Meeting the lab

[junebugs]

What are some things you should/shouldn't do when meeting the lab while interviewing? How much input do lab members have when faculty are making their decision as to who to accept?

[MarineBluePsy]

Do be friendly, yet professional and polite.  Don't do or say anything that you wouldn't want getting back to your POI.  Every field, department, and advisor will value lab input differently but expect them to be asked their opinion of applicants.  The POI has the final say, but if the lab is in agreement that a particular candidate isn't a good fit I bet that would make a difference in who is made an offer.

[TakeruK]

A good rule of thumb on an interview and during your career, is to treat everyone with respect and the way you'd want to be treated, whether or not they have any power to influence admissions or other important decisions for you.

[fuzzylogician]

PIs will value their students' input differently but if they are unanimous in the opinion that someone is a bad fit, I can't imagine that person being admitted. In general, there's not much meet-the-lab-specific advice; just be professional. Even if you don't join this lab, it's likely that the people you'll meet there will be future colleagues who you'll see at conferences, etc. Be friendly, but remember that these are colleagues, not long-time childhood friends. Also be polite and friendly to staff. Their opinion counts too (and it's just common sense to be polite and friendly to everyone). Remember that the interview goes both ways: you can also ask them questions and evaluate how they behave.