If you are here because you were offered a PhD interview, congratulations! This interview is your opportunity to show you are the perfect fit for the programme. This article can help you prepare to answer common PhD interview questions.
What to expect in your PhD interview
PhD application requirements vary based on institutional, regional and funding guidelines. In some cases, you may need to submit a brief research proposal before the interview, while in others (especially with funding), a more extensive research proposal is included in your application. Regardless of the process, many PhD interview questions are standard across institutions.
Stay calm, focused, and prepared, and know your research proposal well. The interview is your chance to assess if the supervisor is a good fit, and for them to evaluate you. PhD questions and answers will help all parties make an informed decision.
Additionally, expect to refine and resubmit a research proposal after your PhD interview, as revisions may be needed to align it with the department’s focus and funding priorities.
Preparing for common PhD interview questions
Now, let’s dive into how you can prepare for some common PhD questions. You can even practice answering these questions through a mock interview.
Why do you want to do a PhD?
- Focus on your passion, motivation, and interest in the field.
- Explain how the topic supports your academic growth, and your goal of making an original contribution.
- Highlight how the topic fits with your long-term career goals.
- Provide examples. Be specific and straightforward, avoiding generalities.
Why do you want to do a PhD at this institute/ university/lab?
- First, carefully review the department, institution, or lab’s web pages. Take notes: why do you want to be part of it?
- Explain how the department or lab’s projects align with your research interests.
Why are you interested in this project?
- Demonstrate preliminary research on the project, its main problem and goals.
- Articulate how the project connects with your educational background and research interests.
- Then refer to the project as an opportunity for conducting research you are passionate about.
Tell me about a paper/ area of the field that interests you.
- Institutional resources and Google Scholar are your best friends for identifying and mentioning recent publications by your prospective supervisor and colleagues, and other researchers in the field.
- Choose a relevant paper and read it thoroughly. Take notes, and be ready to critically comment on it, covering theory, methodology, findings and conclusions. Name another author who took a different approach.
- Clearly explain how your chosen paper connects to the PhD topic and your research interests.
How do you communicate with supervisors?
- Emphasise the importance of regular communication with the supervisor and your team members.
- Mention your flexibility in communication, while noting your preferences, such as online meetings and draft feedback via OneDrive.
- State that you are motivated to work independently, but express appreciation for your supervisor’s regular guidance and feedback.
What are your career ambitions?
- First, research the career paths of other PhD graduates in this industry and identify your own ambitions.
- Mention whether research, teaching, or industry roles interest you. If unsure, emphasise your motivation to use the PhD for career skills and expertise.
- Connect your career ambitions to the PhD project, department, or industry.
- Use examples to show how the PhD will help you advance your career.
What difficulties do you expect to encounter during your PhD and how will you approach these challenges?
- Acknowledge that you may encounter challenges such as time and data management issues. Be sure to mention a specific challenge you may face while tackling your PhD research questions.
- Show you have considered strategies to manage these challenges. Provide examples, such as prioritising tasks or seeking support.
- Emphasise your resilience and commitment to the PhD project and to overcoming obstacles.
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot/problem-solve.
This question goes together with the previous question.
- Give an example from Academia, such as working on your Master’s dissertation; or from your work experience if relevant to the PhD topic and the industry.
- Use the STAR method to describe how you solved this problem. Describe the situation, the task, the action you took, and the result.
- Focus on your strategy and role in solving the problem.
What techniques/skills are you strongest at, and which skills may you need more help with?
- Present your strengths confidently, while being honest about areas where you may need further support. Think about these areas ahead of time.
- Emphasise the skills that are most relevant for the PhD. Provide an example.
- For areas needing improvement, explain your strategies and plans to develop those skills. Again, an example is needed here.
Tips for funded PhDs
This section offers tips to help you prepare for the interview questions for funded PhD studentships. Unlike self-funded PhDs, funded positions involve a specific research project set by the funding body.
Carefully read the job description to understand the project’s goals and requirements. The description will guide you towards answers, including which experiences and skills to emphasise. You may also need to read and comment on specific publications and research approaches.
During your interview, demonstrate a clear understanding of the PhD scholarship criteria, guidelines and deadlines. If applicable, highlight your ability and strategies to manage projects and funding effectively, supported by an example from previous studies or employment. Show how your research interests relate to the mission of the scholarship and the funding body and illustrate how the PhD and scholarship fits into your career goals, with a clear career path based on the department’s needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prepare thoroughly and stay calm. Showing your passion for the project will help you stand out. With proper planning, you will confidently present yourself as the right candidate. Good luck with your interview!
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