If you’re applying for PhD programmes, hopefully at least one of your applications will lead to the interview stage. The interview is your chance to meet your prospective supervisor, find out more about the department which you would be based in, and discuss your project. But ultimately it will be an opportunity to show your potential as an academic researcher, and show that you are someone your prospective group would like to work with.
The interview panel will be looking to see if you understand what’s involved in a PhD, and that you are aware of the challenges and expectations of working for three (or more!) years on a research project. You’ll also need to be able to justify your reasons for choosing this particular research group, department and university.
To give you an idea of what questions you may be asked I’ve provided a few examples and areas below which you will want to be comfortable answering. In general, try to avoid one word answers - provide short and specific examples to back up your answers. Eye contact with the panel is another good way of showing interest and willingness to engage. Remember why you’re applying for the PhD and your passion for the subject - this is what you will want to get across to the panel.
#1 Tell us about yourself and your academic history so far.
this should be an easy one - be sure to highlight any particular academic achievements, modules/subjects studied, or interests that would make you suitable for the project. Don’t be afraid to show your personality.
#2 Describe a recent research article you enjoyed reading.
here they will be looking to see your commitment and interest in research, along with your ability to have a meaningful coherent discussion about research. The article doesn’t have to be on a topic related to the PhD project/proposal but rather an opportunity for you to show your excitement about science, and your understanding. What was the hypothesis, what methodology did they use and what were their findings. How might you/others follow up that research?
#3 Why did you decide to do a PhD?
the panel will want to be convinced why you are choosing this path - what is your motivation, what do you hope to gain from a PhD, and how might you use it in the future to achieve your career goals. Importantly they will be looking for evidence that you have the drive and curiosity necessary to be successful in the PhD. They will also be interested to see that you have an idea of what career paths are possible afterwards, so be ready to describe the potential career paths you are considering and explain why you think the program is the right one to support your future career path.
#4 How do you think your previous experience/academic background/etc has prepared you for a PhD?
Use this opportunity to highlight your skills and experiences that will make you a great PhD student. You might want to talk about any research projects you’ve done during your undergraduate degree, mention taught modules that relate to the PhD project, or skills obtained from your wider life that may be helpful.
#5 What strengths do you have that you think will help you complete the PhD programme? And any weaknesses that you might need to address? Or What do you think you will find most challenging about doing a PhD?
perhaps you’re very good at keeping to deadlines, or you able to work under pressure - how have you shown this in the past, try and give real examples e.g. submitting your masters dissertation in good time. When it comes to weaknesses don’t give a long list but try and show that you’ve thought about it and there may be things that you would like to work on - e.g. increasing your knowledge of the subject area by reading more of the literature.
#6 Why did you choose this particular PhD project?
make sure you’ve read up on the topic proposed and know what the main questions and goals are. Be prepared to talk in detail about your research interests and how the project fits in with those. Show your understanding of the approach and methodology, strengths and weaknesses. Highlight your background and suitability for this particular project, and use this as an opportunity to show that you have investigated the group and department/university you are applying to - are there any aspects which particularly interest you, or are unique to the group/institution? Can you share your excitement about a recent paper(s) they published? Above all share your enthusiasm for the project, and commitment to achieving the goals - and think about what the likely impact will be if you achieve them.
#7 What will you bring to the research group? Why are you the right candidate?
how might you contribute to the research group and institution? are you a team player? are you good at communication?
#8 How will you fund your PhD? (if the project isn’t funded by the institution offering it)
this is where you will want to provide details about funding sources - scholarships, requirements, and what they cover e.g. tuition fees, bench/consumables (project) fees, accommodation and living expenses.
Don’t forget that there will usually be an opportunity for you to ask your own questions. Don’t ask questions that have answers which you could have easily found online. Instead use them to show that you really have thought about whats involved in a PhD. You can follow up on something you’ve read on their website, perhaps ask about training and opportunities to develop, to find out more about how the research group works, how many PhD students are there at the institution and to hear about PhD student initiatives, or funding to present at and attend conferences. You may also want to know how they will support you in achieving a work/life balance. Another important question for your future will be opportunities to publish, how many first author papers on average do PhD students come out with in the department?