Interviewing:
Graduate School and Beyond
Created by Susan D. Croll, PhD
Presented by Richard J. Bodnar, Ph.D.
Psi Chi Talk, February 15, 2006
Interviewing Contexts
Graduate Study
Jobs
Awards
Preparing for an Interview in
Advance
Learn as much as possible about the
place you’re visiting
Be prepared to ask questions about the
environment
Be prepared to answer questions about
yourself
Information to Gather: Program
What is the orientation of the program?
– Clinical: psychoanalytic, behavioral,
cognitive?
– Basic: empirical, theoretical, theorydriven in what way?
What are the program requirements?
What is required of the students outside
of coursework?
Information to Gather: Faculty
Who are the research-active faculty?
– Literature: look for recent articles
Contact faculty members to ask about
their research and lab (e-mail best).
Try to arrange visits with faculty of
interest during interview.
Preparing for an Interview in
Advance
Learn as much as possible about the
place you’re visiting
Be prepared to ask questions about the
environment
Be prepared to answer questions about
yourself
Good questions for you to ask
Questions that show you are eager,
scholarly, and informed.
Good questions for you to ask
Examples
Will I get an opportunity to learn things about other labs?
Is there an opportunity to interact with alumni or more
advanced graduate students for peer mentoring?
What is the average time of completion of the degree?
How soon can I start working on my research?
How are your library facilities/journals, etc.
What are your research facilities like?
If relevant: What sorts of internships or clinical experiences
will be available to me?
Bad questions for you to ask
Questions that make you sound
uninformed, greedy, lazy, or unsure of
goals.
Bad questions for you to ask:
Examples
How much money will I get as a stipend
(eventually, but not right up front)?
How much money should I expect to make in
my first year out of the program?
How many hours per week of research do I
have to do?
Could you explain to me what I/O psychology
(or whichever…) is really all about?
What are the program requirements?
To avoid bad questions
DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE
APPLYING
1. Read every word written on the program’s
website before going to the interview
2. Conduct a search on every member of the
graduate faculty (PubMed or PsychInfo) and
choose 2-3 that really interest you
3. Carefully research your options for fields to
pick from – if unsure, delay graduate
application – work in the field for awhile
Preparing for an Interview in
Advance
Learn as much as possible about the
place you’re visiting
Be prepared to ask questions about the
environment
Be prepared to answer questions about
yourself
Common questions encountered
Why are you interested in this program/place?
What do you have to offer this program/place?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Tell us about your research.
What are your short-term and long-term goals?
Common questions encountered
Why are you interested in this program/place?
Understand why you have chosen the field
of study you have applied for
2. Understand the strengths of the particular
program you have applied for
3. Be ready to talk about a few faculty
members with interesting research (esp.
PhD)
1.
Common questions encountered
What do you have to offer this program/place?
What are your special skills (computers,
people skills, etc.)?
2. How would these skills be of benefit in this
environment?
3. Why are you interested in this field?
1.
Common questions encountered
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
1. What are your personal and academic
strengths? (don’t brag, just be prepared to
say you “think” you…..)
2. What are your weaknesses?
1. This is a common question – really think about
your weaknesses
2. Select a few weaknesses that can either:
1.
2.
Be also viewed as a strength (workaholic, etc.) or
That you have shown progress in overcoming (eg.
shyness).
3. Do not talk about inherent, serious personality
defects that are hard to overcome (depressive,
etc.).
Common questions encountered
Tell us about your research.
Few PhD programs will select students without
research experience. MA, MS, PsyD, MD,
JD are more likely to do so (though it’s a
plus for all graduate training). Be prepared
to:
1.
2.
3.
Describe your research
Show that you understood the goals of your research
Be able to discuss your research within a larger context
(what it means to theories or to the world at large)
Common questions encountered
What are your short-term and long-term goals?
1.
Pick some short-term goals for yourself
1.
2.
3.
2.
research goals
academic goals
experiential goals (clinical, etc.)
Have a sense for where you see yourself
in your professional career (okay to say
you haven’t selected a particular
specialization, so long as its WITHIN the
field of study – have a few thoughts,
though)
Days to Weeks Before:
Make sure that you select a suit or other
professional outfit, UNLESS TOLD
OTHERWISE (honor requests)
Make sure that you have made several
copies of your CV/resume and/or
manuscripts, even if you sent them in
advance
Prepare your list of questions
Be sure that you know where you’re going
– it’s not good to be late!
That morning:
Wear your professional clothing
Pack copies of your CV and
manuscripts/abstracts/honors
Pack your list of questions
Be tidy, well-groomed, and well-rested
At your interview
Don’t be demanding – it’s ok to accept
offers of coffee, water, etc.; but don’t
ask unless offered
Greet each new person with a warm
smile and out-stretched hand
Shake with a short, firm handshake
What they’re looking for
Clinical or Business Programs (especially)
– Good social skills
– Appropriate, professional demeanor
– Good carriage under duress (calm, confident)
Basic Programs (especially)
– Dedication to research
– Scholarly skills, orientation
All Programs
– Intelligence
– Communication skills
– Understanding of program and field
Be sure to show your best self
Be friendly, forthcoming,
honest, and enjoy the
interview
At the End of Interview
Always smile, shake hands, and
thank host
Leave your contact information
Express enthusiasm about what you
saw/learned/heard
After the interview
Follow-up letter is nice, not essential
(express interest, gratitude, and give contact
information).
After awhile, one follow-up call is acceptable
– don’t harass
E-mail if you have further questions – this is
less intrusive than calling