Back-up plan advice thread

[philopsych]

Hey everyone,

  This isn't exactly related to getting into grad school; however, since it is the result of not getting into grad school, I thought I'd seek some advice here (also, I'm not affiliated with a psych department, so I have no one to ask). I'm leaving the theme of this thread broad: talking about our back-up plans. I have a specific question, but feel free to post anything you think is related.

  Anyway, here's the advice I need. I followed advice from previous threads about getting an RA position and now I have an interview! I've seen a lot on here about admissions interviews, but I have no idea what to expect from an RA interview. I don't even know the kinds of questions I should ask to show that I'm interested and also to see if I'm a good fit. From the lab website, I think this is an ideal position for me, so I want to 1. verify that and 2. if it's the ideal, do what I can to make a good impression. Any advice!

  Also shout-out to my fellow back-up-planners! We got this! 

[philopsych]

Oop I just saw a semi-related thread that I missed. I swear I'm not trying to spam the board!

[wrongpathos]

I'd advise to read the literature the lab has recently put out, and see what interests you from it, and if any questions come out of it. These are things you can bring up during the interview. Other than that I guess you might be asked:

  1. why you want to join their lab, which you have an obvious and good answer to.

  2. they'll ask you things on your resume

  3. they'll talk about the research that is going on in their lab and state some things you'd be involved in as an RA and ask if your interested in that

above all, show excitement in joining, I constantly hear that it is one of the most important things to portray. Good luck!