Had my First Interview: Here's what happened....

[CarlieE]

Hi All!

I just came back from my first interview and thought I'd share what the experience was like. Naturally, not all our experiences will be the same but I figured this might be helpful to ease the stress...

There were 17 of us, and the school flew us in and put us up in hotel rooms that were within walking distance to the department building. We were 2 to a room, both roommates of the same sex.

We were encouraged to arrive on Thursday and our interviews were on Friday. I had 8 interviews: about 30 minutes with each member of the faculty who were part of the field I am interested in. Lunch included all the faculty and several current graduate students. I applied to a PhD program and 4 of the grad students - one from each of the last 4 or 5 cohorts gave a short talk about the program and what to expect in each year of it. During lunch we were free to mingle with the faculty and the other graduate students. Then interviews resumed after lunch.

After the interviews were over we had a few hours to relax and then dinner was at a faculty member's home. Again, this included faculty and graduate students. We met more of the grad students and they gave us info on what were cool areas to live in, what life is like academically and socially and things like that. It was very informal but of course, we were still being evaluated.

The next morning we were taken by a graduate student on a tour of the city and given a brief overview of life on and off campus.

Then we had lunch, again with the faculty and graduate students. Then.. the end. We packed and left.

All in all, it was great fun. It was stressful but at the same time loads of fun. I made friends with the other candidates and it did not feel competitive; rather, there was a sense of solidarity and friendship. We knew that at some point we'd probably all meet each other in the future.

If any of them are reading this... Yes, this is the girl with the Cat Hat.

Thumbs UP and Good Luck!

[donnay]

Sounds like what my interview gonna be like 3 days.

How did you prepare for the friday formal interview? What questions did you ask the professors? 8 professors I'm sure you asked a lot of questions!

[fingers_toes_X]

Thanks so much for sharing! This sounds exactly like my interview schedule too!

4 hours of interviews with 8 profs sounds kinda exhausting and scary! our fields might be different - but did you have to read through research done by all of these profs? Did you focusing mostly on talking about ur work and their future research topics or there were lots other more general stuff too?

Good luck on the results! Hope the post-interview acceptance rate is HIGH!

Edited February 6, 2012 by fingers_toes_X

[CarlieE]

Thanks for the good luck wishes

I prepared for the interviews by reading at least one article written by each of the professors in the cultural anthro dept so I had an idea of what kind of theoretical background they favored or methodology etc and of course, what their general research interests are/were.

I also wrote out my own bullet pointed answers to why I chose this university (ie. what my process was for picking grad schools), what my research is about, why I want to do it and then a list of people whose readings influenced my research ideas, AND a list of questions I had for the professors regarding their program, teaching etc.

This did come in handy during the interviews. I had my sheet sitting on my lap and i used it also to take down notes and also to remind myself now and then. One professor seemed really glad that I had my research ideas down so "coherently" - they were actually a scribbled mess but hey, that was nice.

During the actual interviews I was asked some of these questions but also: how I got interested in the research topic, how my research might fit into theirs. One question was unique to me I think. I'll be a native anthropologist so they wanted to know what disadvantages and advantages I foresee in my research. All questions were really very reasonable and the atmosphere was very friendly and pleasant.

The interviews were really like short conversations. Very few asked direct questions but rather let the conversation flow in a directed manner. We talked a lot about my research, less about theirs - except where my research intersects with theirs, and about the program.

I am hoping for the best too. I'm lucky, we were told that they are deciding today and then Tues/Wed they will notify all of us.

[CarlieE]

Sounds like what my interview gonna be like 3 days.

How did you prepare for the friday formal interview? What questions did you ask the professors? 8 professors I'm sure you asked a lot of questions!

Hi, I didn't respond to your question about what my questions were.

I asked things about their classes, if they were cross listed with UG classes, the number of grad students per professor, rate of success for graduation and placement, resources for teaching once I become a TA. And then once I ran out of questions I re-asked some of them in case answers might differ from one prof to another. And when THAT ran out, I said that all my questions had been answered already.

[fingers_toes_X]

The interviews were really like short conversations. Very few asked direct questions but rather let the conversation flow in a directed manner. We talked a lot about my research, less about theirs - except where my research intersects with theirs, and about the program.

I am hoping for the best too. I'm lucky, we were told that they are deciding today and then Tues/Wed they will notify all of us.

Thanks a lot anthroDork! I think that's exactly how I should prepare for my interview! your posts eased some of my stress

[CarlieE]

Glad to help.

On the up side, if it's any further help... I got Accepted!!! With Full Funding! So I don't know if any of the above things helped bring about this result but whatever I did, it worked!!!

[fingers_toes_X]

Glad to help.

On the up side, if it's any further help... I got Accepted!!! With Full Funding! So I don't know if any of the above things helped bring about this result but whatever I did, it worked!!!

Big Congrats!!! It is very encouraging news! I guess the situation is quite optimistic once you're well-prepared

[CarlieE]

Thanks fingers_toes_X

Yeah, I think feeling prepared really helped. I don't think I was fully prepared but having something in my hands really helped me feel confident.

[CellMol Biologica]

Big congratulations! had some questions for you....

Did all 8 faculty end up asking the same questions again and again?

Were they all serious, or is it ok to laugh or joke about something just to lighten up? thanks

[XXF]

I had a really similar interview experience (but solo, because I was personally invited by a professor, before admissions reviews started) and I'll second that it wasn't too stressful! I met with each faculty member in the department for 30 min and I had only really "researched" the professor that I hope to work with, and have been in contact with. I didn't expect to have sessions with every faculty member, and even though I didn't know who they were or what their research was before my interview, everything went very smoothly and was a great success in my opinion. The 30 min sessions were relaxed, most of the professors just talked me through their research in a way where I could follow along and add comments, etc. They all asked me about my research and background and we all had small talk. I went out for lunch with 3 graduate students who were *really* great and got to spend 30 minutes with one of them talking about his research too.

Now, I have recently been invited to two more of these types of things. One where I will be alone, I imagine (I got to pick my date...maybe there will be a few others?) and one that is more of an open house and lasts 3 days. I'm going to make sure I know who everyone is and can speak with them about their work.

[coonskee]

I had a very similar experience.

We were also told to fly in Thursday afternoon-evening (check-in was starting 3pm if I recall correctly). I spent the evening studying and talking to my roommate, who was freaking awesome. Everyone was two to a room, and roommates were always of the same sex.

Friday, we had a breakfast-cum-information-session led by the program director with presentations by some faculty members. This was followed by a campus tour and tour of student housing, then lunch with grad students, then four back-to-back, half-hour interviews. Interviews were quite relaxed (in my case), and I really hit it off with one of the faculty members - I'm so excited about his research! We had a little time off to go back to the hotel and relax, and then we had dinner with a bunch of current students and faculty, which was really fun. We were invited to go out drinking afterwards, but there was absolutely no pressure (my roommate and I had been up since about 6am that day, and at 10pm we were already passing out ).

Saturday, we had a brunch with current grad students and a smattering of faculty, then we got to run around the city together. After that, we had dinner with students, a show, and then went out and partied (though the last part was obviously not mandatory). In case it's not clear: Saturday was pretty much only prospies and current students, which was really nice.

Sunday had nothing at all, so we just checked out and went home willy-nilly (which was the only awkward part about the weekend for me - I drunkenly said bye to everyone I'd met on Saturday night, but I wish I'd seen more people on Sunday!)

I have to agree with the fact that the entire event was REALLY friendly and it didn't feel competitive at all - I've actually kept in touch with four of the people I met that weekend! There were approximately 30 of us present, if that helps any.

[DeeLovely79]

I had a really similar interview experience (but solo, because I was personally invited by a professor, before admissions reviews started) and I'll second that it wasn't too stressful! I met with each faculty member in the department for 30 min and I had only really "researched" the professor that I hope to work with, and have been in contact with. I didn't expect to have sessions with every faculty member, and even though I didn't know who they were or what their research was before my interview, everything went very smoothly and was a great success in my opinion. The 30 min sessions were relaxed, most of the professors just talked me through their research in a way where I could follow along and add comments, etc. They all asked me about my research and background and we all had small talk. I went out for lunch with 3 graduate students who were *really* great and got to spend 30 minutes with one of them talking about his research too.

Now, I have recently been invited to two more of these types of things. One where I will be alone, I imagine (I got to pick my date...maybe there will be a few others?) and one that is more of an open house and lasts 3 days. I'm going to make sure I know who everyone is and can speak with them about their work.

My interview was very much like this. I was able to choose my own date and who I wanted to meet. My interview was different in that I stayed with a faculty member instead of a hotel. On one hand, this was great because we spent quite a bit of time together and it saved me some money and headache. On the other hand, if I had stayed in a hotel I would have arranged to get in town quite a bit earlier so that I could do some exploring as this was my first time there. The students and faculty were very relaxed and I felt very comfortable being myself and sharing my perspective on things.

My experience is not the norm because while I was there I found out that I had already been accepted prior to my "interview". So essence it was more of a recruitment visit as I also found out that they are planning to nominate me for a fellowship. I have been accepted by another program so I planning to visit that school in a few weeks.

Edited February 9, 2012 by DeeLovely79

[crazygirl2012]

My interview was very much like this. I was able to choose my own date and who I wanted to meet. My interview was different in that I stayed with a faculty member instead of a hotel. On one hand, this was great because we spent quite a bit of time together and it saved me some money and headache. On the other hand, if I had stayed in a hotel I would have arranged to get in town quite a bit earlier so that I could do some exploring as this was my first time there. The students and faculty were very relaxed and I felt very comfortable being myself and sharing my perspective on things.

My experience is not the norm because while I was there I found out that I had already been accepted prior to my "interview". So essence it was more of a recruitment visit as I also found out that they are planning to nominate me for a fellowship. I have been accepted by another program so I planning to visit that school in a few weeks.

You stayed with a faculty member? That was really nice of them, but it sounds stressful even though you had already been accepted! I'm glad you had a good experience.

I'm leaving tomorrow for my first interview. They only have things scheduled for us on Friday, but it looks like it will be a very long day! I'm looking forward to it, I think.

[CarlieE]

Big congratulations! had some questions for you....

Did all 8 faculty end up asking the same questions again and again?

Were they all serious, or is it ok to laugh or joke about something just to lighten up? thanks

Thanks!

The questions were somewhat similar; they wanted me to give them an outline of my research, most asked what other anthropologists inform my theoretical background or who I had read recently that fit into my research... I did get an odd question here or there that was peculiar to my situation ie. why I have multiple last names, why there was an F on my transcript from community college from an Anthropology course no less..

In some interviews the topics of conversation also went off the topic of my research: youtube videos were brought up, good food and restaurants in the area... But of course, these were part of the small talk/chit chat parts.. Research was the main gist of the interview..

However, there were many moments where I or they joked and there was lots of laughing. Not AT me, but WITH me. But then, I am a very "laughy" kind of person. I make jokes when I get nervous and they are typically ones that poke a bit of fun at myself.

I was honest in my responses, I didn't hide my tattoos (although they only showed at the lunches when I took my blazer off) and I just imagined that I was having a conversation albeit a professional one.

[CellMol Biologica]

Thanks!

why there was an F on my transcript from community college from an Anthropology course no less..

Thank for your response AntroDork that was really helpful and helps me calm my nerves to know that the faculty do chitchat and made smalll talks as well.

- May I ask if it was one of top 10 schools on east and west coast or more of a good school in the midwest? I ask as I see people from midwest or non-top10 schools are more friendly?

- Second can you pleaseeeee tell me how you explained an F on your tranacript ( I too have a bad grade and I have NO IDEA hoe to explain it. In my defence I have a lot of researc experience beyond that grade, but that letter on my transcript embarasses me no end!). Please help me in explaining! thanks

[CarlieE]

Thank for your response AntroDork that was really helpful and helps me calm my nerves to know that the faculty do chitchat and made smalll talks as well.

- May I ask if it was one of top 10 schools on east and west coast or more of a good school in the midwest? I ask as I see people from midwest or non-top10 schools are more friendly?

- Second can you pleaseeeee tell me how you explained an F on your tranacript ( I too have a bad grade and I have NO IDEA hoe to explain it. In my defence I have a lot of researc experience beyond that grade, but that letter on my transcript embarasses me no end!). Please help me in explaining! thanks

Hi CellMol Biologica

1. I don't mind you asking. I got into Emory for the PhD program for Anthropology and I am coming in with a UG degree in the same field from Northern Illinois University. Emory is considered the #6 anthropology program (according to the Chronicle's list for anthropology) and US News listed Emory as #25 I think in the country...? Not sure . I too heard that non-top-10s are easier to get into but I think there's a lot to do with the right fit as far as research interests between the POI and the student.

As far as being friendly goes I got very very good vibes from Emory - the faculty as well as the other graduate students. It was a very familial and encouraging sort of atmosphere. Competitive but in a very supportive way. I got great reviews about Emory from other people as well - my current professors and others.

2. About my F.. hahaha I told the truth - I got it in community college when I stopped going to that class because I was going through problems with my significant other at the time. I didn't know that I had to officially withdraw and when I decided to start school again, there it was: an F. And there was nothing I could do about it. However, I retook the class and got an A the 2nd time around. The professor who asked me about it was just curious; especially since it's the field I am going into it just seemed.. odd.

[non humilis mulier]

Quick question, y'all. So, if you are invited to "visit," are you essentially already accepted? Let me clarify-- I am invited to visit a program to meet the faculty, familiarize myself with the city, and learn more about the school. The word 'interview' never was mentioned. I got to choose the dates of my visit. And of course, all expenses are paid. What does this mean?

[CarlieE]

Quick question, y'all. So, if you are invited to "visit," are you essentially already accepted? Let me clarify-- I am invited to visit a program to meet the faculty, familiarize myself with the city, and learn more about the school. The word 'interview' never was mentioned. I got to choose the dates of my visit. And of course, all expenses are paid. What does this mean?

I don't think it means you're accepted. Some of the people who were there at my interview were not accepted I think that whether or not the word "interview" was used, they ARE going to be evaluating you during your visit...

[non humilis mulier]

Yeah, you're probably right. But I think my prospects at *that* school are more promising than another one which is also interviewing me. I asked the DGS how many candidates he invited (8) and how many the program will accept (<5). Plus, all the prospects are coming at the same time. I'm sure that weekend will be stiff competition. (for everyone else, that is. JK!!!).

[lillymaginta]

Hey Guys

I would share mine too, though it is only phone interview. 7mins! 3 Q why this area, research interests, and what are your strengths! that's it. Did well been 5 days since the interview. They said I would hear back from 2-4 weeks!

[CarlieE]

Hey Guys

I would share mine too, though it is only phone interview. 7mins! 3 Q why this area, research interests, and what are your strengths! that's it. Did well been 5 days since the interview. They said I would hear back from 2-4 weeks!

Wow! Your interview was straight to the point! Did you go it on skype IP with video or over the (traditional sort of) phone?

Good luck!