How Badly Did I Mess Up This Interview?

[jlaser]

Got an interview with one the top programs in my field. I prepared but my nerves got the best of me. When they started asking me about "why our department" I was being very vague and didn't mention faculty until later on, and when I did it was a quick passing mention of two faculty members. I realized they sort of re-asked the question once or twice because I wasnt being very clear or kind of moving around the question. I felt like I came off as unorganized and like I didnt know anything about the department. I did talk about the subfield focuses of the department and certain unique initiatives of the program (public humanities). 

I realized afterwards that I choked because I was afraid of mentioning a POI or something specific about the department and then being asked a follow up question and drawing a blank and looking like I was faking it or like a fool. Which ended up happening anyways. Focusing on my own research and myself was playing it safe but ultimately made things worse. 

The only upside was that they did say at the beginning of the interview that they were excited about my application and midway in they said a few times that my research was fascinating. Also, even though I failed to talk about POI's well, I did mention three in my SoP and why I believed they would be a good fit. 

It feels like I had a shot at an incredible program and school and I wasted it by being too timid and coming off as unknowledgeable of the department. I spent days researching the department, its grad student handbook, faculty, local archival resources, and I just went blank and became so timid when the time came. Now I know my a huge weakness in my interview skills...but still I just feel so embarrassed! 

[cruel optimism]

To be honest, I don't suppose that you're expected go into such immense and lengthy detail with your answers in interviews (they tend to only be between 15-30 minutes after all), lest it sounds like you're droning on. It seems like a nod to the faculty members with whom you hope to work (and the possible connections between your research and theirs) is sufficient as an answer to a question as general as "why our department". If your interviewers were more curious about the specifics, I'm certain that they would've asked more pointed follow-up questions, so don't beat yourself up about it! 

Edited February 1, 2020 by cruel optimism

[yuyuuu]

Not great. I think coming off as Unknowledgeable about the department can be to your detriment. It makes them wonder if you just applied to this school on a whim or because of the name. Especially if they asked repeatedly. Not naming POI’s might seem strange to them, but they may have understood you were nervous. All depends on who was interviewing you. 

Edited February 1, 2020 by yuyuuu

[histofsci]

I mentioned POIs in my SOP but not by name in the interview as well. It didn't feel like a big deal to me. 

[jlaser]

On 2/2/2020 at 9:48 AM, histofsci said:

I mentioned POIs in my SOP but not by name in the interview as well. It didn't feel like a big deal to me. 

Did they not ask who you wanted to work with or about faculty? What was the interview focused on? And which discipline is this for? (I’m in English & Com Lit) 

[histofsci]

1 hour ago, jlaser said:

Did they not ask who you wanted to work with or about faculty? What was the interview focused on? And which discipline is this for? (I’m in English & Com Lit) 

They didn't ask specifically about faculty. They were more asking about fit (why their program, as they asked you) and how I wanted to expand on my research. My discipline is history of science, with an interdisciplinary bent. It sounds like they asked us the same questions!