Had a Skype interview yesterday. I feel like I interview badly... tips?

[242312]

Hi all,

 

I had a Skype interview yesterday, and was feeling kind of bleh afterwards. The professors always know a lot more about me (as expected) so I always feel like I come off as naive after the interview. Plus it's kind of awkward because I never quite know when to start talking, or how to respond once the professor describes her own research besides, "Oh, that sounds interesting." Of course, I'd like to come up with relevant questions regarding what she just told me, but they don't always come to me right away. Any tips for how to react in this situation? It's especially hard when the professor just looks really stoic throughout the whole thing. Will Open House interviews be less awkward? Would love to hear your experiences / tips for overcoming this weakness.

 

Thanks.

[glm]

I also have difficulty coming up with questions in those situations. In my case, I compensate by reading too many publications by the professor as well as publications relevant to my area of interest. I draft a list of questions beforehand so something (ideally) is always in the back of my mind. When they are telling you about their research, you can always ask them generalized questions about methodology/funding/future directions. 

 

If you feel like you have botched an interview, it might be worth it to follow up with additional questions once you have had time to think everything over. I think most people are understanding about interview nerves, and it shows both initiative and interest on your part. 

[Lifesaver]

In addition to reading a ton of publications, as suggested above, always have general questions on retainer in your brain that can pertain to anyones' research. Nobody will know you've asked it before.

 

Ever tried doing a mock interview with your friends, classmates, or a group of professors from your department? Any interview prep will help you gain interviewing strength. Personally, my best friend is big into pageants. Not the ritzy ditzy kind, but the kinds you can earn scholarships from, etc. I've mock interviewed her, and vice versa, and I've learned a ton of do's and don'ts from her.

[242312]

Thanks for your replies guys. I definitely plan to read a lot more publications over the next few weeks.

 

Do you guys have any suggestions for general questions that can pertain to anyone's research? I like the suggestion about asking about future directions and methodology.

[iphi]

Thanks for your replies guys. I definitely plan to read a lot more publications over the next few weeks.

 

Do you guys have any suggestions for general questions that can pertain to anyone's research? I like the suggestion about asking about future directions and methodology.

 

Are you looking solely for suggestions for questions pertaining to research, or generally about the program/experience/etc.?

[glm]

Thanks for your replies guys. I definitely plan to read a lot more publications over the next few weeks.

 

Do you guys have any suggestions for general questions that can pertain to anyone's research? I like the suggestion about asking about future directions and methodology.

 

Here are some general questions I can think of that could apply to anyone:

 

What obstacles have you encountered in your field and how has it affected your research?

How do you perceive your research focus evolving in the next 5, 10 years?

What led you to your interest in this topic? What are needs and priorities relating to your research?

 

Hope this helps!

[Cecilia22]

Skype is hard! Just had mine, and was thrown off by it.  It is much harder to read body language cues, to get a feel for the room, to make any meaningful eye contact… I also felt like there was a "Let's cut to the chase" vibe, which makes a ton of sense but is also a bit sterile. It was only 25 minutes, and I think the first 10 felt like a warm-up. I babbled. Not happy about that!  It seemed to run more smoothly when I got them talking (not surprising), and having a few key questions is a real must.  The above post is great.  I also said something along the lines of "I am familiar with some of what you've done, and I'm interested to know future directions for your research…" I also needs some logistics answered, and was glad I asked. 

Overall, were I to do it again, I would find a far more succinct, confident way of stating my research interests. It is a softball question, and there is no excuse for stumbling over it as I did.  I was more nervous than I expected...

Lesson learned!  

[microarray]

Here are some general questions I can think of that could apply to anyone:

 

What obstacles have you encountered in your field and how has it affected your research?

How do you perceive your research focus evolving in the next 5, 10 years?

What led you to your interest in this topic? What are needs and priorities relating to your research?

 

Hope this helps!

 

These are great suggestions! I would have never thought of them. Thanks