Advice for PhD interview?

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Hello all,

Got a video interview this week for a place on a PhD (my own research proposal, self-funded, part-time, social sciences). Feeling excited but a little nervous!

I’ve been in industry for a long time but did my masters in the same school as the PhD would be in - and one of my interviewers gave me a reference for the PhD (which DH is telling me is a good sign, but he’s not an academic so I’m taking what he says with a pinch of salt ).

I haven’t been asked to prepare anything, so it’ll just be a regular interview format. Has anyone any top tips? I’ve prepared lots in relation to what I think I’ll be asked but if there are any pearls of wisdom out there, I’d be so grateful!

I am usually looking for two things, one of which I have already assessed. They are academic ability (on paper) and an enthusiasm about doing a PhD coupled with a bit of realism about how one might go about it. Good luck!

Thank you! I want this so badly and many years in industry has knocked a lot of realism into me so hopefully I’ll do well

When i did my PhD interview it was very informal. It was at the same uni I did my degree however it was for a new supervisor who was new to the department and I was his first student. For me, it was a case of familiarizing myself with his area of research. However, the project was already proposed rather than my own iyswim.

Have you prepared your own proposal? (Sounds like you have) Be prepared for them to pick fault with your rationale and be willing to defend it, whilst looking to them for guidance to make it more robust (In other words - stand by your hypothesis but don't be arrogant about it).

Decide whether you feel you will get on with your supervisor as it is very one on one so if you don't see eye to eye it will be a frustrating time.

Be confident, you know your stuff, you got this!!

Fab advice, thanks! Am not too bad at defending my ideas but I can be a bit gung-ho at times so I’ll try not to be!

Make sure you are clear on your plans for the next few months, especially access to data, archives, or whatever research material is relevant to your field. And it helps if you show familiarity with the supervisor and their group's work. They'll want to ensure your project is viable and that this is the best place for you to do your research.

Thank you! I have a very detailed plan for the next few months but I’ll be sure to talk about it. I’m also a project manager so I know nothing ever does quite go as planned and so have planned in contingency too

You have all been so helpful, I’m so grateful. Now to put it all into practice...

I just wanted to say a super double thanks to all of you - the interview went so well and I was told at the end that it had been mostly a formality and they just needed to sort a few things out at their end now so...it’s looking positive!

Congratulations- my PhD was absolutely the best time of my life, although i don't actually use it now. I don't think I would have said that when i was writing the buggar up though

Congratulations! Project management skills are definitely an asset .