretty much have the job if you don't it up. :p |
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| Jackson |
| quote: | Originally posted by Lira
I've just had a similar interview today and I believed I nailed it.
Well, show confidence, be prepared to explain the thorny aspects of the project (in case there's anything polemic/difficult about it), tell them you love your field and need the funding to do a better job (and I believe you really do, so it will sound genuine), and be prepared to face criticism not just to your project but also to the framework you're working under.
For example:
- It says here that you're going to analyse the algae in the digestive tracts of dolphins born overseas, as your field seems to believe proximity is a bad thing concerning anatomic studies. However, wouldn't it be cheaper to just study dolphins born in local hospitals?
:D |
You bastard, I was reading that so intently until the last sentence too!
There are 3 Ph.D projects, but only funding for one of them, so they will be looking for the closest match between candidate and project. The thing is, the whole basis of the Ph.D I am applying for was pretty much my idea, where during my thesis I thought to myself "What happens if I try this", and something pretty cool happened.
So i'm feeling pretty confident, but I could still lose out to a master student or something.
I'm expecting questions such as:
"Why do you want to do a Ph.D?"
"Why do you want to do THIS Ph.D?"
"Why do you want to study here?" |
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| Jackson |
| quote: | Originally posted by Zyklon_Jay
If they are asking you about your weaknesses, at the point you pretty much have the job if you don't it up. :p |
See, what do you answer to that?
I usually say that I put my work first (as this is truth). |
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| Zyklon_Jay |
| Just sell it and look legit even if it is a load of crap. I have a friend who does HR, and she told me that that question is pretty much the barometer to see if you are full of or not. She also told me, that they ask it only to people that have the upper hand towards getting the position the most. Pull a pube through your pants with a tweezer, i don't fucking know.:p |
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| gmilf |
I've always felt the end when they ask you if you have any questions for them is the most important. It shows that you've researched them and are serious about the position if you have a few good questions ready for them.
I've also noticed that most interviews ask me several times throughout the interview if I will be able to pass a drug test. I guess I come off as a stoner. Never reply piss or hair? They start judging you if you do. |
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| Zyklon_Jay |
| The easiest question to ask is how they feel on the subject of promoting withtin the company vs outsourcing. Then show em your cool tat. |
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