Preliminary skype call with POI

[laura23]

I have a skype meeting with one of my POIs coming up soon. I haven't submitted my application yet as the deadline isn't for another month, and the POI asked to Skype based on my initial email stating my interest... She hadn't even seen my CV/transcripts at that point. I assume it's just a preliminary meeting to see if our interests actually overlap, but I'm not sure what to expect or how to prepare for it. 

I'll make sure I'm familiar with all areas of her research. What kind of questions should I ask? A lot of the things I would normally think of asking seem kind of premature at this point. Should I stick with questions about her research? Also, do I need to dress like I would for an actual interview?

I don't have any experience with things like this, so thanks in advance for any replies  

[eternallyephemeral]

Hey! I would read her papers, and think about possible next steps beyond what's written in the papers.

When I spoke to potential POIs, I asked about how they like to supervise, how often they have meetings, how many students they have, what sorts of funding opportunities you should apply for.

I dressed nice-ish, but nothing really excessive. I'm sure a button-up shirt would be fine.

Why would any questions be premature? I'm genuinely curious.

[01848p]

I had this exact question a few months ago and could not find anything online that was helpful LOL 

Basically, it was a very informal conversation where I was asked to share a little more about myself/my interests/ how I found my path to psychology and why I want to pursue a graduate degree in the field. Then we talked about the PI's research projects, and I was able to ask him whatever questions I wanted to (policies about authorship, funding, mentorship, what kinds of projects I would be helping him on, etc.). I think the point of the call would just be to find out how you would fit in their lab if you were to join it (including current projects, future projects, opportunities for growth) and what kind of mentor they are. It was very casual and laid back. I want to stress that it will more likely than not take on a very conversational tone because I did not know what to expect at all and so I was freaking out a little bit. So don't get too nervous - but still read some of their work so you can ask intelligent questions if you have any just from the standpoint of showing curiosity and interest in learning.

I did not dress up but that is because I was calling from work and at my job we dress very casually. Although if I had the chance to go back and do it again I still wouldn't dress up lol, I was just wearing a nice shirt. To further the point of not needing to be wearing a suit-and-tie, I once had a skype interview for a lab manager position and the PI was wearing a pajama tank top so.... you do not need to be all decked out in your best professional clothing.

Edited November 6, 2016 by 01848p

[laura23]

Thanks guys! I wasn't sure how it would differ from an actual interview, but your replies were very helpful! I'm glad I''m not the only one freaking out about this stuff haha

As for questions being premature- I'm kind of hesitant to ask about mentoring style, lab culture, etc. at this point since I haven't applied yet and haven't been invited for an official interview or anything. 

[eternallyephemeral]

59 minutes ago, laura23 said:

Thanks guys! I wasn't sure how it would differ from an actual interview, but your replies were very helpful! I'm glad I''m not the only one freaking out about this stuff haha

As for questions being premature- I'm kind of hesitant to ask about mentoring style, lab culture, etc. at this point since I haven't applied yet and haven't been invited for an official interview or anything. 

I would ask about anything you need to know! Why would you have  to wait to be invited or have completed the application to decide if this is a person you want to work with?

 

Given how important the fit is with your supervisor, these are the only questions that matter in my opinion. Ask them early, often, and to everyone that you can.