Have you been invited to a PhD interview but don’t know where to start? Do you need help preparing for PhD interview? Continue reading!
In this post, we will list the 5 questions and their answers that are asked during every PhD interview. With the help of the PhD interview tips provided in this post, you can go through your interview easily. With the sample questions and answers in this post, you can prepare yourself and be ready for any questions. Before going through the interview tips, questions and answers, we should mention that being invited for PhD interview is a very good sign. Generally, not more than five candidates are selected for an interview, so the chances of success are well above 20%.
How to prepare for your PhD interview in 2023: Common 5 questions
Question 1: Tell us about yourself!
The first question of any job interview is an icebreaker meant to make you feel relaxed and eliminate any nerves you may have. Interviewers aren’t trying to trick you here. The interviewers are offering an icebreaker to ease you into it.
Answer: Briefly describe your background, where you came from, and your interests. Describe the connection between your academic specialization and the university you chose. Additionally, you can say a few words about why you have decided to apply to this particular university.
Question 2: What motivates you to pursue a PhD?
This is another question that is asked during every PhD interview. A professor who is willing to hire PhD students wants to ensure that the applicant is passionate about science and research. You need to show them you’re up for the challenge and accept it won’t be easy. This question is primarily intended to determine your motivation level.
Answer:
Expressing your passion is the most appropriate answer. As an example, you could say:
Having done academic work so far has been enjoyable, but I think an independent researcher will be able to offer more. As someone who is passionate about this subject, I am keen to have an impactful PhD project and address questions that haven’t been addressed so far. I consider myself to be an adventurous and curious young researcher, so a PhD is the perfect choice for me.
Question 3: Upon completing your PhD, what are you planning to do?
Panellists and professors who are interviewing you are interested in your future plans. The committee wants to know if your plan matches this particular PhD. Essentially, this question expands on the motivation question. The PhD committee tries to determine if you have made the right decision, because if you have made your decision based on incorrect facts, you will not be able to complete the PhD. It’s something everyone wants to avoid.
Answer:
Honesty is essential during an interview. Don’t make things up. It is a myth that you have to be interested in academics if you want to do a PhD. A PhD allows you to choose a different career path. During the PhD, a PhD holder could establish a mindset that will prepare him or her for almost any challenging task. As a result, do not think that you should say “I want to become an academic”. Consider your future and interests when answering. An example such as the one below shows that you are open to trying new things which is the important thing.
It is my belief that a PhD prepares me for the challenges that lie ahead on the job market. I am interested in both academic careers and careers in the industry. Through my PhD, I will gain not only skills but also knowledge of networking and soft skills that will prepare me for a growing and evolving market. As an alternative to academics, I could work in the R&D sector. After completing my PhD, I will certainly do a Postdoc if I decide to pursue a career in academia.
Question 4: Why do you want to do this PhD project?
No doubt that the professor who is interviewing you want to know the reason behind your application. Why you are interested in the project?
Answer:
This is one of the most important questions in the interview. It is important to show the interview panel that you have some relevant experience as well as an understanding of the subject basics. Refer to your earlier experiences with theoretical studies if that is theoretical work. In the case of an experimental project, you should highlight your past hands-on experiences. Those without much relevant experience should find a link between their previous life experiences or their undergraduate studies and the project’s objectives.
You should also be aware of the professor’s research interests. Be careful not to use generic terms. As you answer this question, be sure to read a couple of their research papers and briefly discuss them. As a starting point, the following example might be helpful:
- Assume that the project you are applying for is in social science and revolves around the “role of government in social care”. Find similar studies from the host professor and try to relate them to this topic. A few examples are given below.
- I read your article in journal X published in 2021. Likewise, I believe we could solve the challenges of the current society if we changed the social benefit.
- This is the time to say a few words regarding the PhD project’s subject matter:
- On the other hand, the government’s role in social care should be reduced in order to ease the development of independence for people who are in need.s.
Question 5: Why you are the best candidate for this post?
This question could be used for any job interview, not just a PhD interview. You will be asked about your previous experience and knowledge that may be helpful for this project. You don’t have to worry if you haven’t done much-related work. As you have been invited to interview, that means the panel is satisfied with your background and considers you suitable. Thus, you now have the chance to demonstrate your ability to manage new situations and address challenges.
Answer:
It would be easier to convince the panel that you are the right candidate if you have relevant experiences, such as journal articles, teaching experiences, or industrial experience. You should, however, identify a few examples of your previous work that somehow (maybe indirectly) relate to the topic of the PhD project you’re applying for. For instance, if you have worked in data science and statistics but the project you are applying for is software development, you can emphasize your coding experience and highlight some specific coding skills you have (such as a few languages that you are proficient in) and discuss their use in software development.
Never say: “I have no experience, but I am interested!”. Obviously, the panel is looking for someone with a keen interest in the topic, but that’s not enough. Be more specific about how your experience can assist them in completing the project successfully.
We hope these PhD tips and advice will assist you in better preparing for your interview. In addition to considering the questions and answers above, we strongly recommend that you customize your answer in accordance with the job description. Thus, make the samples above your own by tailoring them to your background, achievements, and job description.
Wishing you the best of luck!
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