what questions to expect during an unterview

[Dasha]

Hi all!

I wonder what questions to expect during my first interview. The specialization is the strategy field and it's a Ph.D. program.

Do they usually ask such common for job interviews questions like what are your strengths and weaknesses etc?

Also according to your experience/opinion, how much do they ask about your previous research?I'm freaking out about how to explain what methods I used in my dissertation and how I analyzed things.

Please, be so kind to let me know what do you think.

Thanks!

 

[StemCellFan]

They will want to know about your research and why you want a PhD.  Then they will usually go into a discussion of their research and will want to see interest on your end to discuss it with them.  Think of it more like a conversation about your research and their research, and less about them asking you questions about your strengths and weaknesses.  The only stereotypical, job-interview like question that was asked during each of my interviews (I've been on 3 now) is "why do you want a PhD and what is your plan afterwards?"

I would definitely brush up on analysis and methods for your dissertation in case they ask in depth questions about it, because they might be curious!

Edited February 1, 2018 by StemCellFan

[pnguyen540]

I got questions about my research background (from the beginning - how I started, to my career goals) since I applied for research programs. Also about how much I know about their program and how it is different from other programs. 

Don’t freak out about how you would do your dissertation. Kindly ask them, in their opinion, which courses the school offers would help you tremendously with your dissertation (or if there is any additional aid/support from others during your dissertation years). Ask about their analytic specialty and see if you can learn more from them.