Skype interview/talk for Phd CS- What to expect..Help please

[foreignstudent]

Hi All,

 

I have just got a mail from one of the Universities asking for a talk in skype regarding my PhD application. I am from a CS background with no research experience, the mail is from one of the profs I had mentioned in my SOP. I dont want to blow away this chance and would want to make full use of the opportunity given.

 

My questions are:

 

Would the talk focus on research aspects? Like do they expect me to have a concrete research proposal?

Will it be kind of like a semi technical interview touching upon algorithms and so on?

What should i focus on to do well in this skype talk?

 

The mail states it is going to be a talk regarding my application so any positives I can glean from this regarding my application?

 

This is my first time and I would really like to do well, so any help would be really appreciated

 

[whosthat]

If the interview is with your POI, assume he or she will want to gauge your technical ability and research potential in your shared focus. It is not good that don't have research experience, since that is by far the most important qualification for a CS PhD application. I would suggest that you look up common graduate school interview questions (there is a huge number easily searchable) and also prepare some anecdotes about things you've done that resembles research in some way.

[foreignstudent]

Just as a doubt .. wouldn't the POI know about my lack of research experience as it is evident in the application form  and by reading through the SOP before setting up the talk??

 

I would really appreciate any pointers on what may be expected?? I have seen through some of the posts in Stackexchange and there have been instances of asking to solve problems from papers and other similar queries. Is it okay if the answers are not perfect??

[Chubberubber]

First of all- congratulations! You should be proud of yourself for getting an interview, and the fact you got this far should boost your confidence going forward!

I can't help you with the field-specific stuff, but I'll try and address your other concerns:

 

1) Definitely be prepared with research specific questions- both in the research this particular POI is doing and some ideas of your own. You probably don't need to have a full research proposal ready, but a solid idea of what it is you want to focus on is pretty crucial. 

2)Especially since you don't have research experience (and you're right- they do know that), being able to "prove your worth" with practical knowledge can't hurt you.

3) You should focus on being confident yet humble, be able to explain what draws you to this particular program and why you think you'll flourish in it, and have some questions ready for the professor (obviously- check that your Skype works and that you have good internet connection before the call).

 

Hope that Helps!

Edited January 27, 2015 by Chubberubber

[foreignstudent]

Thank you so much Chubberubber for the wishes!! It made me feel positive!!

 

I am more worried about the technical aspects like asking me to solve or use an algorithm from the top off my head. My brain would practically freeze especially knowing the reputation and expertise of the professor. In cases where I am unable to answer how do I put it positively without a blunt "I don't know"..

 

Should I start brushing up on my CS basics like algorithms and data structures.. any idea whether PhD candidates get a job interview kind of questions

 

This really must be a miracle of sorts for my profile to get accepted and I feel like I am going to mess it up badly!!!

 

[Chubberubber]

You won't. If this professor asked to interview you he already likes your profile, so don't worry about "why me" and just be happy it is you!

As I said, I can't help with the field specific stuff, but perhaps you want to post your question in the CS forum? Or maybe a moderator could move this thread there?

Edited January 27, 2015 by Chubberubber

[foreignstudent]

I desperately hope so.. I'll post the CS specific questions in the CS forums and hope for answers there...

[Kleene]

What school is it? Interviews differ quite a lot per school. You might get more specifics if you tell us which school it is.

 

Usually you will be asked about your research proposal, and also about your earlier research projects. If you have not listed any research projects on your CV whatsoever, they might ask you about it. You might want to ask yourself if you did any projects that, although not original research, might have given you the skills to be a successful researcher.