phd interviews tips

PhD Interview Questions and Answers (13 Questions + Answers)

Most PhD applications include an interview. This allows your university (and perhaps even your prospective supervisor) to discuss the PhD with you in more detail.

This article lists some of the most common PhD interview questions along with their answers. The goal is to help you prepare for a PhD interview and pass with flying colors.

1) How did you develop this proposal?

When responding to this question, demonstrate your thought process, research skills, and the evolution of your ideas. Let's choose the subject of "Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning" as an example.

Sample answer:

"My proposal on 'Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning' originated from my undergraduate thesis on sustainable cities. Intrigued by the potential of renewable energy in urban environments, I conducted a literature review to identify gaps in current research. This review highlighted a lack of comprehensive strategies for integrating renewable technologies at a city-wide level. I then consulted with experts in urban planning and renewable energy, which provided practical insights into the challenges and opportunities in this field. I designed a methodology that combines spatial analysis with energy modeling to explore optimal renewable energy integration in urban landscapes. This proposal represents an amalgamation of academic research, expert consultation, and innovative methodology development."

This answer is effective because it mentions a literature review demonstrates the ability to conduct thorough research and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

2) Why do you wish to pursue a PhD?

For this question, it's important to articulate your passion for the subject, your long-term career goals, and how the PhD program aligns with these aspects.

Let's choose the subject of "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare" for this example.

"I am passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, and pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare aligns perfectly with this passion. During my Master's, I was fascinated by the potential of AI to revolutionize diagnostic processes and personalized medicine. I believe a PhD will provide me with the deep technical knowledge and research skills necessary to contribute significantly to this field. My goal is to develop AI systems that enhance medical diagnostics, ultimately improving patient care and treatment efficiency. This PhD program, known for its pioneering research in AI and strong healthcare collaborations, is the ideal environment for me to develop these innovations and achieve my career aspirations in healthcare technology."

This is a great answer because you clearly state that the PhD will provide the necessary skills and knowledge, indicating a clear understanding of the purpose of the program.

3) Why do you think you are the right candidate for this PhD program?

Discuss how your research interests align with the program's strengths and the faculty's expertise. Explain how the program's resources, courses, and research opportunities can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

"I am deeply passionate about environmental science, particularly in the area of sustainable urban development. This passion was ignited during my master's program in Environmental Studies at XYZ University, where I completed a thesis on urban green spaces and their impact on city microclimates. This research not only honed my skills in data analysis and GIS mapping but also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues. I am drawn to your PhD program at ABC University because of its innovative research on sustainable urban planning and the renowned work of Professor Jane Smith in this field. Her research aligns with my interest in integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to mitigate climate change effects. My perseverance, attention to detail, and ability to synthesize complex data make me an ideal candidate for this challenging program. Pursuing this PhD is integral to my goal of becoming an environmental consultant, where I plan to develop strategies for cities to reduce their environmental footprint."

This response is effective because it mentions particular aspects of your experience and the program, avoiding generic statements. It also outlines how the PhD fits into your career path.

4) What do you plan to do after you have completed your PhD?

Be specific about the type of career you aspire to, whether it's in academia, industry, research, etc. Explain how the PhD will equip you with the skills and knowledge for your chosen career path.

"After completing my PhD in Computational Neuroscience, I plan to pursue a career in academia as a university professor. My doctoral research on neural network modeling will provide a strong foundation for teaching and conducting further research in this area. I aim to develop innovative courses that bridge computer science and neuroscience, addressing the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge in these fields. Additionally, I intend to continue my research on applying machine learning techniques to understand brain function, which has potential implications for developing new treatments for neurological disorders. This academic pathway allows me to contribute significantly to both education and research in Computational Neuroscience."

This is a great answer because it connects the PhD research directly to future career plans.

It also articulates how your work can impact both academia and the broader field of Computational Neuroscience.

5) Why have you chosen this specific PhD program?

Mention specific aspects of the program that attracted you, such as the curriculum, research facilities, faculty expertise, or reputation.

Explain how the program aligns with your research interests or academic background.

"I chose the PhD program in Artificial Intelligence at MIT because of its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach, which perfectly aligns with my academic background in computer science and my passion for machine learning. The program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in AI is particularly appealing. Additionally, the opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], whose work in [specific area, e.g., neural networks or AI ethics] has deeply influenced my own research interests, is a significant draw. This program is an ideal fit for me to further develop my skills and contribute to the field of AI, ultimately aiming for a career in AI research and development in the tech industry."

This answer connects your background and goals to the program's offerings.

Including a specific professor's name shows detailed knowledge about the program and faculty.

6) What impact would you like your PhD project to have?

When answering this question, convey both the academic significance and the potential real-world applications of your research. Let's choose a project focused on developing eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles for this example.

"My PhD project aims to develop new eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles (EVs), addressing both the environmental impact of battery production and the efficiency of energy storage. I hope my research will contribute to the academic field by advancing our understanding of sustainable materials for energy storage, potentially leading to publications and patents. Beyond academia, I envision this project significantly impacting the EV industry by providing a more sustainable and efficient battery alternative. This innovation could play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and supporting global efforts towards a greener future. Ultimately, I aspire for my work to not only advance scientific knowledge but also drive real-world changes in how we approach energy sustainability in transportation."

This is an excellent answer because it connects the project to larger environmental goals and societal benefits. It also reflects a forward-thinking approach, demonstrating your understanding of the project's potential long-term implications.

7) What difficulties would you expect to encounter during this project?

It's important to demonstrate awareness of potential challenges and convey a proactive mindset toward problem-solving. Let's choose a project focused on the development of a novel AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases for this example.

"In developing an AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases, I anticipate several challenges. Firstly, the accuracy and reliability of the tool depend heavily on the quality and diversity of the data used for training the AI algorithms. Obtaining a comprehensive dataset that adequately represents the population can be difficult due to privacy concerns and data availability. Secondly, ensuring the AI model's interpretability to be clinically useful while maintaining high performance is another challenge, given the complexity of neurological diseases. To address these, I plan to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including data privacy experts and neurologists, to source and utilize data ethically and effectively. I also intend to continuously refine the AI model, focusing on both its predictive accuracy and clinical applicability. These challenges, while significant, present valuable opportunities for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration."

This response is effective because it clearly outlines realistic challenges specific to the AI diagnostic tool project. It also presents a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges, showing problem-solving skills.

8) How will you fund this project?

When answering this question, show that you've thought about the financial aspects of your research and are aware of funding sources that are available and applicable to your project.

"I have identified multiple funding sources to support my renewable energy research project at Stanford University. Firstly, I plan to apply for the DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program, which offers substantial support for projects focusing on sustainable energy. My proposal for this grant is already in progress, highlighting how my project aligns with the DOE's priorities in advancing clean energy technologies. Additionally, I'm exploring departmental fellowships at Stanford, particularly those aimed at renewable energy research. I am also keen on establishing industry partnerships, given the project's relevance to current energy challenges and the potential for collaborative funding and technological exchange. Last but not least, I will seek conference grants to present my research findings, which can lead to further academic collaborations and additional funding opportunities."

Notice how this answer mentions funding sources that align with the renewable energy focus of the project and the resources available at Stanford University.

9) Tell us about a time you experienced a setback

Focus on a situation relevant to your academic or research experience. Let's use a real-world example where a research experiment failed due to unexpected variables.

"During my Master’s thesis on the effects of soil composition on plant growth, I faced a major setback. My initial experiments, which involved growing plants in different soil types, failed to produce consistent results due to unanticipated environmental variations in the greenhouse. This was disheartening, especially as the deadline approached. However, I responded by reassessing my experimental setup. I consulted with my supervisor and decided to control more variables, such as humidity and temperature. I also refined my data collection methods to include more frequent soil and plant measurements. These adjustments led to more reliable results, and I successfully completed my thesis. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability in research and reinforced the value of meticulous experimental design."

This is a great answer because it shows how you’ve encountered and overcame a specific problem, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

10) What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When answering this question, it's important to present a balanced view of yourself, showing self-awareness and a commitment to personal development. Choose strengths that are relevant to a PhD program and weaknesses that you're actively working to improve.

"One of my key strengths is my analytical thinking, which I demonstrated during my Master's project where I developed a novel algorithm for data analysis. This required me to not only understand complex theories but also apply them creatively to solve real-world problems. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with overcommitment, taking on too many projects at once. This occasionally led to stress during my undergraduate studies. However, I am actively working on this by improving my time management skills and learning to prioritize tasks more effectively. I've started using project management tools and setting clear boundaries, which has already shown improvements in my workflow and stress levels."

This answer maintains a good balance between strengths and weaknesses. It also shows self-awareness, demonstrating a proactive approach to personal development.

11) Why have you chosen to study for a PhD at this university?

Mention specific aspects of the PhD program that attracted you. Explain how your research interests align with the work being done at the university.

"I am drawn to the PhD program in Astrophysics at Caltech due to its outstanding reputation in space research and the unparalleled resources available at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. My research interest lies in the study of exoplanets, and Caltech's active projects in this area, such as the Zwicky Transient Facility, align perfectly with my academic goals. The opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], known for pioneering work in exoplanetary atmospheres, is particularly exciting. Additionally, Caltech's collaborative environment and emphasis on interdisciplinary research are conducive to my professional growth, providing a platform to engage with experts from various fields in astrophysics."

This response directly connects your research interests with ongoing projects and facilities at Caltech. It also shows you’ve done your research on faculty members and their work.

12) What can you bring to this research group?

Focus on your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that will contribute to the research group's success. Let's choose the field of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University for this example.

"As a prospective member of the Biomedical Engineering research group at Johns Hopkins University, I bring a unique combination of skills and experiences. My expertise in microfluidics, honed during my Master’s research, aligns well with the group’s focus on developing lab-on-a-chip devices for medical diagnostics. I have also co-authored two papers in this field, demonstrating my ability to contribute to high-impact research. Additionally, my experience in a start-up environment, where I worked on developing portable diagnostic tools, has equipped me with a practical understanding of translating research into applications. I thrive in collaborative settings, often bringing interdisciplinary insights that foster innovative problem-solving. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the group’s ongoing projects and introducing fresh perspectives to advance our understanding and application of biomedical technology."

This response shows your relevant expertise, ability to work in a team, and the unique perspectives you can offer, positioning you as a valuable addition to the research group.

13) Do you have any questions for us?

Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that you’ve given some genuine consideration to the project and/or program you’re applying to.

Some questions you can ask the interviewer include:

What will the supervision arrangements be for the project?
What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD program?
How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion?
Are there any major developments or partnerships planned for the department?
Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project?
What opportunities will I have for presenting my research?

Remember: you’re a good student, with lots of potential. You’re considering at least three years of hard work with this university. You need to know that you’ll get on with your supervisor, that your work will be appreciated and that there are good prospects for your project.

What to wear to a PhD interview

Wear formal attire for a PhD interview. Your best bet is to wear a suit. A navy blue suit is the best and most versatile option. No matter your gender, a suit is always very professional.

For men, wear a suit with a tie, dress shirt, and dress shoes. For women, wear a suit (pantsuit or skirt suit) with a blouse, or conservative dress, and closed-toe shoes.

When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. The goal is to make a professional impression and feel confident, without your attire distracting from the conversation.

What to expect from a PhD interview

At its core, a PhD interview will consist of questions that allow your potential supervisors to get to know you better and have an understanding of what you’d like to study, why you’ve chosen your field of study, and whether you’d be a good fit for the PhD program.

You should expect general questions to help the interviewer get a sense of your likes and dislikes, and your overall personality.

Next, expect questions about your personal motivations for studying a PhD. Your interviewer will also be interested in any relevant experience you have to qualify you to study this PhD.

In the next section, expect questions about your PhD project. You should be prepared to discuss your project idea in detail and demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate.

Last but not least, the interviewer will discuss your future ambitions and give you an opportunity to ask questions. Remember that this interview goes both ways.

It’s important to ask the interviewer relevant questions to show your engagement and the serious consideration you are giving their program.

You are preparing to spend several years of your life at this school. Think about what is important to you and what would make or break your decision to attend this university.

Prepare a list of questions ahead of the interview.

Understanding the interviewer’s point of view

During a PhD interview, interviewers are typically looking for a range of traits that indicate whether you are well-suited for the rigors of a doctoral program and a research career.

These traits include:

Intellectual Curiosity and Passion: A strong enthusiasm for the subject area and a desire to contribute to and expand knowledge in the field.

Research Skills and Experience: Demonstrable skills in conducting research, including designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. Prior research experience relevant to the PhD topic is often a plus.

Resilience and Perseverance: The capacity to handle setbacks and challenges, which are common in research, and to persist in the face of difficulties.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Although PhD research can be quite independent, the ability to work well with others, including advisors, faculty, and other students, is crucial.

Self-Motivation and Independence: The drive to work independently, manage one's own project, and stay motivated over the long term.

Fit with the Program: Alignment of the candidate’s research interests and goals with the strengths and focus of the PhD program and faculty.

These traits not only indicate your readiness for a PhD program but also your potential to contribute meaningfully to their field of study and succeed in a research-oriented career.

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How to Prepare for a PhD Interview

So, you’ve been invited for a PhD interview. Congratulations! This means that the admission committee considers you appropriately qualified and academically capable of doing a PhD in their program. This next step will allow them to determine if you’re a good fit, and you have the motivation and drive to complete a PhD. The interview is your opportunity to show the committee who you are, what your interests are, why their program is the right place for you to explore them.

There are many different formats for a PhD interview and varying degrees of formality. You may have a one-on-one interview with your potential supervisor over Skype, a formal interview in front of a panel, be asked to give a presentation to the department, or an informal chat with your potential supervisor and their students over lunch. Regardless of the level of formality, you should still do your homework and prepare for the interview. You cannot predict the specifics of the questions that they will ask you, but certain topics are almost inevitable.

Here are some ways to prepare for your interview:

Review your research proposal or statement of purpose. The interviewer will likely make reference to it during the interview. Go over the experiences that have prepared you for a PhD and be ready to give specific examples during the interview. Be able to explain the reasons why you applied to this program in particular.
Be prepared to talk about your research interests in detail. You likely gave an overview in your proposal or statement of purpose, but the interview is your chance to show that you have put some thought into what you wrote. Show that you have the required background knowledge, including knowledge of the key people in your research area, methodologies you plan to use, or studies you want to reference.
Think about your motivation for pursuing a PhD. The interviewers want to know you have put some thought into the decision to pursue a PhD. They also want to gauge your commitment to the project before they invest time and money in you. Think about how a PhD will help you achieve your career goals.
Read your potential supervisor’s work. This shows you are serious about working with them. Demonstrate why you want to work with them in particular and how their expertise will be essential to your research. If you are interviewing for a small program, familiarize yourself with the work (or at least the fields of expertise) of the other faculty members.
Familiarize yourself with current scholarship in the field. This is another way to demonstrate your engagement with field and that you can think critically about the current debates. You should know how your proposed research will fit into the current scholarship and what makes it unique.

Remember that this interview goes both ways. You are preparing to spend at least three years (likely more) of your life here. Think about what is important to you and what would make or break your decision to attend this university. Come to the interview prepared with some questions for the interviewer. Potential questions could include:

What do they do to promote work/life balance?
What can your potential mentor/supervisor do to advance your career?
How does your potential supervisor mentor students?
What is the program’s job placement record?
What sort of resources does the university have? (Libraries, lab equipment etc.)
What are their funding sources?
What is the program’s average time to degree?
Will I have the opportunity to teach/present/patent/publish?

If your interview is taking place on-campus or you are invited to visit the campus after being accepted, take the opportunity to talk to some of the current grad students. They will offer you a frank take on the program and the inside scoop on what it’s like to work with your potential supervisor. Also, consider the fact that you will be spending a considerable amount of time around these people for the next few years. Will you fit in with them as a friend and colleague? How social is the department? Do they do activities together outside of the university? Do they seem supportive of each other, or are they competitive? This information will help inform your decision.

A Note on the Skype Interview

Skype interviews are becoming increasingly common, especially for international students. There are a few practical tips to keep in mind when setting up for an online interview. Do your interview somewhere where you have a strong internet connection, usually at home or in a quiet office. If you have roommates, make sure they are aware of when your interview is and understand not to disturb you during the interview. Choose your location carefully. You want a well-lit area with a tidy, neutral background. If possible, face a natural light source. Place your computer on top of a pile of books so that the camera is almost at eye level (a more natural angle). Look at the camera when you speak to make “eye contact” with the interviewer.

The interview is your time to shine, and being prepared will allow you to do just that.

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How to Prepare for Your PhD Interview

Although not all PhD programs require interviews, most do, and you will usually interview with the faculty member who will be supervising your research. If you’re invited to a PhD interview, you want to take full advantage of the opportunity you’ve been given by preparing effectively.

In this post, we’ll focus on some of the questions you might be asked in your PhD interview and offer tips on how to prepare for them.

What were the factors that prompted you to apply to this program?

Review your notes on the department.
Familiarize yourself with the research agendas of the faculty members, especially the professors you want to work with.
Make note of any unique opportunities you would have as a student in the department. Does the department provide funding to attend and/or present at conferences, or subsidized housing for graduate students?
Read journal articles or books written by the professors you are most interested in.

What are your research interests?

Be prepared to briefly discuss your past research and how it influenced what you want to research in the PhD program.
You might also be asked about your research methods. You’ll want to have an explanation ready as to why you elected to investigate your hypothesis the way you did. If you could start again, what would you do differently?

What is your research plan?

Present the specific topic you aim to research in the program and explain how you believe this research will contribute to the field.
Be prepared to discuss important issues in the field, such as bias and discrimination in AI training data or algorithms.

What strengths are you bringing to this program?

Know what your standout skills, qualities, and experiences are – as well as any areas you might need to improve on. If you have had any teaching experience, mention that you look forward to being a Teaching Assistant, if that type of position is available to you.

What are your goals post PhD?

Do you want to continue to research and teach in academia? Or do you want to research in an industry setting? Be clear about your objectives, but it is also okay to indicate that you are open to other opportunities that might present themselves while you’re in the PhD program.

What questions do you have?

It is important to have a few questions prepared in advance. We do not recommend trying to come up with compelling questions on the spot.
Some questions you can consider include “Will I have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty in other related departments?,” “What do you think differentiates this department from other programs?,” and “What advice do you have for me that would help me excel in this program?”
If the topic you are researching crosses over into other departments, you can ask about interdepartmental collaboration.

Usually, your PhD program interviewer will have read your application materials and your resume/CV before your meeting. So, make sure to review everything you submitted, especially if it has been several months since you uploaded your information. You don’t want to be caught off guard. However, this type of interview is also a conversation. Be confident – the faculty would not be taking the time to interview you if they weren’t serious about your candidacy. And remember to smile; it’s not an interrogation!

With 30 years of career and admissions experience at four universities, including Cornell’s College of Engineering and Johnson Business School, Dr. Karin Ash facilitated students’ entry into the world’s best companies. As an adcom member, she also evaluated applications and therefore knows what schools and employers seek. Want Karin to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

Applying to PhD Programs: When, Where, How, and Why?
How to Write About Your Research Interests
Deciding Who Should Write Your Letters of Recommendation – PhD

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Applying to graduate school
Grad School Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

Grad School Interview Question & How to Answer Them

Published on March 29, 2021 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on June 1, 2023.

Grad school interviews are the last step of the application process , so congratulations for making it to this stage! Getting this far is a big accomplishment—graduate schools only conduct interviews with those applicants they are seriously considering accepting.

Grad schools conduct interviews to assess your “fit” with their program and faculty, as well as your interpersonal skills. In many cases, they may also be attempting to match you with a supervisor.

Before the interview, you should prepare by doing your research and reflecting on how you’ll answer these common questions.

How to prepare for your interview, questions about your background, questions about your interests and motivations, questions about your post-graduation plans, what to ask your interviewers, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about grad school interviews.

First, read the website of the program you’re interviewing for. They’ll usually have information on job placement, curriculum, and expectations of graduate students.

If possible, talk to previous students about their experiences interviewing. Although no two interview experiences are exactly alike, they may be able to provide you with valuable tips for preparing.

You should prepare answers for certain, very common questions. You don’t need to memorize your answers—you don’t want to sound scripted, but you should have a sense of what you’ll say.

Don’t be afraid to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts before answering a question. Remember, the substance and quality of your answer are far more important than the quantity of words.

Tips for specific programs

If you’re interviewing for a research program, you should try to read as many research papers in your field of interest as possible. Reading others’ research helps you generate ideas of your own. You’ll also be more prepared to answer questions about the topics you’re interested in researching, which could come up during your interview.

Research programs may ask you about a current topic in your field and what methods you would use for tackling it. Make sure you know some of the current open questions in your field and think about how you would answer them, including dealing with any obstacles that might come up. One potential tip is to talk to older students or professors that you know about these questions.

Focus on the CVs or biographies of professors that you’re particularly interested in working with. Read any research they’ve authored and jot down questions that come to mind when reading. Try to come up with a good argument for why they would be a good fit to supervise or work with you.

Business schools are also interested in your interpersonal skills, so your interview performance is an essential part of the application process.

Business school interviews will focus particularly on your career—both your past work experiences and your future goals. Go through your resume and prepare stories that illustrate the challenges and successes you had at each major work experience. Focus especially on any experiences you’ve had managing others, since an MBA is ultimately a management program. Identify the unique contributions that you’ll bring to the school.

In addition to your professional background, don’t be afraid to bring in experiences from beyond work and the classroom, such as from volunteering or extracurricular activities you participated in undergrad or afterwards.

Medical schools are looking for more than just academic ability—they want to find candidates well-suited to the unique demands of medicine. As such, they look for integrity, empathy, reliability, ability to interact with the general public, and motivation for a career in medicine. Ensure you have your answer to why you want to be a doctor down pat.

Medical school interviews sometimes ask about “ethics questions” that are designed to assess your thoughts about ethical dilemmas that you may face as a physician. To prepare, think about a general ethical framework that you can apply to any ethical question. What are some ethical considerations that you, as a physician, will have to keep in mind when treating patients? How important is a patient’s autonomy? Should equity or efficiency matter more?

Many undergraduate universities do mock medical school interviews with their students and graduates—take advantage of this opportunity if you can.

Law schools might ask about your opinions on current events, especially those with a legal angle. You may also be asked about your future career plans.

Many people apply to law school because they see it as a natural next step, without really knowing if they actually want to practice law. Interviewers know this and will be on the outlook for such an attitude. Make sure you have thoroughly researched the career and know why you want to pursue this path. Ask current lawyers you know about what they actually do in their daily work life and the best and worst parts of their jobs.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Interviewers want to know how your previous experiences will serve you in this program and ensure you have the relevant skills and knowledge to succeed.

What will you bring to this program/why should we admit you?

This is one of the most important questions you’ll be asked to answer. Focus on the skills and background that you will uniquely bring to the program. Be prepared with specific anecdotes that demonstrate your abilities.

You should also tailor your answer to the type of program you’re applying to:

If you’re applying for a research-based master’s or doctoral program, you will want to focus particularly on your academic and research background.
If you’re applying to medical school, your academic background is important, but so is your personal motivation.
Business schools will want to hear about how your professional experience has prepared you to manage others in a rapidly changing and increasingly global business climate.

Tell us about the research you’ve completed or contributed to

Because future potential as a researcher is difficult for graduate programs to assess, they will be particularly interested in the background that you already have. Oftentimes resumes do not make it clear what exactly someone did as a research assistant, so you should be prepared to discuss your work and what you learned.

As part of Dr. Jane Smith’s class on religion in politics, we were required to complete an independent research project, so I looked at the influence of right-wing authoritarianism in anti-Semitism. To measure anti-Semitism, I used an implicit bias test, which has been shown to measure racial or gender bias in other studies. I found that tendencies towards right-wing authoritarianism were associated with worse performance on the anti-Semitic test. The project was my first introduction to performing independent research, writing literature reviews, and performing statistical analysis using the coding language R.

I’ve also assisted Dr. Hannah Wilson on her research on the impact of globalization and job losses on voting patterns in the United States. I wrote literature reviews and aided in data analysis using R. I was a co-author on her latest paper, which used the recent tariffs on steel as an instrumental variable to demonstrate that increased globalization led to a higher increase in votes for political populist parties, since the choice of instrumental variable was originally my idea. The paper has been accepted to a top journal of political science. I am currently completing an independent senior thesis expanding our methodology to the United Kingdom and France, for which I have received a competitive research grant from my university.

I believe that I have demonstrated strong research skills through my work with Dr. Wilson, in addition to my strong academic performance. It is very rare for undergraduates to co-author with professors at my university, let alone write a paper accepted by a top journal.

Specific questions about classes you took or skills you have

This depends on the program you’re applying to. Medical programs may ask about weak grades that you’ve received in science or math subjects or about your personal experiences shadowing doctors.

Business schools might want you to discuss any management experience you’ve had—particularly experiences where you overcame obstacles or a difficult interpersonal interaction.

You’ll be asked questions designed to assess your knowledge of the program and how well it fits with your academic or professional interests.

What interests you about this program?

This is probably the most common question that you’ll be asked, so you should be sure you have your answer down pat.

Stay away from answers like “because you’re a good program” or “I want to attend a prestigious school.” While prestige matters, graduate programs want to hear more about why you think you’re a good fit for their particular program.

If the program has a particular speciality that interests you—say a medical school that’s particularly well known for their research on Alzheimer’s or a business school whose marketing program is top notch—be sure to bring it up. This will demonstrate to the interviewers that you have a genuine interest in their program.

Mention any professors you are especially interested in working with or any resources that the school may have special access to. Perhaps they run an internship program in an area you’re interested in or have strong connections in a particular industry.

My experience working in marketing at X Marketing Agency has shown me that my future career path lies in this field. Your program is arguably the best in the world for marketing, so you are my top choice of business school.

I am particularly interested in taking classes under Dr. Jennifer Adams—I’m greatly interested in her work showing that many companies use marketing to demonstrate a personal lifestyle brand that customers want to align with. I would also love to participate in the semester-long San Francisco internship program that you have, which I think would allow me to explore my interests in marketing in the technology industry.

What topics are you interested in researching?

Graduate schools know that what you’ll end up researching is not yet set in stone, particularly if you are applying to a doctoral program. However, they like to see that you have some idea of what you would like to do, mostly as a way of demonstrating your seriousness in pursuing research and knowledge of the field.

You should therefore come up with a few topics, preferably ones that are strengths of the school’s faculty, to discuss during an interview.

Who would you like to work with in our program?

Most graduate programs, particularly those in research, will assign you some sort of supervisor or advisor . You should have a few ideas of who you’d like to work with in this case. Ensure that it’s not just a single person—faculty can and do often leave their universities for other opportunities, so you’ll want to have a few back-up options.

Interviewers may also ask about how this program fits into your longer-term goals.

What career are you interested in pursuing after graduation?

Be honest but realistic in your answer to this question. Importantly, you should not indicate your interest in a career that doesn’t fit with the program—if you don’t want to be a lawyer, don’t mention that in an interview with a law school!

Ideally, I’d like to start off by gaining experience in a law firm, then move to a company where I can work as an in-house lawyer. I’m not entirely sure which branch of law I’d like to pursue yet, but I’m planning on taking classes in bankruptcy and corporate law to see if they interest me.

If you’re applying to a doctoral program, you will most likely be expected to continue in a career in academia, although this may vary based on the program. If you don’t have a perfect idea of what you want to do, don’t panic—that is part of what the program is intended to do! Just answer with your current thoughts.

I’m interested in becoming a researcher in applied microeconomics, hopefully as a tenured professor at a research university. I am particularly interested in applying the methodology of behavioral and experimental economics and the rigor of econometrics to issues like the political economy of housing policies and voting.

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Interviews are a two way street. Interviews will almost always ask if you have questions for them—make sure you have some good ones! Here are some examples of things you can ask about:

Funding opportunities : do they have funding available for research or projects you might want to carry out? How accessible is it?
Access to advisors : How often do advisors meet with their students? How hands-on are advisors?
Other access to resources : if you need computing resources for your projects, will you have access to them? Do they have a library of books or academic articles that will be available for you as a student?
Placement record (if not available online): How do students normally place after completing this program? What sort of jobs do they take? How long do they require to find a full-time job? Do they normally go on to tenure-track positions or something else?

What not to discuss

Stay away from any questions that can be easily answered from looking at the program website. Admissions officers want to know that you’ve done at least a little bit of research on the program!

Although personal considerations (such as what it’s like to date or live in the city where the school is located) are vitally important to the choice of a graduate program, you should generally ask these questions only of current and former students, not faculty or admissions officers. Try to keep your questions on the theme of academic or professional experiences.

There are also some questions that interviewers should not ask you. Although it rarely occurs, be aware that you don’t have to answer questions that are inappropriate, or possibly even illegal, including anything that relates to your marital status or pregnancy, age, disability status, race, or gender. If asked a question that falls into this category, you should inform the interviewer that you’re not comfortable answering and report the incident to an admissions officer afterwards.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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Graduate schools often ask questions about why you are interested in this particular program and what you will contribute.

Try to stay away from cliche answers like “this is a good program” or “I got good grades in undergrad” and focus instead on the unique strengths of the program or what you will bring to the table. Understand what the program is looking for and come up with anecdotes that demonstrate why you are a good fit for them.

Different types of programs may also focus on different questions:

Research programs will often ask what topics you’d like to research and who you would like to work with, as well as specific questions about your research background.
Medical schools are interested in your personal motivation, qualities such as integrity and empathy, and how you’d respond to common ethical dilemmas.
Business schools will focus on your past work experience and future career prospects, and may be particularly interested in any experience you have managing or working with others.

In addition to thinking about your answers for the most commonly asked grad school interview questions , you should reach out to former and current students to ask their advice on preparing and what sort of questions will be asked.

Look back through your resume and come up with anecdotes that you could use for common questions, particularly those that ask about obstacles that you overcame. If you’re applying for a research program, ensure that you can talk about the previous research experience you’ve had.

You should also read as much research in your field as possible. Research the faculty at the schools you’re applying to and read some of their papers. Come up with a few questions that you could ask them.

Most medical school programs interview candidates, as do many (though not all) leading law and business schools.

In research programs, it depends—PhDs in business usually do, while those in economics normally do not, for example.

Some schools interview everyone, while others only interview their top candidates. Look at the websites of the schools you’re applying to for more information on whether they conduct interviews.

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What to do before the interview.

It is important to treat the PhD interview like a job interview. Dress smartly and bring two printed copies of your application form. It is also useful to bring your research proposal or your notes on how you will fit into the existing research project. Organise materials neatly so that you can quickly access any information requested, but also commit crucial details to memory—and rehearse.

Do background research on the university, the department, and the academics who will interview you. Prepare several informed questions about their current research and the overall research culture in the department.

Make sure you know where and when the interview will occur and arrive ahead of time. If possible, visit the building in advance. You will feel more at ease if the surroundings are a little familiar.

To avoid embarrassment, try to find out how to pronounce the names of staff members you will meet.

Tell us about yourself.

Include not only your academic background, but your personal motivation—and particularly what motivates you to do in-depth research in this specific field of study.

Why have you applied to do a PhD here?

This is where research can give you an edge. Show that you have chosen this programme/department/university for strong and valid reasons, such as your high regard for named researchers’ work, the availability of specific collections, equipment, or lab resources, and overall reputation. Give concrete examples, not banal generalities.

What can you do for us?

Academics will have to give up a great deal of time to supervise you, most of which they will receive no scheduled hours or recognition for. So, what research skills, personal attributes, connections, theoretical ideas and so on do you have that will make it worth their while? Again, give specific and concrete examples.

What do you think pursuing a PhD will do for you?

If you plan to become an academic, say so, but not in terms of just getting a job—talk about your long-term research plans . If applying to a professional doctorate programme, show that you understand the realistic career impact. Applicants pursuing a PhD towards the end of their career may want to talk about gaining recognition for innovative practice or solving complex issues through research. It is important to showcase your knowledge, motivation, background and commitment at this point.

What skills do you have that make you a good fit for the PhD place you have applied for or for the department?

Tailor your response specifically: Play up your strengths, including any prior research training and experience. Discuss project management skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, collaborative working, critical thinking and international experience or understanding.

Tell us about your research project.

If proposing your own topic, over-prepare. Refer to current scholarship and explain how your cutting-edge work will break new ground. If applying to join a project, show that you understand its value and demonstrate that you are the right person to make it happen. Be enthusiastic!

What would you say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Yes, that tired job-interview question will appear here as well. Make sure the strengths you list include examples, and your “weaknesses” are also “strengths”—for example, “sometimes I’m a terrible perfectionist.” It is important to mention and demonstrate how your determination reaps project succession. The panel will want to know that you will persist in completing the PhD. Demonstrate this!

Tell us about a challenge you have overcome in the past.

It’s best to choose a research challenge as your answer: for example, how you handled an issue during your Master’s dissertation such as a disagreement with a supervisor or an issue with ethical approval. If you use a career or personal challenge, show how you used research or project-management skills to solve it.

What do you see as the most important issue/problem in this field today?

This question gives you space to show your knowledge of current research, theory and practice. Use this as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge.

Is there anything you would like to ask us?

This is your chance to show how informed you are and position yourself as an intellectual equal. Be prepared . Be ready.

We hope you found our Top Ten PhD Interview Questions and Answers article useful.

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Introduce yourself in a PhD interview (4 simple steps + examples)

The opening of an application interview for a PhD position usually starts with short introductions of everyone participating in the conversation. Many applicants wonder how to best introduce themselves in a PhD interview. Four simple steps (including examples) help you to develop a powerful self-introduction .

What to do in a PhD interview introduction

What not to do in a phd interview introduction, introductions in a phd interview.

Interviewing for a PhD position can be nerve-wrecking.

On the one hand, the interview is an advanced stage in the PhD application process and a reason to celebrate having come so far.

On the other hand, you may feel much more vulnerable during an interview than when sending a carefully crafted application letter.

A PhD application interview requires you to react quickly to questions, and you will never know what exactly the admissions committee will ask. Nonetheless, you can properly prepare for a PhD interview. One of the elements is preparing a powerful introduction of yourself.

A self-introduction summarises who you are and why you want the PhD position. A powerful self-introduction can set the tone for the whole interview.

If you are unprepared, there is a risk of going in all directions when it is your turn to introduce yourself. It may throw you off and make you extra nervous for the remainder of the interview.

You may also like: How to strategically prepare for a PhD application

Several things are pivotal in PhD interview introductions:

Keep it short: A good self-introduction is not too long. Of course, it should be longer than simply stating “ My name is … and I would like this position because I love doing research .” However, when introducing yourself, you should avoid speaking for longer than 3-4 minutes.
Don’t take away all answers to potential questions: Some applicants try to predict all possible interview questions in advance. Then they try to answer all of them as part of their self-introduction. Don’t! There will be plenty of time in the interview to go into details. In a self-introduction, stick to a handful of key points that you want to bring across.
Take non-verbal cues into account: Non-verbal cues include facial expressions, gestures and body language. During a self-introduction, you should make sure to come across excited about the interview instead of scared and defensive. Smile. Pause. You should also try to read the body language of the interviewer/s: Leaning forward, moving, or hand gestures are cues to wrap up your self-introduction.

Several things are best to be avoided when you introduce yourself in a PhD interview:

Don’t start babbling: Many PhD applicants start babbling when they are nervous. Babbling means they talk rapidly and incomprehensively. They may repeat information and go in all directions. The easiest way to prevent babbling is by preparing the self-introduction in advance. The four steps explained below can help you with this preparation.
Don’t provide too detailed information: A self-introduction in a PhD interview serves one purpose: introducing yourself at the start of the interview. Nothing more and nothing less. Hence, there is no need to go into detail about every single aspect. For instance, it is enough to explain what bachelor’s degree you earned. No need to list all individual courses that you followed.
Don’t already ask questions: It is advisable not to end your self-introduction with several questions that you have. Rest assured that there will likely be a time when the interviewers ask whether you have any questions about the PhD programme that you applied to. However, most interviews will begin with questions to the applicant and not the other way around. So be mindful of this general structure of PhD interviews, and don’t create an awkward situation by immediately bombarding your interviewer/s with your own questions.

Step 1: State your full name

The first step is easy-peasy: State your full name. Why?

Not all names can be intuitively pronounced. So help your interviewer/s by saying out loud your whole name. In that way, they will be more comfortable addressing you by name throughout the interview.

Step 2: Give a brief overview of your educational (and professional) background

Your educational background has a lot of weight in the decision of the application committee on whether you are a good match for a PhD programme or not.

Therefore, it is useful to provide a brief summary of your educational background. Those who have work experience also benefit from including it.

Step 3: Explain why you are interested in the PhD position

The next step is to justify your interest in the PhD position. There are several powerful ways to explain why you want to do a PhD.

What is important in this next step, however, is to link your motivation to the specific PhD position that you are interviewing for. Remember to keep it relatively short!

Step 4: Thank everyone for the opportunity to be interviewed

The final step is to thank everyone for the opportunity to be interviewed. Be gracious and polite, and express your enthusiasm for the interview. This will create a comfortable atmosphere in which questions can be freely asked and answered.

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Questions to Ask During Your PhD Interview

By Zebastian D.
August 22, 2020

As someone applying for PhD positions, you’ll no doubt be thinking of and preparing for the interview with your potential supervisor(s). You’re absolutely right to be doing this and planning your answers to some of the PhD interview questions that they’ll probably ask you; make sure you’ve read our guide on this to help you prepare.

Remember though that the PhD student-supervisor relationship works both ways; as much as the potential supervisor is interviewing you for a PhD position within their lab, you should also have the mindset that you’re also interviewing the professor for the role of supervisor, and be ready to ask questions! Ultimately the key thing you want to know after your PhD interview is you are both a good fit for each other.

With that in mind, I’ve prepared a common list of questions that you should consider asking to help you decide if the supervisor and the research lab is the right fit for you. You don’t need to ask all these questions but instead use this list as a guide for picking what feels most important to you.

I should also note that some of the answers to these questions can usually be found through a quick Google search of the potential supervisor or looking at their university profile. So do think about which questions in particular you want to bring up in person at the PhD interview.

Now on to the questions….

How many PhD students have you supervised previously, and did they all gain their PhDs?

You’re asking this to firstly work out how experienced the professor is at supervising students, based purely on the numbers previously supervised. The reason to ask the second question of how many students gained PhDs is to get an idea of the supervisor’s track record of successful supervision. The lower the percentage of students that went onto complete their PhD under his or her supervision (and not leave the program early ), the more alarm bells that should be ringing for you. This of course shouldn’t be your only data point in the decision-making process, and you should try and find out more about why those that left their PhD program before completion, did so. Equally it’s also a possibility that some students have been successful in their PhD research in spite of a supervisor’s lack of support. A good way to get a truer sense of this is by speaking to the supervisor’s current and past students.

Whilst a supervisor’s successful track record can be reassuring, don’t be put off if they haven’t supervised many (or even any) students before, particularly if they’re still fairly new in the job. There are many other ways in which you can get a sense of the supervisor-student fit.

How many years does a PhD project usually take in your lab?

If you’re in the UK, a full time PhD should normally take you 3-4 years to complete , as reflected by most funding grants for PhD research being for this time frame. You want to know and have some reassurance that most students in this lab do finish within this time frame. Asking this question will also help you better understand the supervisor’s attitude towards completion time frames; is this someone that would have no issue with a student that’s been working on their PhD for 6 years or are they driven to help students complete ‘on time’.

What are the key milestones for progression that you expect from students?

This is a good follow on from the previous question. Some supervisors can be very ‘hands off’ and set no expectations on their students about deliverables and if this is the type of student-supervisor relationship you’re after (which some are), then perfect!

However, whilst a PhD project is an independent body of work, that doesn’t mean you have to do it in isolation. Having a supervisor that also acts as a mentor is important; a key aspect of this is to help keep you on track to complete your project ‘in time’, which is most effectively done using regular milestones.

The actual milestones will vary between supervisors but what you’re looking for in their response is some indication that they’ve actually thought about them. Examples of milestones may be the completion of the literature review within the first 6 weeks of starting, first experimental data captured by month 3 and first paper published by the time you end year 1.

How many other students do you supervise?

You ideally don’t want your supervisor to have too many (>5) other PhD students under his or her supervision at any one time, simply because of the dilution of their time that will naturally occur. Being part of an active research lab is a big advantage however, so you don’t necessarily want to be the only student under their supervision either. Remember that the professor may also be responsible for several Master’s and undergraduate students too so you just need to know what to realistically expect from him in terms of available time to meet with you regularly.

How often do you meet with your PhD students?

You don’t want a supervisor that’s too prescriptive in how you run your project, but you do want someone who you know you can rely on to meet with regularly. Some professors set weekly one-on-one or group research meetings that occur at the same time, day and venue; you know exactly what you’re getting here. Others tend to meet less frequently but still at regular intervals. A good balance would be to have catch up meetings every 2 weeks but it’s important to know upfront what the expectations are from both sides about how often to meet.

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How flexible is the direction of the PhD project?

At the PhD level of higher education, the supervisor is there to provide mentorship and guidance to help you avoid going in a completely wrong direction with your research. You should however expect to have the freedom to take your project in any direction you want to (within reason). This should be the case even if it means deviating from the original research questions that were proposed at the start; you and your supervisor should be in agreement before you start about how much flexibility there can be. Remember too that sometimes the project may have to stay closely aligned to the original plan if it’s required by the industry funder, so this decision may be out of the supervisor’s hands to some extent.

What funding is available for this project?

You should know by the time you come to interview if the project is to be self-funded or if there is specific funding associated with it. It may feel like an awkward question to ask but you need to be very clear on how much of a living stipend you should expect and if there is any additional funding for things such as conference travel, paying for journal publication fees or other bench fees; you don’t want any unpleasant surprises about finances when you’ve already started the PhD.

Do you expect there to be any changes in funding during the course of the project?

Specifically, you want to find out if there’s any risk that the funding associated with the project could be removed. Most often, funding bodies don’t transfer the entire monetary amount of the agreed funding up front in one lumpsum (which can be in excess of £75,000 for a 3-year studentship). Instead, payments are made in instalments and may be done so on the basis that certain milestones are met. For industry funded projects, for example, there may be a service work element (such as specialist analysis using university-based equipment) associated with the funding which will need to be delivered on time for the university to continue to receive money. In reality a complete loss of funding is unlikely to happen, but you should find out if this is at all a possibility of happening.

What is the source of the funding?

It’s important for you to understand how your project will be funded. As discussed in the previous question, the specific funder may place certain requirements on the university that need to be fulfilled to receive the funds. Don’t let this put you off applying or even impact your decision to take on the specific project, but it’s an important factor to be aware of.

Are there any opportunities to earn additional money as a PhD student?

Even if you will receive a stipend during the course of your research project, it comparatively won’t be a lot of money to live on. If you want it, the opportunity to earn extra money can make a big difference in managing your finances. This may in the form of one day/week working as a research technician or paid work preparing and delivering lectures to undergraduate students. It’s useful to know if these opportunities will exist to help you manage your expectations about your finances. Make sure you don’t let yourself feel obligated to take on this additional work however, even if it is paid; the priority will be ensuring your research progresses on schedule.

Will I have the opportunity and be expected to publish papers?

In the UK there is no requirement for you to have published any journal papers before you are awarded a PhD. Doing so however can go some way towards making your final viva that much easier, and also giving you a ‘head-start’ on your publication track record if you continue on into academia after your PhD.

You should get a sense of if your potential supervisor sees an opportunity for you to publish your research, if this is something that you want to do. Equally you should be aware of the supervisor’s expectations about publishing to avoid any potential conflict between your supervisor wanting you to publish work during your PhD and you wanting to wait until you’re in the post-doc stage before writing papers.

How many papers have previous PhD students published with you?

Knowing the answer to this should give you a good idea about the expectations and opportunities of publishing papers during your PhD. It’s certainly a positive sign to know that previous students have successfully published their research and is often a sign of a good supervisory system being in place.

How often does your research group present at academic conferences?

Having the opportunity to present your research at an academic conference is a key experience to have obtained during your time as a PhD student. Some supervisors actively encourage this and ensure that all funding applications include allocations for paying for conference related fees. Others are less convinced about the value of students going to conferences, particularly due to the additional expense of doing so, and may therefore not be as supportive of conference participation.

It’s useful to know what the norm is within the supervisor’s research group so that there are no surprises further down the line.

Is there funding support available for attending conferences?

Again, to be clear on expectations of funding and support for conference attendance, you should find out if there are funds specifically allocated for this purpose. If there aren’t, does the supervisor actively provide support to their students in applying for additional funding for this?

Are there courses and training sessions available for PhD students?

Find out if there are extra resources available to you should you want to use them. For example, do the supervisors students go on paper writing courses, or workshops on how to perform literature reviews? There are lots of new things that you’ll be doing during your PhD, especially at the beginning so it’s good to know that there’s external help available if and when you need it.

What are your past PhD graduates doing now?

This is an interesting one to find out from the supervisor. Are most of their graduates continuing their career development within academia or have many moved into industry work or even to a field completely different to their area of research? Ideally, you’d want this to align with your own career options. If most PhD holders have gone into industry whereas you want to pursue an academic career, you should try and find out why they ended up leaving academia. For example, did these graduates initially have aspirations of becoming professors themselves but were not able to do so or does your particular field normally open up more opportunities within industry?

What kind of support do you or the university provide for helping with jobs after?

In particular, what role does the supervisor play in helping their recent PhD graduates find their next job role? Do they have any connections within industry that they’d be able to help you network with? Or have any of their past PhD students stayed on in the lab as post-docs and are there resources in place for you to potentially do the same?

Will there be opportunities to teach undergraduate students?

The opportunity to give lectures to undergraduate students or lead tutorials with them can be a good way to earn some extra money during your PhD (note though that not all universities/departments formally pay PhD students to do this). Getting teaching experience is also important if you’re planning on continuing on down an academic career path at a university so it’s useful if you can gain some of this during your PhD.

Do you as a lab do any team activities together?

This will help you get a sense of the environment you’ll be working in for at least the next three years. Is this a lab with several PhD students and post-docs that make up an active ‘research family’? Does the team ever go out for lunch together or day trips away together to unwind? This can be a great way to build a sense of comradery in a research job that can often feel like you’re working alone in. Some supervisors actively encourage and get involved in nurturing a team environment whilst others are more hands-off, leaving the students to do their own thing.

What is the work environment like? Do students work in a shared office space?

Be clear on what your daily workspace will be like at the lab and university. Do all PhD students sit together in an open space or are there smaller office spaces for one or two students to work in? Some people prefer the buzz of an open space whilst others like the quiet of lone working. Either way, you should know what your work environment will look like for the next three years and plan accordingly (e.g. buy some noise cancelling headphones if you need some quite time in the open plan office).

I’ve given you a number of different questions to think about and ask your potential supervisor at your PhD interview. Not all of them may be relevant, or even appropriate to ask, so do think carefully about which ones you do want to bring up at the interview and which answers you could find out independently by either speaking to other students or looking online. Your research project and your experiences at the university will be so much more enjoyable if you can make sure you and your supervisor are a good fit for each other. The best way to do this is to ask questions!

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PhD Interview Presentation Dos and Don’ts

It is becoming increasingly common for master's and undergraduate students to present data they produced during their research as part of the PhD interview process. This may involve presenting to the potential lab, professor, or department interview panel responsible for evaluating candidates. The aim of this is to understand what basic skills and understanding the potential PhD candidate already has about the field or a scientific topic in general. For many this is a great opportunity to impress and may allow applicants to rise above competing applicants that may have the grades on paper but do not have the drive, experience or skills to carry out a PhD in a specific lab.

Here are some dos and don'ts for presenting during a PhD interview:

PhD Interview Dos

Read as many papers as you can about the topic. For PhDs looking for post-doc positions in fields outside of what they carried out their PhD in, it’s recommended to read up to 100 papers to have a decent understanding of the topic and have an intellectual conversation with the Professor you a applying to. For an undergraduate or Masters student I would recommend reading 20-30 papers on the topic of interest of the lab. I know this might seem like a lot, but it will show you dedication and enthusiasm for the field. Be prepared for the “Why this project” question.
Find a good review on the topic. Sometimes reading one good review will give you all the figures and information you need for the presentation. Check out journals like Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology or Nature Reviews Cancer for some great in depth reviews with great figures that will look good in your presentation.
Make the presentation as simple as possible. The last thing you want to do is stress yourself out about the presentation because you don’t know the minute details of the figures. If possible, keep the presentation as simple as possible to 4/5 figures that you understand and can answer questions on.
Have acknowledgements. If you are presenting your undergraduate or Masters work thank the previous labs that you were working with.
Mention that you have a publication: If you are lucky enough to have published with the lab you did your research in, don’t be afraid to talk about the paper and highlight how you contributed to the publication.
Give a short Bio of you career or successes to date. The interview panel might have read your CV, but giving them a short one slide update on your education and achievements can look good.
Try and assure them that you are the right person for the job. Remember, they might have spent have months working on this grant, they are invested in this project and you should be too. They want to make sure you have the motivation and drive to get you through 3 or 4 grueling years.
Be prepared for Post PhD questions. Although you don’t know how you may feel about research after a PhD be optimistic and engaging. Don’t simply answer “I don’t know”, have some potential career paths in mind.
Think about how you might respond to any challenges the PhD might present and be prepared for questions on this topic.
Do ask the interviewers questions. Asking questions will show your enthusiasm for the project. Make the questions relevant like “What will the supervision arrangements be for the project” “Will I have opportunities to teach / present / publish”. Don’t ask “What are holidays/pay”.
Think about what you can add to the group and why you’ll be a valuable asset.
Be prepared for questions on failure and how you deal with it.
Think about what experiments and equipment you’d use if you got the PhD and the purpose of experiment. Think about how you’d set up your first experiment. Be able to describe this in detail during the interview, this will show you’re engaged with the topic and have thought about it detail.

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Phd interview don’ts.

Don’t use Wikipedia as a reference. Hopefully after reading your papers you will have a good enough understanding of the topic to present primary research papers or reviews on the topic. Using Wikipedia as a reference is a big “No-No” and won’t look good.
Don’t go over time! If you are given 15 mins to talk, take 15 mins! There’s nothing more frustrating than presentations dragging on!
When they ask you about yourself don’t give them your life story. Keep it relevant. Say where you’re form and maybe a hobby or two if its interesting (not I like going out at the weekend). From that point on keep it on topic, how your college/lab experience makes you an ideal candidate. What inspired you to do PhD, why you chose this university.
Don’t give overly simplistic answers and don’t go on and on – find that perfect balance. Yes or no answers won’t cut it, your academic achievements won’t speak for themselves – it’s all about the why, why you are the right candidate for the job.
If they ask you the ‘Catch 22’ of interview questions “What are your strengths and weakness”? You may feel this is a lose lose situation. Don’t just say you are punctual and reliable. Elaborate, give examples of situations when you showed these traits. For weakness don’t be overly hard on yourself, identify what you would like further training on. This type of question is more about your ability to identify weaknesses and strengths and improve on them.
Don’t wear jeans. Dress smart and confidently.
Don’t panic when they ask about an interesting paper you read recently – you’ll have one prepared right?
Don’t lie. If you don’t know the answer better to say it rather than spoof your way through it. As with all interviews the interviewers will see right through it and it could take away from an otherwise great interview.
Try not to be too nervous. Remember they where once in your shoes.
Don’ take this advice as definite – the panel may through in a curveball or two that you haven’t thought about.

Related Resources

Written by sean mac fhearraigh.

Seán Mac Fhearraigh PhD is a co-founder of Assay Genie. Seán carried out his undergraduate degree in Genetics at Trinity College Dublin, followed by a PhD at University College Dublin. He carried out a post-doc at the Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge. Seán is now Chief Technical Officer at Assay Genie.

Additional Resources

#PhD and Post Doc

Biomarker Testing: Advancements, Applications, and Future Directions

Understanding t cell fatigue: implications for immune function and therapeutic interventions.

Comprehensive Analysis of Antibody Structure and Function

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CAREER COLUMN
08 April 2024

How we landed job interviews for professorships straight out of our PhD programmes

Violeta Rodriguez 0 &
Qimin Liu 1

Violeta Rodriguez is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Qimin Liu is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University in Massachusetts.

A person organizing ideas and thoughts with sticky notes on a glass wall.

By staying organized in their job hunt, both authors received several job offers. Credit: Getty

We met during the last year of our PhD training, after securing placements at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Department of Psychiatry for our predoctoral internships — the final step of our clinical doctoral programmes. V. R. came from the University of Georgia in Athens and was pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology, and Q. L. came from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and was working towards a PhD in clinical science and quantitative methods. It was amid the academic rigour and personal stress of the last year of our programmes that we became friends. We bonded over being immigrants and not speaking English as our first language while navigating the complexities of academia. We both wanted to forgo postdoctoral training and instead immediately become junior professors. Now, we’re assistant professors: V. R. is at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Q. L. is at Boston University in Massachusetts.

The odds we faced in the academic job market had seemed insurmountable, particularly to immigrants, and we had been cautioned by mentors and even junior faculty members about the challenge ahead. But we succeeded: we received a combined total of 27 in-person interviews, leading to 15 tenure-track assistant-professor offers across departments of psychology, paediatrics or psychiatry, schools of education and academic medical centres. (You can check out our hints for nailing job interviews in our other article .)

How to move labs

Despite the positive outcome, the process was stressful, fast and unpredictable. Our friendship became a sanctuary: amid the daunting job market and our own self-doubt, we understood and encouraged each other. We want to offer what our friendship provided us — understanding, support and encouragement — to researchers hoping to stay in academia after earning a PhD, so we are sharing our reflections and insights.

We must first make clear: no amount of job-search tips and tricks can substitute for good science and a strong publication record. To gauge our readiness, we looked up the CV of the most recent hire in each department that we applied to. We also made sure we had backup offers of postdoctoral positions. While navigating this process, we learnt that institutions were interested in candidates who planned to pursue external funding.

Portrait of Qimin Liu in front of a graffitied wall.

Qimin Liu is now an assistant professor. Credit: Qimin Liu

We had both obtained federal and private funding before — making us more competitive. We urge aspiring professors to prioritize their research contributions, external fellowship and grant applications and academic achievements above all.

To readers who’ve successfully navigated this process, many of our reflections and insights could seem obvious. However, this kind of advice can be the hardest to follow during a fast-moving job hunt, with several moving pieces involved and new considerations and job offers or advertisements emerging unexpectedly. Treat this as a checklist before beginning to fill out job applications.

Tips and tricks

Start your search early. Allow ample time to prepare for the job hunt; research potential options, such as jobs in academic medical centres, standard department positions or tenure-track jobs in related fields; and submit applications. Plan to reply to job ads long before the first deadline. Starting early gives you time to collect and incorporate feedback from mentors and colleagues.

Training: Free course on peer review

Prepare your networks. The academic job market can be unpredictable, with opportunities emerging unexpectedly. It is important to think about who can write letters for you — sometimes at short notice. Most of our applications required three letters of recommendation from all applicants. Others requested letters from only shortlisted candidates.

Plan ahead. The final drafts of materials took, on average, one to two months in total to prepare and polish. The initial drafts took about 8 hours, and the research statement required a total of 16 hours. (The research statement summarizes your research programme, the work you’ve done so far and what you plan to pursue in future. It can also highlight why a particular institution is well-suited to support your work.) Preparing drafted statements in advance made it easier to adapt them to different positions later — tweaking materials for specific positions took 30–60 minutes per application.

Research potential job opportunities. Don’t just rely on word-of-mouth or googling specific positions to find things you’re interested in applying to. Use online job boards (such as HigherEdJobs or Nature Careers ), and tap into your professional network by sending e-mails or LinkedIn messages to your mentors and colleagues, letting them know you’re on the job market. Scour social media and department websites to find available positions. We both posted on X (formerly Twitter) that we were job hunting, and several people reached out with opportunities.

Develop job application ‘templates’. Create a set of well-crafted templates for your application materials, such as cover letters and statements, on which you can easily fill in your name, relevant details and where you’ve previously worked. Having adaptable documents allowed us to respond quickly to new postings.

Tailor your application materials. Templates can take you only so far. Take the time to customize your application materials, including your CV, cover letter (each of ours was one page long) and research statement, to highlight your relevant skills, experiences and research contributions. Tailoring your materials to each position demonstrates genuine interest and increases your chances of standing out to hiring committees. Generic applications are easy for hiring managers to reject. Mentioning centres or institutes that align with your research; available resources, such as early-career programmes, that you want to take advantage of; and the names of people whom you are interested in working with can help to personalize your application materials.

Stay organized. Maintain a well-organized system to track application deadlines, requirements and submission statuses. Be ready to remind your letter writers to submit their recommendations. Keep a calendar or spreadsheet to ensure that all required materials are submitted on time and to track when to follow up. An example spreadsheet is provided below.

Practise for interviews and job talks. Run mock interviews with your peers or mentors. Practise answering common interview questions and develop concise, compelling responses that highlight your expertise, teaching abilities and fit. Treat these seriously — you’re likely to be nervous in the real interview, so try to recreate that while rehearsing, perhaps by inviting a relatively unknown colleague or professor to join the practice runs. V. R. recorded her job talk on Zoom and sent it to others for feedback.

Practising your job talk — a presentation of your academic research that is often a spoken version of your research statement — until you know it backwards and forwards will prepare you for the unexpected. In addition, rehearsing how you plan to respond to different questions, and practising saying that you want people to hold their questions until the end, can be helpful.

Prepare a start-up budget to get your lab running. Many academic positions include a start-up fund for incoming faculty members. It is typically used for summer salary and staffing or research costs. You might be asked for an estimated budget before, during or after the interview stage — so you should have one ready in advance. When preparing your budget, keep in mind the spending norms at the institution and for your discipline. Ask for more than you think you need, because this amount will often be reduced during negotiations.

As we look back on our job-hunting experiences, we are reminded of how much we grew in this process, in ways that are not related to just our jobs — and this growth continued in our interviews .

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01044-1

This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their professional experiences and advice. Guest posts are encouraged .

Supplementary Information

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19 Job Interview Tips to Make a Lasting Impression

While landing a job interview is exciting, preparing for it can be stressful. To make the process smoother, we talked to tech and business professionals — from software engineers to recruiters — who shared insider tips on what to do before, during and after a job interview. Who knows? Their advice may just help you land your dream job .

Job Interview Tips

Research the company
Rehearse your interview answers
Practice active listening
Ask the interviewer questions
Send a timely thank-you email
Stay positive no matter the results

More on Career Development How to Build a Career in Responsible Tech

Before the Job Interview

1. research the company and the position.

Before your interview, look for information on the company’s products, services, values, mission , management team, board members and recent company announcements. Those can be found on company blogs, white papers, news articles and podcasts.

“If you spend an hour or two reading these, it gives you an idea of who we are and it goes a long way to show you’re interested in us,” Dermot Williams, senior director of engineering at cybersecurity firm BeyondTrust, told Built In.

Reading company reviews on Glassdoor is another way to prepare for a job interview. That may offer information on what prospective and current employees have to say about job interview questions the company may ask.

Review a company’s website and social media posts. That may give you ideas of how you fit in or add to the company’s culture, team, core values, product or services direction, Leena Macwan, a principal recruiter at Zynga, told Built In.

2. Learn About Your Interviewer’s Background

If you know who is interviewing you, look up their LinkedIn profile , read their blogs and social media posts.

“Use that information as an ice breaker to start the conversation when you meet them,” senior Amazon AWS in-house recruiter Zafar Choudhury told Built In. “You can say, ‘I read you did a TED talk last year or I saw you did a cybersecurity presentation.’ Hiring managers love it because it shows you’ve done your due diligence and homework.”

Tap current or former employees of the company you’ll be interviewing with who are also your college alumni, advised Santina Pitcher, associate director of counseling and programs at the University of California at Berkeley. Ask to pick their brain for a few minutes to learn more about the company culture and what it’s like to work there. They also may be familiar with the people you will be interviewing with and can provide you with some insight to make a good impression.

3. Match the Job Description and Company’s Core Values to Your Skills and Traits

“You literally memorize a couple of bullet points from the job description and match that to your experience, where you can connect it to a strong example that demonstrates that skill,” Rachel Amos, director of career services and employer relations at Carnegie Mellon University, told Built In.

For example, a startup notes in its job description it’s looking for a software engineer who is comfortable working in an ambiguous environment with a lot of demanding deadlines. Let’s say you worked in that type of environment in your previous job and thrived. Point that out to the interviewer and provide data or information to back it up, such as you consistently turned in projects a day or two ahead of schedule as the scope of work evolved on a weekly basis.

4. Practice the Required Hard Skills

LeetCode and HackerRank were among the tools Bill Bruschi used to prepare for his job interview at Amazon, where he was hired as an AWS software development engineer. He said the examples used were very accurate to what they found in the coding tests he took.

“It’s important to think out loud so the interviewer can hear your thought process and you’re encouraged to ask questions,” Bruschi added. “You’re really working with the interviewer to solve the issue at hand.”

Zynga’s Macwan said it’s important to brush up on the fundamentals required for the specific position you seek and be able to demonstrate the depth and breadth of your skillset when solving coding questions .

5. Consume Relevant Resources

Amazon’s technical questions were mostly around algorithms and data structures, such as arrays, trees, string manipulation and graphs, according to Puneeth Nettekere Rangaswamy, who snagged a job at Amazon AWS as a software development engineer on his second attempt after upping his preparation efforts

“I had not done extensive preparation the first time I applied at Amazon,” he added. “But this time around, I specifically focused on data structures and algorithms and being able to apply them appropriately during the interviews.”

His reading material included a GitHub post , a coding blog and watching coding YouTube videos .

6. Rehearse Your Interview Answers

Find a friend, family member or colleague to do a mock job interview and rehearse answering questions on why a company should hire you . And although it may not replicate the feeling of a real job interview, it’s better than nothing. “It’s good to have questions thrown at you and it forces you to quickly come up with an answer,” Amos said.

Conducting a mock job interview provides an opportunity to receive feedback on your body language when answering questions, Pitcher said. Do you fold your arms across your chest, or avoid eye contact in an in-person mock interview? Or are you constantly looking down in a virtual mock interview, rather than looking into the camera at the interviewer?

7. Find a Distraction-Free Environment

If your interview is virtual , scope out a location that is quiet and without distractions. And test your microphone, webcam and internet connection before the interview to ensure all are in working order.

8. Make Copies of Your Resume

Print two or three extra copies of your resume to bring to the interview if you’re going in person.

“I’ve seen this happen on multiple occasions where the interviewer may suddenly want to loop in someone else for a second opinion,” Choudhury said. “Wouldn’t it make you look more professional to pull a second resume from your folder and give it to us? That makes you look prepared and ahead of the game. These are leadership things we look for.”

9. Select Your Interview Outfit the Night Before

In-person interviews call for a neat and clean appearance that is business casual and not a three-piece suit, nor blue jeans and a T-shirt, Amos said.

A similar wardrobe should also be planned for a Zoom interview, as well, she added.

During the Job Interview

10. practice active listening and watch your body language.

Engage in active listening when responding to an interviewer’s questions.

“I’ve had cases where I asked a question and the candidate will go on to a whole other place I didn’t ask about,” Pitcher said. “In my head, I’m thinking maybe they just pivoted because they had no idea how to answer the question or, on the flip side, they weren’t listening.”

Choudhury suggested mirroring your interviewer’s body language and tone to make them more comfortable. If an interviewer has a high energy level, ramp up yours. If an interviewer leans back when talking, do the same. Mimicking their behavior makes you more appealing as a candidate and is also an effective communication tool .

11. Have Answers Ready for Difficult Interview Questions

When it comes to questions you will be asked during your job interview, these five questions tend to carry a lot of weight:

What are you most curious about?
Could you share a recent project you accomplished with your team?
How do you usually react to setbacks?
How do you manage and prioritize your day?
In your last project, what was the one thing that you were most proud of, and what was the biggest challenge?

“We want to understand how a candidate works and if their style aligns with our values and principles,” Bryan Powell, senior vice president of talent acquisition for Twilio, told Built In. “Questions that get to the heart of their ability to be an owner, their curiosity, and how they approach building and problem solving are important to us.”

12. Remember How to Answer “What’s Your Greatest Weakness?”

Questions around your weaknesses are not meant to uncover your shortcomings, but rather to learn what you are doing to overcome them, or ways your prospective employer can support you to address them.

So, rather than give a response that clearly is not meant as a weakness, such as, ‘I work too hard’ or ‘I have a hard time saying no,’ be forthright with the interviewer but offer perspective.

Pitcher, for example, considers herself an introvert and previously viewed it as a negative trait. However, she has since learned to present it as a positive trait. “I’ve found in my previous job it was really helpful because I worked with teams and was able to be a really good listener,” she said.

13. Avoid Bad-Mouthing Former Employers

“Never throw people under the bus and always compliment your team,” Choudhury said. “If you blame your team members or colleagues that you had to pick up the slack because they were late, I don’t care how technical you are or how senior your title is, your interview will go south so fast it’ll make your head spin.”

Prospective employers fear that if you’re willing to cast blame on your current or former teammates, what will you say about them should they hire you.

14. Ask the Interviewer Questions

“When a candidate has no questions, I’m done. They may seem great on paper and have even had great conversations, but if they have no questions — and I’ve seen this many times — it says they’re not curious,” Marvin Lopez, director of student programs for the University of California at Berkeley’s engineering student services department, told Built in. “It tells me they haven’t thought about the organization, haven’t thought about the position, they’re just going to come in and do what they’re told.”

Below are a few good questions to ask the interviewer :

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
What are some traits that a candidate needs in order to be successful on this team?
Can you tell me about the team’s culture?
Can you tell me about this specific company value?
How do employees live these values at work?
How does the company recognize these values?

15. End the Interview by Asking for Next Steps

Ask the interviewer how soon the company anticipates hiring for the position, rather than putting them on the spot by asking “What’s the next step?” Choudhury said.

Also, never ask the hiring manager or interviewer “So, how’d I do?” Lopez said. “They likely won’t answer that question and you don’t want to put them in an uncomfortable position.”

More on Career Development How to Ask for a Raise (and What to Say)

After the Job Interview

16. send a thank-you email within 24 hours.

The thank you note or email should include specific information about the topics you discussed in the interview, such as system design or data structures, Choudhury said.

“Instead of a general thank you note like ‘Thank you for your time, I appreciated it,’ talk specifics,” he said. “That will have more psychological impact towards the decision they are about to make.”

17. Follow Up If You Don’t Hear Back

After a week or two has passed since your interview and still no word on your status, follow up with the company’s recruiter or the person who arranged the interviews, Macwan said.

You can forward an article or industry-related report in the thank you email, noting you thought they might enjoy reading the materials and inquire about the timing when the company expected to fill the position, Choudhury said.

Career experts say it’s usually fine to follow up two or three times on your status, but after three follow-up attempts it’s better to move on.

18. Ask What You Can Do Better Next Time

If you receive a formal letter stating you were not selected for the position and you really want to work at this company in the future, inquire about ways you can improve your candidacy the next time around.

That will likely get you further than asking questions about why you weren’t selected. Companies hesitate to respond to such questions because of liability concerns.

There are exceptions, of course.

“If you follow up with the recruiter, they might be able to share some high-level feedback,” Macwan said. “For candidates who are further along in the process and have established communication with the recruiter, we are open with them on where they stand throughout the process and why they might not be a fit for the role.”

19. Keep a Positive Attitude

Rebounding after losing the position to someone else is never easy but it’s good to keep a positive attitude , nonetheless.

“Sometimes the rejection reasons might not be related to the candidates’ competency,” Macwan said. “For example, there might be a role mismatch, two strong candidates for one role, the position may get closed. In such cases, the candidate can work with the recruiter to identify other roles.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are tips for a successful interview.

A few tips for a successful interview include conducting thorough research on a company before the interview, asking the interviewer thoughtful questions and sending a thank-you email within 24 hours after the interview.

What are the five C's of interviewing?

The five C’s of interviewing are competence, character, communication skills, culture fit and career direction.

Great Companies Need Great People. That's Where We Come In.

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2024 Masters final round live updates: Scottie Scheffler rolls to dominant 4-shot win at Augusta National

Scottie scheffler flew ahead on the back nine on sunday to pull away from collin morikawa and masters rookie ludvig aberg.

Scottie Scheffler now has a second green jacket.

The world’s top-ranked golfer ran away from the rest of the field on Sunday afternoon to win the Masters by four strokes. Scheffler posted a final-round 68 at Augusta National , which marked his ninth career win on Tour and the second Masters win of his career.

pic.twitter.com/6a2QHQJuAb — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Scheffler started the day with just a one shot lead over the rest of the field. There was a four-way tie for the lead at one point early on, too, as Collin Morikawa, Max Homa and Masters rookie Ludvig Aberg caught up to him right around the turn.

That, though, is when Scheffler took off. He rattled off three straight birdies as he made the turn, including a near-eagle at the ninth, to suddenly jump back up ahead. Slowly, the other three started to slip, too. Morikawa, Aberg and Homa all carded a double on their first few holes of the back nine. Even as Scheffler made a bogey at the 11th, he still entered the 12th hole with a three-shot lead.

Scheffler then made three birdies in a four hole stretch later on his back nine before cruising to his dominant win.

Aberg finished alone in second at 7-under on the week after his 3-under 69 on Saturday. Morikawa, who started just a shot back from Scheffler, bogeyed the last to drop to 4-under on the week. He finished in a tie for third with Tommy Fleetwood and Homa, who recorded his best finish at a major.

Though he was well out of contention, Tiger Woods finished his first true tournament in over a year on Sunday afternoon. Woods went 5-over on Sunday and dropped to 16-over on the week, which is the highest score among those who made the cut and the worst final score of his professional career. Sunday was his 100th competitive round at Augusta National.

Stick here for live updates from the final round on Sunday.

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Scottie Scheffler is among the youngest two-time winners at Augusta National

Good company to be in. #themasters pic.twitter.com/ojOd9UALW4 — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Scottie is ready to get out of Augusta ASAP

"I'll be home as quick as I can. I love you and I'm coming home." Scottie Scheffler talking to Meredith. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/2G13iKLW8t — GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 14, 2024

Jacket secured:

Green jacket No. 2 ✌️ pic.twitter.com/TkcJhd9YVb — GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 14, 2024

Here's what the OWGR is going to look like tomorrow morning after the Masters:

#OWGR update after #themasters 1Scottie 🏆 2Rory 3Xander 4Rahm 5Clark 6Viktor 7Aberg 8Cantlay 9Homa 10Harman 11Tommy 12Fitz 13Collin 14Young 15Hideki 16Hatton 17Sahith 18Henley 19Keegan 20Spieth 21Day 22Pavon 23TomKim 29WillZ 30JT 34Nicolai 46Schenk 52CamSm 85Reed 110Bryson — Nosferatu (@VC606) April 14, 2024

Scottie Scheffler's wife, Meredith, watched his win from home ahead of the birth of their first child.

A win for family near and far. #themasters pic.twitter.com/YEcGCbNXhh — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

What a moment for Scottie Scheffler

Soak it in, Scottie. #themasters pic.twitter.com/nIjx6Ek1dN — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Max Homa was one of the first to congratulate his friend Scottie. #themasters pic.twitter.com/IsqIauPKu2 — Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) April 14, 2024

Jay Busbee on Scottie Scheffler's win at the Masters from on the ground at Augusta National ⬇️

The moment. #themasters pic.twitter.com/il6c74qPQB — Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 14, 2024

Final Leaderboard

The final leaderboard from Augusta National:

1. Scottie Scheffler (-11)

2. Ludvig Aberg (-7)

T3. Tommy Fleetwood (-4)

T3. Max Homa (-4)

T3. Collin Morikawa (-4)

T6. Cam Smith (-2)

T6. Bryson DeChambeau (-2)

8. Xander Schauffele (-1)

Scottie Scheffler now has a second Masters title.

For the second time in three years, Scottie Scheffler wins the Masters Tournament. #themasters pic.twitter.com/hVKptJoGyp — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

A dominant 4 shot win for Scottie Scheffler.

YES, SCHEF! Scottie Scheffler wins his second Green Jacket in three years 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/E6cKfvf4Q5 — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 14, 2024

It's nearly time

The final walk up to No. 18 green for Scottie Scheffler. #themasters pic.twitter.com/er2RvMuSG6 — Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) April 14, 2024

Ludvig Aberg is going to finish in solo second in his first ever Masters. What an incredible run.

Solo second at Augusta National. The show has only just begun. pic.twitter.com/ypdt0lgVC6 — PGA TOUR University (@PGATOURU) April 14, 2024

Max Homa finished in fourth with Tommy Fleetwood at 4-under on the week.

A career-best major finish. Take a bow, @MaxHoma 👏 pic.twitter.com/UpCnuTnoQu — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 14, 2024

Scottie Scheffler is just a single hole away from a second green jacket.

Verne's emotional final moments on the call at the Masters.

Verne, thank you for the memories. pic.twitter.com/pUB5nTPWk9 — Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) April 14, 2024

Verne Lundquist's last words in his 40th and final Masters: "Let's go to 17." Yes, sir. — Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) April 14, 2024

That's three birdies in four holes for the top-ranked golfer in the world. He's got a four shot lead now.

Why not? Scottie birdies No. 16 #themasters pic.twitter.com/rDeKHsSwBm — Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) April 14, 2024

That's a wrap. Scottie Scheffler has the Masters just about locked up

Scheffler. Sharpie. — Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) April 14, 2024

Scottie Scheffler is headed to the 16th tee with a three shot lead. We're just about done here.

Scheffler is officially up by three again with four holes to go.

Scottie Scheffler returns his lead to three strokes. #themasters pic.twitter.com/7dqcHbx6uJ — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Scheffler's approach at the 14th was ridiculous. He spun it right down next to the cup to set up another birdie, which will get him to 10-under.

Ludvig Aberg cuts Scheffler's lead to just two with a birdie at the 14th.

Ludvig Åberg, solo second. #themasters pic.twitter.com/NKJUUbT7Rp — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Scottie Scheffler gets to 9-under now, which keeps his lead at 3 with five holes to go.

Leader by three. #themasters pic.twitter.com/cIMXGgQfJA — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Scottie Scheffler is trying to pull off something that hasn't been done in nearly 90 years.

Scottie Scheffler is looking to win his second Masters in just his fifth career start. The only player to win his second Masters title in fewer tries was Horton Smith, who won 2 of the first 3 ever contested (1934, 1936). — Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) April 14, 2024

Max Homa ended up doubling the 12th, so he's back to 5-under.

Even with Scheffler's bogey, he's got a three-shot lead now.

Into the bushes on the par-3 12th for Max Homa. Double bogey leaves him T2, but 3 back of Scottie Scheffler. #theMasters pic.twitter.com/8Rf6J8QMpc — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 14, 2024

Scottie Scheffler bogeyed the 11th, so he's back to 8-under. That's a one shot lead for the time being, but Homa is still working up at the 12th.

Max Homa just hit his tee shot into the bushes above the green at 12. They're searching for his ball now without much luck. Scheffler's lead could grow even more here.

Morikawa just hooked one bad into the water at 11. A total collapse, and he's almost certainly out of it now too.

From my story earlier this week on the toughest shots at Augusta National. Keegan Bradley called the second shot into 11 "the hardest shot in the world." https://t.co/cFhzGWT7xJ pic.twitter.com/ROVKpT9a8N — Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) April 14, 2024

A closer look at Scottie Scheffler's third straight birdie

Scottie Scheffler, leader by two. #themasters pic.twitter.com/3NqFPBOGFc — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Aberg just hit it into the water at 11, so he's about to drop down. That leaves just Max Homa still within range of Scheffler.

Three. Straight. Birdies.

Scottie Scheffler has a two-shot lead at 9-under now, and he's threatening to run away with this thing.

Scheffler. Inevitible. Three birdies in a row. Two shot lead through 10 pic.twitter.com/DRVSjnIhrR — GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 14, 2024

Max Homa isn't going away. He just birdied the 10th to join Aberg at 7-under.

Max Homa's precise approach into No. 10 results in a birdie and a return to second place. #themasters pic.twitter.com/Wf2kqmYB9i — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Leaderboard at the midway point

With everyone now on the back side, here's a look at the leaderboard:

1. Scheffler (-8)

2. Aberg (-7)

3. Homa (-6)

4. Morikawa (-5)

T5. Fleetwood (-3)

T5. DeChambeau (-3)

Collin Morikawa just missed a bogey putt at the ninth, and he's now suddenly at 5-under on the week. Brutal

Scottie Scheffler nearly holed out from the fairway at the ninth for eagle. He's now got a one-shot lead at the turn.

Scottie Scheffler is back in sole possession of the lead. #themasters pic.twitter.com/MGytXpJcXH — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Well that snack didn't quite make it...

Down a snack at the turn. #themasters pic.twitter.com/hPclKRMJmg — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Ludvig Aberg just birdied the ninth to get to 7-under at the turn. We've got a three-way tie for the lead again.

Three-way tie at the top. #themasters pic.twitter.com/7BLVux9j6s — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa each just birdied the 8th to jump to 7-under now. It was Morikawa's first birdie of the day.

7-under. T1. Scottie Scheffler wants another Green Jacket. pic.twitter.com/knFcahH86q — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 14, 2024

@ArtButSports never fails!

couldn’t really decide as neither are perfect; feel like the one above matches more on meaning while the one below is more visually alike. if anyone knows of artwork of a man shaking hands with a tree though, let me know pic.twitter.com/7NrAdX6Csr — ArtButMakeItSports (@ArtButSports) April 14, 2024

Make that a 4-way tie for the lead. Max Homa just birdied the 8th to join the group at 6-under.

Tidy birdie for Max on 8. We have a FOUR WAY TIE for the lead. 11 holes left to play. 👀 pic.twitter.com/FYU2s4IH3d — GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 14, 2024

Who is Ludvig Aberg?

Ludvig Aberg is playing in his first ever major championship this week at Augusta National.

He's currently ranked No. 9 in the world

He has 1 PGA Tour win (2023 RSM Classic)

He has 1 DP World Tour win (2023 Omega European Masters)

He has five top-20 finishes on Tour this season, including a runner-up finish at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and an eighth place finish at The Players.

Since he's now got a share of the lead...

Ludvig Aberg is now tied for the lead. Since 1900, three players have won in their major championship debut, but nobody has done it at #TheMasters — Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) April 14, 2024

We've suddenly got a three-way tie after Scheffler just barely missed a par save from the bunker at the 7th.

T1. Scheffler (-6)

T1. Morikawa (-6)

T1. Aberg (-6)

Ludvig is at 6-under now after his birdie at the seventh.

On No. 7, Ludvig Åberg makes birdie to move into a tie for second place. #themasters pic.twitter.com/ZSjcOr9OQK — The Masters (@TheMasters) April 14, 2024

Ludvig Aberg is just a shot back from Scottie Scheffler now after his second birdie of the day. The 24-year-old seems completely unbothered by everything going on around him right now.

Ludvig looks awfully similar to a robot given this is his first-ever major championship. Swing, find ball, swing again, repeat. — Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) April 14, 2024

"A man with magic in his hands, looked on by a man with magic in his voice."

A great moment from earlier today on ESPN+, where the camera captured two legends, Tiger Woods and Verne Lundquist, in the same shot on hole 16 at the Masters. pic.twitter.com/mYd0eiWOz1 — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 14, 2024

Shot of the day? Shot of the day.

Cameron Smith. Golf shot. #themasters pic.twitter.com/3JWxMK91Lo — Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 14, 2024

“It doesn't take much to get out of position here,” Woods said. “Unfortunately, I got out of position a lot yesterday and a couple times today.”

Tiger Woods finished at 16-over this week, his worst score ever in his professional career.

3 guarantees: Death, taxes and Scottie Scheffler at the Masters

Augusta National is famous for its final-round pressure, and no one handles it better than Scottie Scheffler.

Masters: Scottie Scheffler claims second green jacket in emphatic fashion

At 27, Scottie Scheffler joins of an exclusive club of two-time Masters winners.

2024 Masters third-round live updates: Scottie Scheffler holds solo lead, Tiger Woods posts worst ever round at Augusta

Keep up with all of the third round action at the Masters here with Yahoo Sports.

Scottie Scheffler leading the Masters isn't the most exciting thing in his life right now

Scottie Scheffler holds the 54-hole lead at the Masters, but is ready to leave if his wife goes into labor.

2024 Masters final-round tee times: Scottie Scheffler holds lead over Collin Morikawa at Augusta National

Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa will head out in the final group on Sunday at the Masters.

Masters: Scottie Scheffler underprepared for parenthood but in contention for a 2nd green jacket

The world No. 1 is just one stroke back after Round 1 of the Masters.

Masters betting: Scottie Scheffler is the overwhelming favorite to win his second green jacket

The 2022 Masters winner hasn't finished lower than second in any of his last three starts.

Masters betting: Scottie Scheffler's low odds to win aren't scaring off bettors

Scheffler is +400 to win his second green jacket and is getting nearly 20% of the money at BetMGM.

Masters: Tiger Woods cards his worst-ever round at Augusta National

Woods has scored in the 80s just five times in his entire career.

2024 Masters third round tee times: Bryson DeChambeau, Max Homa set for final group on Moving Day

Bryson DeChambeau, Max Homa and Scottie Scheffler hold a three-way tie for the lead at the midway point of the Masters.

Masters: Max Homa, fan favorite and finally a contender in a major

Max Homa is having the best major championship of his career, and the patrons at Augusta National are loving it.

Masters: Viktor Hovland withdraws from next week’s RBC Heritage after missing cut at Augusta National

Viktor Hovland had two doubles and a triple on Friday, and he missed the cut at the Masters for the first time in his career

2024 Masters: What is the cut line at Augusta National?

How does the cut line work at The Masters? Here are the full details.

2024 Masters tee times: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy lead marquee pairing; Tiger Woods set for Thursday afternoon

Tee times are out for the opening days of the Masters, and big names abound.

Masters chairman on Caitlin Clark: ‘We need more unicorns’

Caitin Clark won’t be playing in the Masters anytime soon, but the marks she set during her run through the women’s NCAA tournament have inspired the green jackets who run Augusta.

Monday Leaderboard: Scottie's agony, Tiger's Masters prep, Nelly's trifecta

This week in golf: Scottie Scheffler saw two streaks end, and Bryson DeChambeau tried to roll back the rollback.

Scottie Scheffler becomes the first-ever back-to-back winner of the Players Championship

An incredible final hour of golf at The Players Championship ended with Scheffler atop the leaderboard.

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As a new era of Milwaukee baseball begins, the 26-year-old is continuing to improve and impress on both offense and defense.

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Wagner joins a pair of freshmen teammates and several incoming 5-star recruits leaving Kentucky after Calipari's exit.

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IMAGES

Top 5 Tips for PhD Interview
PhD Interview
The Best PhD Interview Tip To Do Well On Your #Doctoral #Interviews
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Important Questions You Must Ask During a PhD interview
Interviews with PhD Students in 2021

VIDEO

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COMMENTS

The PhD Interview
The following are some good tips on how to prepare for a PhD interview: Review your research proposal - If you submitted a research proposal as part of your PhD application, make sure you re-familiarise yourself with it. It's highly likely that you'll be invited to discuss this document at your interview.
PhD Interview Questions and Answers (13 Questions + Answers)
Most PhD applications include an interview. This allows your university (and perhaps even your prospective supervisor) to discuss the PhD with you in more detail. This article lists some of the most common PhD interview questions along with their answers. The goal is to help you prepare for a PhD interview and pass with flying colors.
To ace your Ph.D. program interviews, prepare to answer—and ...
To ace your Ph.D. program interviews, prepare to answer—and ask—these key questions. You've made it to the last step of the Ph.D. application process: the interview. Congratulations! But amid the excitement and butterflies, don't neglect the crucial next step: preparation. Grad school interviews—in which aspiring graduate students meet ...
How to Prepare for a PhD Interview
Here are some ways to prepare for your interview: Review your research proposal or statement of purpose. The interviewer will likely make reference to it during the interview. Go over the experiences that have prepared you for a PhD and be ready to give specific examples during the interview. Be able to explain the reasons why you applied to ...
How to Prepare for Your PhD Interview
Usually, your PhD program interviewer will have read your application materials and your resume/CV before your meeting. So, make sure to review everything you submitted, especially if it has been several months since you uploaded your information. You don't want to be caught off guard. However, this type of interview is also a conversation.
Top 10 Common PhD Interview Questions and Answers
Top 10 Common PhD Interview Questions and Answers. Video: Top Interview Tips: Common Questions, Body Language & More. In this video, we dissect an entire job interview from start to finish. We analyze everything from common interview questions to etiquette and how to follow up. Some institutions require interviews with potential candidates to ...
Common PhD Interview Questions
Common PhD Interview Questions. In this guide, we'll share 11 common PhD interview questions and our suggestions on how to answer them. A PhD interview is an essential step in securing a doctorate position. This is because it enables the prospective supervisor to get to know you better and determine whether you'd be a good fit for the project.
How to Prepare for a PhD Interview Step-by-step
Top 3 Tips to Prepare for Your PhD Interview #1 Show passion for academic research. It's important to discuss your interest in academic research specifically, not just your interest in the subject or discipline, practice-based work or the industry. Selection committees are looking for students who can successfully undertake a 4-6 year ...
How to prepare for your PhD interview
I'm Maria, FindAPhD's student ambassador and i'm in my first year at King's College London. PhD interviews can seem scary, so here's some advice to help you ...
Grad School Interview Question & How to Answer Them
Grad School Interview Question & How to Answer Them. Published on March 29, 2021 by Lauren Thomas.Revised on June 1, 2023. Grad school interviews are the last step of the application process, so congratulations for making it to this stage!Getting this far is a big accomplishment—graduate schools only conduct interviews with those applicants they are seriously considering accepting.
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How To Get Into Graduate School Series: How to Prepare for Your PhD Interview. Graduate School Interview Tips and Tricks. Examples of the 5 most commonly ask...
PhD Interview Questions + Answers
If you have a PhD interview coming up you will want to prepare some answers to the possible questions that your PhD supervisors will ask you. In this video I...
Top Ten PhD Interview Questions and Answers
Top 10 interview questions. The "right" answers to these are personal and depend greatly on what the specific staff members and their department is looking for.Scour the PhD studentship advert, the department's mission statement, vision, aims and objectives and information about current staff research to learn about research priorities, interests, and positions in theoretical debates.
Tips for your PhD Interview
A PhD, much like any other interview can be a terrifying experience. You have successfully manoeuvred the steps required to get to the interview stage and are clearly qualified to undertake a PhD…
Introduce yourself in a PhD interview (4 simple steps + examples)
What to do in a PhD interview introduction. What not to do in a PhD interview introduction. Step 1: State your full name. Example. Step 2: Give a brief overview of your educational (and professional) background. Example. Step 3: Explain why you are interested in the PhD position. Example.
Questions to Ask During Your PhD Interview
You're asking this to firstly work out how experienced the professor is at supervising students, based purely on the numbers previously supervised. The reason to ask the second question of how many students gained PhDs is to get an idea of the supervisor's track record of successful supervision. The lower the percentage of students that ...
23 PhD Interview tips
23 PhD Interview tips. PhD Interview Presentation Dos and Don'ts It is becoming increasingly common for master's and undergraduate students to present data they produced during their research as part of the PhD interview process. This may involve presenting to the potential lab, professor, or department interview panel responsible for ...
Phd Interview Tips
Think outside the box: Before the interview, research the PhD topic as much as you can. Try and find an existing gap in knowledge. Prior to the interview, plan ways in which this gap in knowledge could be filled. Another way of showing that you are "thinking outside the box" could be to approach the project from a new and unique perspective.
14 Common PhD Interview Questions
The sample PhD interview questions and tips below will help you to prepare thoughtful answers that tell interviews exactly what they're looking for: 1. Tell us about yourself This popular opening question is an invitation to introduce yourself. While you might be tempted to delve straight into details about your project, instead take the ...
PhD Interview
This video helps you with the work you should do prior to a PhD Interview and what to expect during most PhD interviews. 0:22 Preparing for the Interview 2:...
Phd interview tips: everything I was asked in my Oxford interview
General Advice. Hi all, For those of you that are having PhD interviews this week, especially in the biological and chemical sciences, I made a video on everything I was asked during my Oxford PhD interview and tips on how to answer the questions. As a result I was selected and also ranked highly by the department, which led to me being awarded ...
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PhD interview tips. Research the company before your interview. As a PhD student, you understand the importance of research. Put those skills to practice and learn as much as possible about the opportunity you're seeking with your PhD resume. This research will help you answer the interview questions and formulate your own. Practice at home.
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Explore this guide discussing what you can expect during a data science interview and example data science interview questions. You'll also learn how best to prepare for a data science interview, including tips on practice and job research. ... Top Data Scientist Interview Questions and Tips . Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Apr 15, 2024.
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More on Career Development How to Build a Career in Responsible Tech. Before the Job Interview 1. Research the Company and the Position. Before your interview, look for information on the company's products, services, values, mission, management team, board members and recent company announcements.Those can be found on company blogs, white papers, news articles and podcasts.
Top 10 questions in PhD interviews
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