How to succeed at interviews Lorna Dargan PGR Careers Adviser

Session objectives Explore how to prepare for an interview Hear from an experienced PhD interviewer Understand what interviewers want to know about you Examine the different types of questions you might be asked Understand how to structure and deliver answers Session will be participative, and confidential Will be participative. I’m not here to tell you everything; we will learn from each other, and add to our body of knowledge as we go through

Types of interviews Traditional face-to-face, including panel interviews Phone interviews Skype interviews Also: Presentation Assessment centre activities

The key to successful interviews? Most people fail to prepare properly for their job interview. Why? Lack of time, wanting to come across as natural, thinking they’re not that difficult. What we’re going to do is look at how to research and prepare, we’ll try a bit of rehearsing, and then we’ll look at the day itself when you ‘perform’. Research – Prepare – Rehearse – Perform

Research: what do they want? CAN you do it? Do you WANT to do it? Really? Do you want to do your PhD with us? (will you FIT in?) Research: the proposal, the field, institute, and interviewers Talk to current PhD students. What is life as a PGR really like? Remember to use good sources.

Research…yourself We can be uncomfortable ‘tooting our own horn’, and whilst you don’t want to oversell yourself, you need to convince them that you’re a good choice Who are you? Most people are unaware of what makes them great What have you got that they want? Most people don’t know what makes them valuable What are you lacking? What are your potential stumbling blocks? Review your past work, particularly your dissertation(s)

Prepare: questions

Questions: general advice Think about why the question has been asked Ask for clarification if necessary Answer the question with relevant and specific evidence of your achievements Keep to the point Focus on positive examples and comments.

Prepare: structure your answers Why do you want to do a PhD? Why here? What skills have you got? Tell us about your research project What are the most important issues/challenges in this field? How will your research contribute? Tell me about a time when you have had to overcome a challenge What are your strengths & weaknesses? What do you want to ask us? Draft and practice answers STAR or CAR Get them to draft one? Don’t overthink it. Bullet points only. One group to call out their structure. Get rest of group to ask questions to help them flesh it out. Remember that the interviewer wants to learn about how you think, so don’t just tell them what you’ve done, tell them how and why

Perform: the interview itself Use your preparation effectively, to identify the right example, the right message Think about why the question is being asked (can-want-fit) Make sure you answer the question Ask for clarification if necessary Handle your nerves in the moment.

Perform: creating a good impression Dress code: match up or step up Turn up on time (what does that mean?) Manners: mind them with everyone Body language and tone of voice Any cultural differences? Dress code Turn up on time (WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?). Be polite/don’t assume/perform from when you leave your house/be respectful Body language (likeability; cultural differences; tone of voice) What does enthusiasm and engagement look like?

Perform: phone and Skype interviews Telephone Skype Stand up? Sit down? Speak clearly and slowly Don’t interrupt Have a pen and paper Dress as if it was face-to- face Have water Be concise Know the tech and how to fix it if it goes wrong Clean, professional surroundings Head and shoulders Minimise background noise Solid colour outfit Look at the lens

Perform: what should you ask them?

My interview experience Useful resources An Academic Career Vitae Careers Service My interview experience Interview simulator

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