INTERVIEW ADVICE!!

[Generic_Applicant]

I thought no one would understand my worry and nerves better than this community so I decided to post here. Esp for those doing their PhD or accepted into clinical psych already!

I applied to this POI last year and he showed a lot of interest in me. I interviewed with him last year. We have kept in touch and I almost began to volunteer in his lab as well. 

I asked him for a meeting again to discuss my interests and he sent me a long email with info on how to apply, how to make my chances stronger, saying he hopes I will come to the open house and so on (trying not to read too much into this; maybe he's just nice guy lol). And we are meeting next week! So I am nervous.. 

Questions:

- for PhD level apps, how prepared should I be to talk about a proposal for my dissertation etc? I will be honest, this area of research is not my top choice but I still enjoy it. So I want to figure out how much I should do my research and know my stuff in this field going into this meeting. My top choice and real interest of research in an area that he MAY be interested in but I will only bring that up as a secondary in order to not turn him off to my application. 

- What are some techniques you guys use to calm your nerves?? I understand this is all a good sign and such but... I am human. I want this bad enough to make me nervous anyway haha. 

Any tips, advice, good vibes will be greatly appreciated! 

[FacelessMage]

I think it definitely would reflect well on you if you had some ideas on projects you could be doing while working with him, even if it's not your main interest in research. It shows that you have some level of enthusiasm for the work he and his lab does. 

Good luck with the meeting! 

[Generic_Applicant]

I think it definitely would reflect well on you if you had some ideas on projects you could be doing while working with him, even if it's not your main interest in research. It shows that you have some level of enthusiasm for the work he and his lab does. 

Good luck with the meeting! 

thanks for this! And I definitely agree. But I'm wondering how specific I would have to be. I have a few ideas for my primary interest and research with him but I don't know how much detail he would expect some Im applying for the PhD level

[lewin]

Keep in mind that profs want students who will help fulfil their own goals. So "good fit" means "They will help me research the things I'm interested in." That is, have ideas but come off as flexible.

[Generic_Applicant]

Keep in mind that profs want students who will help fulfil their own goals. So "good fit" means "They will help me research the things I'm interested in." That is, have ideas but come off as flexible.

that is excellent advice. I hadnt thought of it that way! Thanks I'll keep that in mind

[Username_92]

In terms of techniques to calm your nerves I would recommend power posing before the interview (in private of course). Below is the link to a TED talk that explains the concept and the science behind it

http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are?language=en

Edited September 30, 2015 by Username_92

[Generic_Applicant]

In terms of techniques to calm your nerves I would recommend power posing before the interview (in private of course). Below is the link to a TED talk that explains the concept and the science behind it

http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are?language=en

haha I did this last year! And I keep in mind and do it whenever I can. It's great!