phd interview with supervisor

PhD Interview Questions and Answers (13 Questions + Answers)

Most PhD applications include an interview. This allows your university (and perhaps even your prospective supervisor) to discuss the PhD with you in more detail.

This article lists some of the most common PhD interview questions along with their answers. The goal is to help you prepare for a PhD interview and pass with flying colors.

1) How did you develop this proposal?

When responding to this question, demonstrate your thought process, research skills, and the evolution of your ideas. Let's choose the subject of "Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning" as an example.

Sample answer:

"My proposal on 'Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning' originated from my undergraduate thesis on sustainable cities. Intrigued by the potential of renewable energy in urban environments, I conducted a literature review to identify gaps in current research. This review highlighted a lack of comprehensive strategies for integrating renewable technologies at a city-wide level. I then consulted with experts in urban planning and renewable energy, which provided practical insights into the challenges and opportunities in this field. I designed a methodology that combines spatial analysis with energy modeling to explore optimal renewable energy integration in urban landscapes. This proposal represents an amalgamation of academic research, expert consultation, and innovative methodology development."

This answer is effective because it mentions a literature review demonstrates the ability to conduct thorough research and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

2) Why do you wish to pursue a PhD?

For this question, it's important to articulate your passion for the subject, your long-term career goals, and how the PhD program aligns with these aspects.

Let's choose the subject of "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare" for this example.

"I am passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, and pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare aligns perfectly with this passion. During my Master's, I was fascinated by the potential of AI to revolutionize diagnostic processes and personalized medicine. I believe a PhD will provide me with the deep technical knowledge and research skills necessary to contribute significantly to this field. My goal is to develop AI systems that enhance medical diagnostics, ultimately improving patient care and treatment efficiency. This PhD program, known for its pioneering research in AI and strong healthcare collaborations, is the ideal environment for me to develop these innovations and achieve my career aspirations in healthcare technology."

This is a great answer because you clearly state that the PhD will provide the necessary skills and knowledge, indicating a clear understanding of the purpose of the program.

3) Why do you think you are the right candidate for this PhD program?

Discuss how your research interests align with the program's strengths and the faculty's expertise. Explain how the program's resources, courses, and research opportunities can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

"I am deeply passionate about environmental science, particularly in the area of sustainable urban development. This passion was ignited during my master's program in Environmental Studies at XYZ University, where I completed a thesis on urban green spaces and their impact on city microclimates. This research not only honed my skills in data analysis and GIS mapping but also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues. I am drawn to your PhD program at ABC University because of its innovative research on sustainable urban planning and the renowned work of Professor Jane Smith in this field. Her research aligns with my interest in integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to mitigate climate change effects. My perseverance, attention to detail, and ability to synthesize complex data make me an ideal candidate for this challenging program. Pursuing this PhD is integral to my goal of becoming an environmental consultant, where I plan to develop strategies for cities to reduce their environmental footprint."

This response is effective because it mentions particular aspects of your experience and the program, avoiding generic statements. It also outlines how the PhD fits into your career path.

4) What do you plan to do after you have completed your PhD?

Be specific about the type of career you aspire to, whether it's in academia, industry, research, etc. Explain how the PhD will equip you with the skills and knowledge for your chosen career path.

"After completing my PhD in Computational Neuroscience, I plan to pursue a career in academia as a university professor. My doctoral research on neural network modeling will provide a strong foundation for teaching and conducting further research in this area. I aim to develop innovative courses that bridge computer science and neuroscience, addressing the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge in these fields. Additionally, I intend to continue my research on applying machine learning techniques to understand brain function, which has potential implications for developing new treatments for neurological disorders. This academic pathway allows me to contribute significantly to both education and research in Computational Neuroscience."

This is a great answer because it connects the PhD research directly to future career plans.

It also articulates how your work can impact both academia and the broader field of Computational Neuroscience.

5) Why have you chosen this specific PhD program?

Mention specific aspects of the program that attracted you, such as the curriculum, research facilities, faculty expertise, or reputation.

Explain how the program aligns with your research interests or academic background.

"I chose the PhD program in Artificial Intelligence at MIT because of its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach, which perfectly aligns with my academic background in computer science and my passion for machine learning. The program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in AI is particularly appealing. Additionally, the opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], whose work in [specific area, e.g., neural networks or AI ethics] has deeply influenced my own research interests, is a significant draw. This program is an ideal fit for me to further develop my skills and contribute to the field of AI, ultimately aiming for a career in AI research and development in the tech industry."

This answer connects your background and goals to the program's offerings.

Including a specific professor's name shows detailed knowledge about the program and faculty.

6) What impact would you like your PhD project to have?

When answering this question, convey both the academic significance and the potential real-world applications of your research. Let's choose a project focused on developing eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles for this example.

"My PhD project aims to develop new eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles (EVs), addressing both the environmental impact of battery production and the efficiency of energy storage. I hope my research will contribute to the academic field by advancing our understanding of sustainable materials for energy storage, potentially leading to publications and patents. Beyond academia, I envision this project significantly impacting the EV industry by providing a more sustainable and efficient battery alternative. This innovation could play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and supporting global efforts towards a greener future. Ultimately, I aspire for my work to not only advance scientific knowledge but also drive real-world changes in how we approach energy sustainability in transportation."

This is an excellent answer because it connects the project to larger environmental goals and societal benefits. It also reflects a forward-thinking approach, demonstrating your understanding of the project's potential long-term implications.

7) What difficulties would you expect to encounter during this project?

It's important to demonstrate awareness of potential challenges and convey a proactive mindset toward problem-solving. Let's choose a project focused on the development of a novel AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases for this example.

"In developing an AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases, I anticipate several challenges. Firstly, the accuracy and reliability of the tool depend heavily on the quality and diversity of the data used for training the AI algorithms. Obtaining a comprehensive dataset that adequately represents the population can be difficult due to privacy concerns and data availability. Secondly, ensuring the AI model's interpretability to be clinically useful while maintaining high performance is another challenge, given the complexity of neurological diseases. To address these, I plan to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including data privacy experts and neurologists, to source and utilize data ethically and effectively. I also intend to continuously refine the AI model, focusing on both its predictive accuracy and clinical applicability. These challenges, while significant, present valuable opportunities for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration."

This response is effective because it clearly outlines realistic challenges specific to the AI diagnostic tool project. It also presents a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges, showing problem-solving skills.

8) How will you fund this project?

When answering this question, show that you've thought about the financial aspects of your research and are aware of funding sources that are available and applicable to your project. 

"I have identified multiple funding sources to support my renewable energy research project at Stanford University. Firstly, I plan to apply for the DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program, which offers substantial support for projects focusing on sustainable energy. My proposal for this grant is already in progress, highlighting how my project aligns with the DOE's priorities in advancing clean energy technologies. Additionally, I'm exploring departmental fellowships at Stanford, particularly those aimed at renewable energy research. I am also keen on establishing industry partnerships, given the project's relevance to current energy challenges and the potential for collaborative funding and technological exchange. Last but not least, I will seek conference grants to present my research findings, which can lead to further academic collaborations and additional funding opportunities."

Notice how this answer mentions funding sources that align with the renewable energy focus of the project and the resources available at Stanford University.

9) Tell us about a time you experienced a setback

Focus on a situation relevant to your academic or research experience. Let's use a real-world example where a research experiment failed due to unexpected variables.

"During my Master’s thesis on the effects of soil composition on plant growth, I faced a major setback. My initial experiments, which involved growing plants in different soil types, failed to produce consistent results due to unanticipated environmental variations in the greenhouse. This was disheartening, especially as the deadline approached. However, I responded by reassessing my experimental setup. I consulted with my supervisor and decided to control more variables, such as humidity and temperature. I also refined my data collection methods to include more frequent soil and plant measurements. These adjustments led to more reliable results, and I successfully completed my thesis. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability in research and reinforced the value of meticulous experimental design."

This is a great answer because it shows how you’ve encountered and overcame a specific problem, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

10) What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When answering this question, it's important to present a balanced view of yourself, showing self-awareness and a commitment to personal development. Choose strengths that are relevant to a PhD program and weaknesses that you're actively working to improve.

"One of my key strengths is my analytical thinking, which I demonstrated during my Master's project where I developed a novel algorithm for data analysis. This required me to not only understand complex theories but also apply them creatively to solve real-world problems. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with overcommitment, taking on too many projects at once. This occasionally led to stress during my undergraduate studies. However, I am actively working on this by improving my time management skills and learning to prioritize tasks more effectively. I've started using project management tools and setting clear boundaries, which has already shown improvements in my workflow and stress levels."

This answer maintains a good balance between strengths and weaknesses. It also shows self-awareness, demonstrating a proactive approach to personal development.

11) Why have you chosen to study for a PhD at this university?

Mention specific aspects of the PhD program that attracted you. Explain how your research interests align with the work being done at the university.

"I am drawn to the PhD program in Astrophysics at Caltech due to its outstanding reputation in space research and the unparalleled resources available at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. My research interest lies in the study of exoplanets, and Caltech's active projects in this area, such as the Zwicky Transient Facility, align perfectly with my academic goals. The opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], known for pioneering work in exoplanetary atmospheres, is particularly exciting. Additionally, Caltech's collaborative environment and emphasis on interdisciplinary research are conducive to my professional growth, providing a platform to engage with experts from various fields in astrophysics."

This response directly connects your research interests with ongoing projects and facilities at Caltech. It also shows you’ve done your research on faculty members and their work.

12) What can you bring to this research group?

Focus on your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that will contribute to the research group's success. Let's choose the field of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University for this example.

"As a prospective member of the Biomedical Engineering research group at Johns Hopkins University, I bring a unique combination of skills and experiences. My expertise in microfluidics, honed during my Master’s research, aligns well with the group’s focus on developing lab-on-a-chip devices for medical diagnostics. I have also co-authored two papers in this field, demonstrating my ability to contribute to high-impact research. Additionally, my experience in a start-up environment, where I worked on developing portable diagnostic tools, has equipped me with a practical understanding of translating research into applications. I thrive in collaborative settings, often bringing interdisciplinary insights that foster innovative problem-solving. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the group’s ongoing projects and introducing fresh perspectives to advance our understanding and application of biomedical technology."

This response shows your relevant expertise, ability to work in a team, and the unique perspectives you can offer, positioning you as a valuable addition to the research group.

13) Do you have any questions for us?

Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that you’ve given some genuine consideration to the project and/or program you’re applying to.

Some questions you can ask the interviewer include:

• What will the supervision arrangements be for the project?
• What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD program?
• How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion?
• Are there any major developments or partnerships planned for the department?
• Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project?
• What opportunities will I have for presenting my research?

Remember: you’re a good student, with lots of potential. You’re considering at least three years of hard work with this university. You need to know that you’ll get on with your supervisor, that your work will be appreciated and that there are good prospects for your project.

What to wear to a PhD interview

Wear formal attire for a PhD interview. Your best bet is to wear a suit. A navy blue suit is the best and most versatile option. No matter your gender, a suit is always very professional.

For men, wear a suit with a tie, dress shirt, and dress shoes. For women, wear a suit (pantsuit or skirt suit) with a blouse, or conservative dress, and closed-toe shoes.

When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. The goal is to make a professional impression and feel confident, without your attire distracting from the conversation.

What to expect from a PhD interview

At its core, a PhD interview will consist of questions that allow your potential supervisors to get to know you better and have an understanding of what you’d like to study, why you’ve chosen your field of study, and whether you’d be a good fit for the PhD program.

You should expect general questions to help the interviewer get a sense of your likes and dislikes, and your overall personality.

Next, expect questions about your personal motivations for studying a PhD. Your interviewer will also be interested in any relevant experience you have to qualify you to study this PhD.

In the next section, expect questions about your PhD project. You should be prepared to discuss your project idea in detail and demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate.

Last but not least, the interviewer will discuss your future ambitions and give you an opportunity to ask questions. Remember that this interview goes both ways.

It’s important to ask the interviewer relevant questions to show your engagement and the serious consideration you are giving their program.

You are preparing to spend several years of your life at this school. Think about what is important to you and what would make or break your decision to attend this university.

Prepare a list of questions ahead of the interview.

Understanding the interviewer’s point of view

During a PhD interview, interviewers are typically looking for a range of traits that indicate whether you are well-suited for the rigors of a doctoral program and a research career.

These traits include:

Intellectual Curiosity and Passion: A strong enthusiasm for the subject area and a desire to contribute to and expand knowledge in the field.

Research Skills and Experience: Demonstrable skills in conducting research, including designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. Prior research experience relevant to the PhD topic is often a plus.

Resilience and Perseverance: The capacity to handle setbacks and challenges, which are common in research, and to persist in the face of difficulties.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Although PhD research can be quite independent, the ability to work well with others, including advisors, faculty, and other students, is crucial.

Self-Motivation and Independence: The drive to work independently, manage one's own project, and stay motivated over the long term.

Fit with the Program: Alignment of the candidate’s research interests and goals with the strengths and focus of the PhD program and faculty.

These traits not only indicate your readiness for a PhD program but also your potential to contribute meaningfully to their field of study and succeed in a research-oriented career.

Related posts:

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• Project Manager Interview Questions (14 Specific Questions + Answers)
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• Business Analyst Interview Questions (17 Questions + Answers)

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Open Access

Ten simple rules for choosing a PhD supervisor

Contributed equally to this work with: Loay Jabre, Catherine Bannon, J. Scott P. McCain, Yana Eglit

* E-mail: [email protected]

Affiliation Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

• Loay Jabre, 
• Catherine Bannon, 
• J. Scott P. McCain, 

Published: September 30, 2021

• https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009330
• Reader Comments

Citation: Jabre L, Bannon C, McCain JSP, Eglit Y (2021) Ten simple rules for choosing a PhD supervisor. PLoS Comput Biol 17(9): e1009330. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009330

Editor: Scott Markel, Dassault Systemes BIOVIA, UNITED STATES

Copyright: © 2021 Jabre et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.

Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction

The PhD beckons. You thought long and hard about why you want to do it, you understand the sacrifices and commitments it entails, and you have decided that it is the right thing for you. Congratulations! Undertaking a doctoral degree can be an extremely rewarding experience, greatly enhancing your personal, intellectual, and professional development. If you are still on the fence about whether or not you want to pursue a PhD, see [ 1 , 2 ] and others to help you decide.

As a PhD student in the making, you will have many important decisions to consider. Several of them will depend on your chosen discipline and research topic, the institution you want to attend, and even the country where you will undertake your degree. However, one of the earliest and most critical decisions you will need to make transcends most other decisions: choosing your PhD thesis supervisor. Your PhD supervisor will strongly influence the success and quality of your degree as well as your general well-being throughout the program. It is therefore vital to choose the right supervisor for you. A wrong choice or poor fit can be disastrous on both a personal and professional levels—something you obviously want to avoid. Unfortunately, however, most PhD students go through the process of choosing a supervisor only once and thus do not get the opportunity to learn from previous experiences. Additionally, many prospective PhD students do not have access to resources and proper guidance to rely on when making important academic decisions such as those involved in choosing a PhD supervisor.

In this short guide, we—a group of PhD students with varied backgrounds, research disciplines, and academic journeys—share our collective experiences with choosing our own PhD supervisors. We provide tips and advice to help prospective students in various disciplines, including computational biology, in their quest to find a suitable PhD supervisor. Despite procedural differences across countries, institutions, and programs, the following rules and discussions should remain helpful for guiding one’s approach to selecting their future PhD supervisor. These guidelines mostly address how to evaluate a potential PhD supervisor and do not include details on how you might find a supervisor. In brief, you can find a supervisor anywhere: seminars, a class you were taught, internet search of interesting research topics, departmental pages, etc. After reading about a group’s research and convincing yourself it seems interesting, get in touch! Make sure to craft an e-mail carefully, demonstrating you have thought about their research and what you might do in their group. After finding one or several supervisors of interest, we hope that the rules bellow will help you choose the right supervisor for you.

Rule 1: Align research interests

You need to make sure that a prospective supervisor studies, or at the very least, has an interest in what you want to study. A good starting point would be to browse their personal and research group websites (though those are often outdated), their publication profile, and their students’ theses, if possible. Keep in mind that the publication process can be slow, so recent publications may not necessarily reflect current research in that group. Pay special attention to publications where the supervisor is senior author—in life sciences, their name would typically be last. This would help you construct a mental map of where the group interests are going, in addition to where they have been.

Be proactive about pursuing your research interests, but also flexible: Your dream research topic might not currently be conducted in a particular group, but perhaps the supervisor is open to exploring new ideas and research avenues with you. Check that the group or institution of interest has the facilities and resources appropriate for your research, and/or be prepared to establish collaborations to access those resources elsewhere. Make sure you like not only the research topic, but also the “grunt work” it requires, as a topic you find interesting may not be suitable for you in terms of day-to-day work. You can look at the “Methods” sections of published papers to get a sense for what this is like—for example, if you do not like resolving cryptic error messages, programming is probably not for you, and you might want to consider a wet lab–based project. Lastly, any research can be made interesting, and interests change. Perhaps your favorite topic today is difficult to work with now, and you might cut your teeth on a different project.

Rule 2: Seek trusted sources

Discussing your plans with experienced and trustworthy people is a great way to learn more about the reputation of potential supervisors, their research group dynamics, and exciting projects in your field of interest. Your current supervisor, if you have one, could be aware of position openings that are compatible with your interests and time frame and is likely to know talented supervisors with good reputations in their fields. Professors you admire, reliable student advisors, and colleagues might also know your prospective supervisor on various professional or personal levels and could have additional insight about working with them. Listen carefully to what these trusted sources have to say, as they can provide a wealth of insider information (e.g., personality, reputation, interpersonal relationships, and supervisory styles) that might not be readily accessible to you.

Rule 3: Expectations, expectations, expectations

A considerable portion of PhD students feel that their program does not meet original expectations [ 3 ]. To avoid being part of this group, we stress the importance of aligning your expectations with the supervisor’s expectations before joining a research group or PhD program. Also, remember that one person’s dream supervisor can be another’s worst nightmare and vice versa—it is about a good fit for you. Identifying what a “good fit” looks like requires a serious self-appraisal of your goals (see Rule 1 ), working style (see Rule 5 ), and what you expect in a mentor (see Rule 4 ). One way to conduct this self-appraisal is to work in a research lab to get experiences similar to a PhD student (if this is possible).

Money!—Many people have been conditioned to avoid the subject of finances at all costs, but setting financial expectations early is crucial for maintaining your well-being inside and outside the lab. Inside the lab, funding will provide chemicals and equipment required for you to do cool research. It is also important to know if there will be sufficient funding for your potential projects to be completed. Outside the lab, you deserve to get paid a reasonable, livable stipend. What is the minimum required take-home stipend, or does that even exist at the institution you are interested in? Are there hard cutoffs for funding once your time runs out, or does the institution have support for students who take longer than anticipated? If the supervisor supplies the funding, do they end up cutting off students when funds run low, or do they have contingency plans? ( Fig 1 ).

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009330.g001

Professional development opportunities—A key aspect of graduate school training is professional development. In some research groups, it is normal for PhD students to mentor undergraduate students or take a semester to work in industry to get more diverse experiences. Other research groups have clear links with government entities, which is helpful for going into policy or government-based research. These opportunities (and others) are critical for your career and next steps. What are the career development opportunities and expectations of a potential supervisor? Is a potential supervisor happy to send students to workshops to learn new skills? Are they supportive of public outreach activities? If you are looking at joining a newer group, these sorts of questions will have to be part of the larger set of conversations about expectations. Ask: “What sort of professional development opportunities are there at the institution?”

Publications—Some PhD programs have minimum requirements for finishing a thesis (i.e., you must publish a certain number of papers prior to defending), while other programs leave it up to the student and supervisor to decide on this. A simple and important topic to discuss is: How many publications are expected from your PhD and when will you publish them? If you are keen to publish in high-impact journals, does your prospective supervisor share that aim? (Although question why you are so keen to do so, see the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment ( www.sfdora.org ) to learn about the pitfalls of journal impact factor.)

Rule 4: It takes two to tango

Sooner or later, you will get to meet and interview with a prospective PhD supervisor. This should go both ways: Interview them just as much as they are interviewing you. Prepare questions and pay close attention to how they respond. For example, ask them about their “lab culture,” research interests (especially for the future/long term), and what they are looking for in a graduate student. Do you feel like you need to “put on an act” to go along with the supervisor (beyond just the standard interview mode)? Represent yourself, and not the person you think they are looking for. All of us will have some interviews go badly. Remember that discovering a poor fit during the interview has way fewer consequences than the incompatibility that could arise once you have committed to a position.

To come up with good questions for the prospective supervisor, first ask yourself questions. What are you looking for in a mentor? People differ in their optimal levels of supervision, and there is nothing wrong with wanting more or less than your peers. How much career guidance do you expect and does the potential supervisor respect your interests, particularly if your long-term goals do not include academia? What kind of student might not thrive in this research group?

Treat the PhD position like a partnership: What do you seek to get out of it? Keep in mind that a large portion of research is conducted by PhD students [ 4 ], so you are also an asset. Your supervisor will provide guidance, but the PhD is your work. Make sure you and your mentor are on the same page before committing to what is fundamentally a professional contract akin to an apprenticeship (see “ Rule 3 ”).

Rule 5: Workstyle compatibility

Sharing interests with a supervisor does not necessarily guarantee you would work well together, and just because you enjoyed a course by a certain professor does not mean they are the right PhD supervisor for you. Make sure your expectations for work and work–life approaches are compatible. Do you thrive on structure, or do you need freedom to proceed at your own pace? Do they expect you to be in the lab from 6:00 AM to midnight on a regular basis (red flag!)? Are they comfortable with you working from home when you can? Are they around the lab enough for it to work for you? Are they supportive of alternative work hours if you have other obligations (e.g., childcare, other employment, extracurriculars)? How is the group itself organized? Is there a lab manager or are the logistics shared (fairly?) between the group members? Discuss this before you commit!

Two key attributes of a research group are the supervisor’s career stage and number of people in the group. A supervisor in a later career stage may have more established research connections and protocols. An earlier career stage supervisor comes with more opportunities to shape the research direction of the lab, but less access to academic political power and less certainty in what their supervision style will be (even to themselves). Joining new research groups provides a great opportunity to learn how to build a lab if you are considering that career path but may take away time and energy from your thesis project. Similarly, be aware of pros and cons of different lab sizes. While big labs provide more opportunity for collaborations and learning from fellow lab members, their supervisors generally have less time available for each trainee. Smaller labs tend to have better access to the supervisor but may be more isolating [ 5 , 6 ]. Also note that large research groups tend to be better for developing extant research topics further, while small groups can conduct more disruptive research [ 7 ].

Rule 6: Be sure to meet current students

Meeting with current students is one of the most important steps prior to joining a lab. Current students will give you the most direct and complete sense of what working with a certain supervisor is actually like. They can also give you a valuable sense of departmental culture and nonacademic life. You could also ask to meet with other students in the department to get a broader sense of the latter. However, if current students are not happy with their current supervisor, they are unlikely to tell you directly. Try to ask specific questions: “How often do you meet with your supervisor?”, “What are the typical turnaround times for a paper draft?”, “How would you describe the lab culture?”, “How does your supervisor react to mistakes or unexpected results?”, “How does your supervisor react to interruptions to research from, e.g., personal life?”, and yes, even “What would you say is the biggest weakness of your supervisor?”

Rule 7: But also try to meet past students

While not always possible, meeting with past students can be very informative. Past students give you information on career outcomes (i.e., what are they doing now?) and can provide insight into what the lab was like when they were in it. Previous students will provide a unique perspective because they have gone through the entire process, from start to finish—and, in some cases, no longer feel obligated to speak well of their now former supervisor. It can also be helpful to look at previous students’ experiences by reading the acknowledgement section in their theses.

Rule 8: Consider the entire experience

Your PhD supervisor is only one—albeit large—piece of your PhD puzzle. It is therefore essential to consider your PhD experience as whole when deciding on a supervisor. One important aspect to contemplate is your mental health. Graduate students have disproportionately higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to the general population [ 8 ], so your mental health will be tested greatly throughout your PhD experience. We suggest taking the time to reflect on what factors would enable you to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work–life balance. Does your happiness depend on surfing regularly? Check out coastal areas. Do you despise being cold? Consider being closer to the equator. Do you have a deep-rooted phobia of koalas? Maybe avoid Australia. Consider these potentially even more important questions like: Do you want to be close to your friends and family? Will there be adequate childcare support? Are you comfortable with studying abroad? How does the potential university treat international or underrepresented students? When thinking about your next steps, keep in mind that although obtaining your PhD will come with many challenges, you will be at your most productive when you are well rested, financially stable, nourished, and enjoying your experience.

Rule 9: Trust your gut

You have made it to our most “hand-wavy” rule! As academics, we understand the desire for quantifiable data and some sort of statistic to make logical decisions. If this is more your style, consider every interaction with a prospective supervisor, from the first e-mail onwards, as a piece of data.

However, there is considerable value in trusting gut instincts. One way to trust your gut is to listen to your internal dialogue while making your decision on a PhD supervisor. For example, if your internal dialogue includes such phrases as “it will be different for me,” “I’ll just put my head down and work hard,” or “maybe their students were exaggerating,” you might want to proceed with caution. If you are saying “Wow! How are they so kind and intelligent?” or “I cannot wait to start!”, then you might have found a winner ( Fig 2 ).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009330.g002

Rule 10: Wash, rinse, repeat

The last piece of advice we give you is to do this lengthy process all over again. Comparing your options is a key step during the search for a PhD supervisor. By screening multiple different groups, you ultimately learn more about what red flags to look for, compatible work styles, your personal expectations, and group atmospheres. Repeat this entire process with another supervisor, another university, or even another country. We suggest you reject the notion that you would be “wasting someone’s time.” You deserve to take your time and inform yourself to choose a PhD supervisor wisely. The time and energy invested in a “failed” supervisor search would still be far less than what is consumed by a bad PhD experience ( Fig 3 ).

The more supervisors your interview and the more advice you get from peers, the more apparent these red flags will become.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009330.g003

Conclusions

Pursuing a PhD can be an extremely rewarding endeavor and a time of immense personal growth. The relationship you have with your PhD supervisor can make or break an entire experience, so make this choice carefully. Above, we have outlined some key points to think about while making this decision. Clarifying your own expectations is a particularly important step, as conflicts can arise when there are expectation mismatches. In outlining these topics, we hope to share pieces of advice that sometimes require “insider” knowledge and experience.

After thoroughly evaluating your options, go ahead and tackle the PhD! In our own experiences, carefully choosing a supervisor has led to relationships that morph from mentor to mentee into a collaborative partnership where we can pose new questions and construct novel approaches to answer them. Science is hard enough by itself. If you choose your supervisor well and end up developing a positive relationship with them and their group, you will be better suited for sound and enjoyable science.

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• 5. Smith D. The big benefits of working in a small lab. University Affairs. 2013. Available from: https://www.universityaffairs.ca/career-advice/career-advice-article/the-big-benefits-of-working-in-a-small-lab/

How to Prepare for a PhD Interview

So, you’ve been invited for a PhD interview. Congratulations! This means that the admission committee considers you appropriately qualified and academically capable of doing a PhD in their program. This next step will allow them to determine if you’re a good fit, and you have the motivation and drive to complete a PhD. The interview is your opportunity to show the committee who you are, what your interests are, why their program is the right place for you to explore them.

There are many different formats for a PhD interview and varying degrees of formality. You may have a one-on-one interview with your potential supervisor over Skype, a formal interview in front of a panel, be asked to give a presentation to the department, or an informal chat with your potential supervisor and their students over lunch. Regardless of the level of formality, you should still do your homework and prepare for the interview. You cannot predict the specifics of the questions that they will ask you, but certain topics are almost inevitable.

Here are some ways to prepare for your interview:

• Review your research proposal or statement of purpose. The interviewer will likely make reference to it during the interview. Go over the experiences that have prepared you for a PhD and be ready to give specific examples during the interview. Be able to explain the reasons why you applied to this program in particular.
• Be prepared to talk about your research interests in detail. You likely gave an overview in your proposal or statement of purpose, but the interview is your chance to show that you have put some thought into what you wrote. Show that you have the required background knowledge, including knowledge of the key people in your research area, methodologies you plan to use, or studies you want to reference.
• Think about your motivation for pursuing a PhD. The interviewers want to know you have put some thought into the decision to pursue a PhD. They also want to gauge your commitment to the project before they invest time and money in you. Think about how a PhD will help you achieve your career goals.
• Read your potential supervisor’s work. This shows you are serious about working with them. Demonstrate why you want to work with them in particular and how their expertise will be essential to your research. If you are interviewing for a small program, familiarize yourself with the work (or at least the fields of expertise) of the other faculty members.
• Familiarize yourself with current scholarship in the field. This is another way to demonstrate your engagement with field and that you can think critically about the current debates. You should know how your proposed research will fit into the current scholarship and what makes it unique.

Remember that this interview goes both ways. You are preparing to spend at least three years (likely more) of your life here. Think about what is important to you and what would make or break your decision to attend this university. Come to the interview prepared with some questions for the interviewer. Potential questions could include:

• What do they do to promote work/life balance?
• What can your potential mentor/supervisor do to advance your career?
• How does your potential supervisor mentor students?
• What is the program’s job placement record?
• What sort of resources does the university have? (Libraries, lab equipment etc.)
• What are their funding sources?
• What is the program’s average time to degree?
• Will I have the opportunity to teach/present/patent/publish?

If your interview is taking place on-campus or you are invited to visit the campus after being accepted, take the opportunity to talk to some of the current grad students. They will offer you a frank take on the program and the inside scoop on what it’s like to work with your potential supervisor. Also, consider the fact that you will be spending a considerable amount of time around these people for the next few years. Will you fit in with them as a friend and colleague? How social is the department? Do they do activities together outside of the university? Do they seem supportive of each other, or are they competitive? This information will help inform your decision.

A Note on the Skype Interview

Skype interviews are becoming increasingly common, especially for international students. There are a few practical tips to keep in mind when setting up for an online interview. Do your interview somewhere where you have a strong internet connection, usually at home or in a quiet office. If you have roommates, make sure they are aware of when your interview is and understand not to disturb you during the interview. Choose your location carefully. You want a well-lit area with a tidy, neutral background. If possible, face a natural light source. Place your computer on top of a pile of books so that the camera is almost at eye level (a more natural angle). Look at the camera when you speak to make “eye contact” with the interviewer.

The interview is your time to shine, and being prepared will allow you to do just that.

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Questions To Ask In A PhD Interview: PhD Interview Questions

Going into a PhD interview? it can be daunting. However, arming yourself with insightful questions is key. This article compiles some of the best questions to ask for prospective PhD students to pose to their interview panel.

From probing about the research project, supervisor’s expectations to discussing the academic environment, our list aims to help you demonstrate your engagement and ensure a good fit with the PhD programme. 

Use this opportunity to clarify aspects of the PhD position and align your academic career path with the prospective supervisor’s vision.

Questions To Ask In A PhD Interview

Why should you ask questions during a phd interview.

Asking questions during a PhD interview is more than a formality; it’s a strategic move. It’s your chance to delve into the specifics of the PhD project you might be working on.

For instance, inquiring about the research group’s dynamics can reveal how collaborative or independent your future work environment will be.

Questions about the supervisor’s advising style can provide insights into the guidance and support you can expect. This is crucial because a strong mentor-mentee relationship is often the backbone of a successful PhD journey.

Asking about the expected career paths of graduates can give you a glimpse into your own future, post-PhD. These inquiries show you’re not just interested in being a PhD student but are actively considering how this program fits into your broader academic career path.

Expectations On PhD Students

In the heat of a PhD interview, asking about the university’s expectations is not just encouraged; it’s strategic. It shows you’re invested in aligning your academic career with the goals of the PhD program.

This question opens a dialogue about what the PhD position entails and how you can contribute to the research group.

Diving into specifics, you might ask, “Could you outline the key milestones you expect a PhD student to achieve within this project?” This direct approach can shed light on the supervisor’s vision for the research project and your role in it.

It’s an insider tip that can reveal the pace and intensity of the work ahead, something that’s often glossed over in standard phd interview questions and answers.

Also, consider inquiring, “What does a successful PhD graduate from your program typically accomplish?” This question can unearth the achievements of past students, giving you a benchmark for success.

It’s like getting a peek into the academic CVs of those who’ve navigated the path you’re about to undertake.

Asking these types of questions can alleviate the imposter syndrome many graduate students face by making your expectations and the university’s transparent.

Discussing funding and stipends during a PhD interview is crucial. It gives you clarity on your financial standing throughout your academic journey.

Asking about this not only shows you’re thorough but also practical. You might start with, “Can you detail the funding package for this PhD position?” This straightforward question can lead to specifics about:

• and any teaching responsibilities attached to the funding.

Delving deeper, inquire, “Are there opportunities for additional funding for conferences or research materials?” This shows your eagerness to engage fully with your research project and academic community.

It’s a question many prospective PhD students overlook, but it can reveal insider details about the resources available to support your work.

Another good angle is to ask about the duration of the funding. “How long is the funding guaranteed for, and what happens if my research extends beyond this period?” This question can uncover the financial stability the program offers and the expectations for completing your PhD project.

Remember, your goal is to get a complete picture of your potential financial situation. This will help you prepare for the years ahead and ensure you can focus on your research without undue financial stress.

It also demonstrates to the interview panel that you’re not just academically prepared but also pragmatically planning for a successful PhD tenure.

By bringing up these questions, you also signal to the phd interview panel that you are considering the practical aspects of undertaking a PhD. It shows foresight and a level of professionalism that can set you apart from other candidates.

Career Paths And Potential Academic Career

Asking about career paths during a PhD interview can be a game-changer. It’s not just about securing a position; it’s about envisioning your future post-graduation.

When you pose questions on this topic, it indicates foresight and a strategic approach to your academic and professional journey.

Take the opportunity to ask questions like, “What career paths have graduates from this PhD program pursued?” This can uncover the range of opportunities past students have found, providing a realistic snapshot of your potential future, and what you can add into your CV.

You might also probe into the support system the program offers for career development. Asking, “How does the program assist students in preparing for their career post-PhD?” can reveal the resources and guidance available to you.

It’s an insider query that shows you’re thinking beyond the research project and PhD tenure.

Inquiring about the integration of professional skills training within the PhD program is another smart move. “Are there opportunities for professional development and skill acquisition outside my research field?”

This question highlights your ambition to be a well-rounded professional, ready for various career paths in or outside academia.

These questions do more than just gather information; they show the interview panel that you’re a candidate who is already planning for success beyond the PhD program.

It also gives you a clearer picture of whether the program aligns with your long-term career goals, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your academic and professional aspirations.

Remember, the PhD journey is as much about building a foundation for your future career as it is about your research project. By asking about career paths during the interview, you take a crucial step in ensuring that the program you choose can support your future career ambitions.

Research Focus & PhD Projects

Inquiring about the research focus and projects during a PhD interview is essential for aligning your academic interests with the potential supervisor’s work.  

A savvy question to ask might be, “Can you describe the current research projects within your group and how a new PhD student might contribute?” This not only shows your eagerness to contribute but also helps you gauge the scope and direction of ongoing work.

You could also delve deeper by asking, “How does the research group’s work align with the broader goals of the department or institution?” This question reveals the larger academic context of your potential project, offering insights into its significance and impact.

These discussions during the interview can illuminate the path you’re about to embark on, ensuring it’s a good fit for both your academic career path and personal growth.

They also demonstrate to the interviewer your proactive approach and genuine interest in their research, which can set you apart as a candidate.

Opportunities For Collaboration 

Exploring opportunities for interdisciplinary work during a PhD interview is a strategic move for any prospective PhD student. It opens doors to a broader academic landscape, allowing you to weave various disciplines into your research.

Asking about this not only demonstrates your innovative thinking but also your willingness to push traditional boundaries.

You might ask, “Can you share examples of interdisciplinary projects within the department and how a PhD student can get involved?” This question digs into the practical aspects of interdisciplinary collaboration, showcasing the department’s openness to cross-disciplinary research.

Another insightful query could be, “How does the program support students in exploring interdisciplinary work outside their primary research field?” This shows your proactive approach to learning and your desire to enrich your academic career with diverse perspectives.

These questions help you gauge the flexibility of the PhD program and the potential to tailor your research to include multiple disciplines.

They also signal to the interviewer your ambition to contribute to the research field in innovative ways.

Interdisciplinary opportunities can significantly enhance your PhD experience, providing a rich tapestry of knowledge and skills relevant to various career paths.

By asking about these opportunities, you’re not just planning your PhD project; you’re laying the groundwork for a versatile academic career.

Advising Style

Understanding the advising style of a prospective supervisor during a PhD interview is crucial. It can significantly impact your research journey and overall experience in the program.

You ask questions such as, “How would you describe your approach to mentoring PhD students?” This question opens up a conversation about their: 

• expectations,
• feedback style, and
• level of involvement in your research project.

Getting into specifics, you could inquire, “Can you provide an example of how you’ve navigated challenges with PhD students in the past?” This gives you a glimpse into how they handle difficulties, offering insight into their problem-solving methods and support mechanisms.

Knowing the advising style helps you assess if it matches your preferred way of working and learning.

It’s about finding a good fit that fosters a productive and positive academic relationship, which may be important when writing research proposal, papers, and thesis.

This understanding can also alleviate imposter syndrome, as you’ll have a clearer idea of the support you can expect when facing challenges.

Asking about advising style shows the interview panel that you’re proactive in ensuring your success in the program. It demonstrates that you value the mentor-mentee relationship and are looking for an environment where you can thrive.

Research Group Dynamics And Culture

Inquiring about group dynamic and culture during a PhD interview is a wise move. The vibe of the research group you’ll be joining can significantly affect your day-to-day life and overall success in the program.

A thoughtful question to pose could be, “Could you describe the culture within the research group and how members typically collaborate?”

This not only helps you get a feel for the working environment but also indicates the level of teamwork and support you can expect.

Digging deeper, you might ask, “How does the group handle challenges and setbacks in research?” The answer can provide valuable insights into the group’s resilience and problem-solving approaches, key factors that contribute to a healthy and productive research environment.

Understanding the group’s dynamic is crucial for assessing whether you’ll fit in and thrive. It’s about more than just the research; it’s about feeling valued and supported.

This aspect of the PhD experience is often overshadowed by the focus on academic achievements, yet it’s equally important.

Asking about the group culture shows that you’re looking for a place where you can not only contribute academically but also grow personally.

It signals to the interviewer that you’re considering all facets of the PhD experience, from the research project to the interpersonal relationships you’ll be building.

So, take this opportunity to delve into the social and collaborative aspects of the group you may join. It’s an investment in your future happiness and success in the program, ensuring that you’re not just a good academic fit but also a good cultural fit.

Common PhD Interview Questions And Answers

Asking the right questions during your PhD interview is a powerful tool to assess the fit with your prospective supervisor and research group.

It demonstrates your commitment to your academic career and the specific PhD programme. This dialogue is your chance to explore the research field, understand the expectations of the PhD project, and envision your future career path.

Remember, the interview is as much for you to evaluate them as it is for them to evaluate you. Use this opportunity to ensure the program supports your aspirations and aligns with your academic journey.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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• Interview with my PhD supervisor

Hi guys. It’s finally December. It has been a busy and hectic year where a lot has happened for myself from starting to be a blogger for Loughborough International, to completing my dissertation and starting my PhD .  To highlight the biggest milestone of the year, I can safely say that doing a PhD is the one. In this blog, I will explain my rationale behind doing further study and I have interviewed my supervisor on how she perceives PhD.

After completing my undergraduate degree in Loughborough, I have set my sights on further education such as doing a master but doing a PhD was nearly the last one on my list. I was petrified by the term PhD and I felt like I might not be good enough to complete or even study this three-years’ worth research degree. Despite I have received couple of masters offer from different universities, I couldn’t make up my mind on what I should pursuit for study. I felt like I might not learn as much from a one-year master’s degree as I would from a PhD programme.

Thus, I consulted my supervisors Quddus and Marianna for their advice. After discussing with them, the idea of doing a PhD reignited in my mind with their assurance that doing a PhD is value for money both financially and in terms of personal development. Moreover, I had a clearer understanding of what a doctoral degree is. Essentially, PhD is a three to four-year research programme to create new knowledge for the society. With the nature of knowledge creation in PhD, I can develop a serious contribution to some themes that I do care a lot about and that is the main driver for me to pursue doing a PhD. Moreover, throughout the learning process, I would be able to develop expert skills in methodology for which is more beneficial for my academic development.

Marianna, as my PhD supervisor, has provided a great deal of guidance in pointing me to the right direction for pursuing a PhD and I have interviewed her to provide thoughts on why doing a PhD and the way she perceives it.

Q: Why did you do a PhD?

A: To be honest, when I was attending the undergraduate degree in civil engineering in Greece, I have set my sights on finding a graduate job and settle for the rest of my life. I didn’t see myself working in academia at all. However, in the final year project, I found it very meaningful and useful. The amount of development that I have attained in the last 6 months in my undergraduate studies was beyond compare with other years. Thus, I discussed with my supervisor for the options in further studies. Vying between offers for masters and PhD, I have finally decided to come to Loughborough for its international learning experience and financial convenience.

Q: Who is a PhD suitable for?

A: Not everyone is suitable for everything and so does doing a doctoral degree. A doctorate is suitable for students who are curious; aiming to develop skills consistently and enthusiastic about learning. Students have to be very disciplined and passionate about their work as it is at least three years’ worth. Moreover, a substantial amount of work is carried out independently which prove discipline is key.

Expectations

Q: List three adjectives to describe the desired traits of PhD students

• Adventurous – students should be curious about the subject matter that they are working on.
• Disciplined – students should be independent and disciplined in terms of the working schedule and progress.
• Perseverance – there might be hard times in doing a PhD but it is important to maintain a high level of consistency and do not let failure discourage you.

Q: What is expected from PhD students?

A: I expect students to develop high enthusiasm for what they are doing. Furthermore, to fall in love with what they are doing as well as appreciate what they are researching. They should believe that what they do will create value and contribute to the society.

Hope this little blog can give you guys some insights into what a PhD is. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Catch you guys in 2018!

Written by Jacky Man

Final year Air Transport Management student from Hong Kong. Describe Loughborough University in one word? Caring.

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Introduce yourself in a PhD interview (4 simple steps + examples)

The opening of an application interview for a PhD position usually starts with short introductions of everyone participating in the conversation. Many applicants wonder how to best introduce themselves in a PhD interview. Four simple steps (including examples) help you to develop a powerful self-introduction .

What to do in a PhD interview introduction

What not to do in a phd interview introduction, introductions in a phd interview.

Interviewing for a PhD position can be nerve-wrecking.

On the one hand, the interview is an advanced stage in the PhD application process and a reason to celebrate having come so far.

On the other hand, you may feel much more vulnerable during an interview than when sending a carefully crafted application letter.

A PhD application interview requires you to react quickly to questions, and you will never know what exactly the admissions committee will ask. Nonetheless, you can properly prepare for a PhD interview. One of the elements is preparing a powerful introduction of yourself.

A self-introduction summarises who you are and why you want the PhD position. A powerful self-introduction can set the tone for the whole interview.

If you are unprepared, there is a risk of going in all directions when it is your turn to introduce yourself. It may throw you off and make you extra nervous for the remainder of the interview.

You may also like: How to strategically prepare for a PhD application

Several things are pivotal in PhD interview introductions:

• Keep it short: A good self-introduction is not too long. Of course, it should be longer than simply stating “ My name is … and I would like this position because I love doing research .” However, when introducing yourself, you should avoid speaking for longer than 3-4 minutes.
• Don’t take away all answers to potential questions: Some applicants try to predict all possible interview questions in advance. Then they try to answer all of them as part of their self-introduction. Don’t! There will be plenty of time in the interview to go into details. In a self-introduction, stick to a handful of key points that you want to bring across.
• Take non-verbal cues into account: Non-verbal cues include facial expressions, gestures and body language. During a self-introduction, you should make sure to come across excited about the interview instead of scared and defensive. Smile. Pause. You should also try to read the body language of the interviewer/s: Leaning forward, moving, or hand gestures are cues to wrap up your self-introduction.

Several things are best to be avoided when you introduce yourself in a PhD interview:

• Don’t start babbling: Many PhD applicants start babbling when they are nervous. Babbling means they talk rapidly and incomprehensively. They may repeat information and go in all directions. The easiest way to prevent babbling is by preparing the self-introduction in advance. The four steps explained below can help you with this preparation.
• Don’t provide too detailed information: A self-introduction in a PhD interview serves one purpose: introducing yourself at the start of the interview. Nothing more and nothing less. Hence, there is no need to go into detail about every single aspect. For instance, it is enough to explain what bachelor’s degree you earned. No need to list all individual courses that you followed.
• Don’t already ask questions: It is advisable not to end your self-introduction with several questions that you have. Rest assured that there will likely be a time when the interviewers ask whether you have any questions about the PhD programme that you applied to. However, most interviews will begin with questions to the applicant and not the other way around. So be mindful of this general structure of PhD interviews, and don’t create an awkward situation by immediately bombarding your interviewer/s with your own questions.

Step 1: State your full name

The first step is easy-peasy: State your full name. Why?

Not all names can be intuitively pronounced. So help your interviewer/s by saying out loud your whole name. In that way, they will be more comfortable addressing you by name throughout the interview.

Step 2: Give a brief overview of your educational (and professional) background

Your educational background has a lot of weight in the decision of the application committee on whether you are a good match for a PhD programme or not.

Therefore, it is useful to provide a brief summary of your educational background. Those who have work experience also benefit from including it.

Step 3: Explain why you are interested in the PhD position

The next step is to justify your interest in the PhD position. There are several powerful ways to explain why you want to do a PhD.

What is important in this next step, however, is to link your motivation to the specific PhD position that you are interviewing for. Remember to keep it relatively short!

Step 4: Thank everyone for the opportunity to be interviewed

The final step is to thank everyone for the opportunity to be interviewed. Be gracious and polite, and express your enthusiasm for the interview. This will create a comfortable atmosphere in which questions can be freely asked and answered.

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• What You Should Expect from Your PhD Supervisor
• Doing a PhD

A good supervisor will act as your mentor. They will not only help you progress through each stage of a PhD program  but can also act as a source of information or someone to bounce ideas off. To get the most from your supervisor, it’s essential to first understand what their role and responsibilities are in relation to you and your PhD. This won’t only help you understand the different ways they can support you, but also enables you to define clear boundaries which will go a long way to ensuring an enjoyable and respected relationship between the two of you.

1. Expertise in Your Subject Area

You should expect your supervisor to be an expert in the subject you are focusing your PhD on. This is crucial as your supervisor will act as your primary means of support during your PhD. Therefore, the effectiveness of his or her support directly corresponds to their knowledge of your chosen subject, which could be the difference to your PhD succeeding or not.

In addition to this, a supervisor who is an expert in your chosen field could save you from unnecessarily adding a year or more to the duration of your PhD. This is because, as an expert, they will already possess an in-depth understanding of what can and cannot be achieved in the field and have an appreciation as to what would and what wouldn’t help your research stand out. This trait will help them keep you on track, which helps ensure your time is being used most effectively.

Ideally, your supervisor should have experience in supervising PhD students. Although you could theoretically tackle your PhD alone, there are many areas applicable to all PhDs, such as literature reviews, methodologies, experiments, thesis, and dissertations, that an experienced supervisor can guide you on.

2. Regular Supervisory Meetings

As good as your supervisor may be, their ability to support you only comes into fruition if you interact with them. You will be expected to arrange regular meetings with your supervisor, and if necessary, other members of your PhD panel. This will allow you to report back on your latest progress, discuss any issue you’re facing, and review any plans to identify potential improvements, etc. Some supervisors will suggest meeting at regular intervals, i.e. every other week, some will suggest meeting on completing a milestone, i.e. completion of your first draft of the literature review, and others will suggest meeting specifically as and when you need their support. While none are notably better than the other, the key is to pick what works best for you and to ensure you’re meeting them frequently, even if that means having to combine two or all of the approaches.

It’s important to appreciate your supervisor is going to be busy. They are not only going to be supervising you, but they’ll likely be providing supervision to several other students, teach undergraduate classes and have their own research projects going on. However, if you can’t meet your supervisor as often as you would like because of this, your communication doesn’t need to suffer. Instead, make use of email . Not only will your supervisor appreciate this as it gives him time to respond on his own schedule, but you’ll likely get a more detailed response.

3. Feedback on Work in Progress

Another vital aspect to expect from your supervisor is to receive continuous feedback on your work. With your supervisor being an expert in their field, he should be able to review your work and identify any issues or areas for improvement. Gaining feedback on your work is critical through all stages of your PhD. Initially, feedback will be imperative to ensure you’re staying on track. Besides this, it gives your supervisor the opportunity to help set up aspects of your PhD in ways they’ve witnessed first-hand to be most effective, for example, by suggesting an alternative way to structure your literature review or record your research findings. During the ending stages of your PhD, your supervisor will play an essential role in supporting you in the production of your thesis or dissertation. The more you liaise with them during this process, the smoother the process will be.

4. Advice and Support

The advice and support that your supervisor can offer you throughout your degree will be invaluable. As an old saying goes, you can never be distracted if you get the right advice from the right person, which in this case will be your supervisor. As well as providing technical support, many supervisors will also look to provide emotional support through words of encouragement when the moment warrants it. Having once undertaken the journey themselves, they fully appreciate how challenging and stressful the journey can be.

It’s important to note that although your supervisor is there to provide support, they are not there to help with the minor details or every problem you may encounter. The role of the supervisor is to mentor, not to teach, or do it for you. It will be your responsibility to plan, execute and monitor your own work and to identify gaps in your own knowledge and address them. Your supervisor may help by recommending literature to read or suggesting external training courses, however, you should expect nothing more intrusive than this.

5. Mediation and Representation

All universities and departments will have their own rules and regulations. As a professional academic student, you will have to adhere to these rules. These rules are unlikely to be limited to behaviour only with several rules influencing your work as a PhD student. These rules may relate to how you are expected to submit documentation or to the experiments that require special permission before being conducted within their labs. If you have any queries about any rule or regulation, your first point of contact should be your supervisor.

Before starting a PhD, it’s reasonable to have many expectations in mind. However, of all expectations, the one of your supervisors is likely to be the most important. Your supervisor will act as the backbone of your research project and should provide you with continuous support throughout each stage of your degree. A great supervisor may not only be the difference between a smooth and turbulent process, but sometimes may also be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful PhD.

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Dos and don’ts of a phd interview.

Studying for a PhD is an amazing academic achievement, as well as serious time commitment , and it's certainly not one for the faint-hearted. Once you've decided to embark on this academic path, your PhD interviewer needs to be sure that you are able to rise to the challenge and are academically capable of achieving this ultimate goal. And the PhD interview is how they assess your potential for a place on the program when applying for a PhD .

Your PhD interview will consist of questions that will enable your potential supervisors to get to know you better and have an understanding of what you’d like to study, why you’ve chosen your field of study, and whether you’d be a good fit for the PhD program. 

This interview will also give you the opportunity to ask questions about the program and the university to make sure it’s the place you’d like to study. 

Here, we've compiled a list of dos and don'ts of a PhD interview from the interviewer's perspective, to hopefully guarantee you success when answering the PhD interview questions and thus beginning your Doctorate journey.

PhD interview questions to help you prepare

Your interviewers will ask a range of different questions in order to determine whether you will be let into the PhD program . They will ask different types of questions to get an idea of who you are, what your interests are, and how much of an asset your research will be to the university. 

General PhD interview questions

One important aspect of the PhD interview is for the interviewers to get a good idea of who the interviewee is.

They will do this by asking a series of questions that are more general to try and get a sense of your likes and dislikes, and your overall personality. These opening questions could be viewed as ‘warm up questions’ and are likely to also include questions and discussions about your academic history, reasons why you are interested in your particular research topic, and why you’re studying a PhD.

Example questions could include:

• What is your academic background?
• Describe your personal qualities?
• What sets you apart from the candidates?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

The PhD interviewer will ask you questions about your motivation to study a PhD which you should find straightforward to answer as you clearly have a keen interest and knowledge in a particular research topic to be considering it at PhD level. Now all you need to do is illustrate to the interviewer why you are the right person for this PhD at their university.

The first way to do this is to go into detail about your personal motivations for studying a PhD. Do you have a historical or family link with this topic? Was it an area you covered in your bachelors degree that you now want to explore further? Are you destined for a career in academia? 

Another thing you should demonstrate in your PhD interview is what experience you’ve had either academically, personally or in the workplace that has strengthened your passions for your research.

It is also important to show that you have researched the university, the supervisor and your project. If many universities offer this particular PhD course, then why did you choose this specific one? Do they have resources that will be useful? Is there a supervisor you’d like to work with? 

Example questions that you can expect to receive at this stage in your PhD interview could include:

• Why are you motivated to pursue a PhD and why in this specific field?
• Why did you choose this university?
• Why did you choose this program?
• Tell us about a time you experienced a setback

Relevant experience

Your PhD interviewer will be interested in any relevant experience you have to qualify you to study this PhD. Use your answers to draw attention to your specific qualifications that may not be obvious from your CV or project. Discuss other courses that you’ve taken, past research, etc. Use this time to reassure your prospective supervisor that you have the skills and experience needed to undertake a doctorate.

Consider what is the critical knowledge and skills needed for this project and explain to the interviewer how you meet these.

Don’t just summarise your CV as the interviewer has already seen this. They will want to see your passion and motivation for your research project.

Example questions they may ask at this stage could be:

• What experience do you have that makes you suitable for this particular PhD and in what ways?’
• Why should we choose you?

Your PhD project

Interviewers will want to know that students understand their project and the research involved in successfully studying a PhD. 

You should be prepared to discuss your project idea in detail and demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate. For example, you should explain that you understand the current gaps in knowledge around your topic and how you propose to fill these gaps. Show that you know what your aims and objectives are and how your efforts will contribute to the research field.

Here are some example questions to help you discuss your PhD project:

• How are you planning to deliver your project on time? 
• What will you do if you do not find the expected results?
• What difficulties would you expect to encounter during this project?
• How did you develop this proposal?

Future ambitions

It’s important for students to know where their work may lead them. Knowing how a PhD will help achieve this, and articulating these aspirations to the interviewer, will give the interviewer a better picture of the student’s goals. 

If the goal is to have an academic career, use this as an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand the academic career path.

An example question at this stage could be:

• How will this PhD open the door for future ambitions and aspirations?

Your own questions

As well as being properly prepared to answer questions about your PhD proposal, it is also important to ask your own questions to the interviewer to make sure that this is the university and PhD program that you’re looking for.

Example questions that you could ask a potential supervisor could include:

• Are you likely to remain at the university for the duration of my PhD program?
• Are there good links within a specific industry/work field for your post-PhD career?
• How many PhD students to you supervise at one time?
• How much contact time am I likely to get?

PhD interview questions: DOs 

• "Brand" yourself. Show your personality . We must remember you for something besides your academic skills.
• Be confident and sure of your abilities, but don’t be overconfident. You are not the best in everything that you do, so don't pretend you are!
• If we ask you a witty question, reply with a witty answer.
• All PhD interviews are different. Be flexible when preparing for your interview and don’t take anyone’s advice as definite, instead use it to build upon.
• Avoid simple yes or no answers.
• Show that you are an independent and original thinker by engaging in debate and supporting your arguments with reasonable statements. However, always be polite and argue without insulting us.
• Be professional. Professionals can find the right measure between being serious and being informal.
• Show that you care about what you want to study and about what we do, and don’t be interested in our PhD program just to get the title.
• Research what we do. We don’t want to talk to someone who knows nothing about our work.

PhD interview questions: DON'Ts

• Don’t undermine the importance of 'soft' general questions like “Where do you see yourself in future?” or “What is motivating you to do the PhD?”
• Don't be passive in communication. We are interviewing you, but you are also interviewing us.
• Don’t give too general answers. Be specific and to the point because that will show us that you are not feigning but you know what you are talking about.
• Don’t get nervous if you think the interview is not going well. In many cases this is just your personal impression, which may be wrong.
• Don’t come dressed as if you just woke up – make an effort! 
• Don’t talk jargon. It is not very likely that we were born in the same place or have the same background, so we may not understand what you are saying.
• Don’t try to pretend that you are someone you're not. We don’t like pretentiousness and can usually see straight through it.
• Don’t try to be too funny. We may have a different sense of humour than you do, especially if you come from a different culture.
• Don’t become too emotional during the PhD interview. Enthusiasm is good but not if it’s exaggerated, then it becomes quite off-putting.

Summary of PhD interview questions 

This table shows some examples of different categories of questions you might enounter at a PhD interview.

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The Savvy Scientist

Experiences of a London PhD student and beyond

STEM PhD Interviews: My experiences

Applying for a PhD can be very different to applying for undergraduate courses. For starters you’ll have more experience under your belt and you’ll need to maximise on this expertise to distinguish yourself from other candidates. Once you’ve perfected your CV and submitted your application you may be faced with the prospect of an interview.

PhD interviews vary between institutions and depend on what you’re applying for: from a specific project through to a more generalised doctoral training programme.

Specific Projects (Imperial)

In my experience if you are applying directly for a project then they can be less of an interview and more of an informal chat with a potential supervisor to check that you both get on well.

In fact when I first applied to Imperial I met with a potential supervisor to chat about projects prior to submitting my application. I included my supervisor’s name (as required) on the application and a week or two after submitting it I had an offer (though no funding ), no “interview” required!

Often if you’ve already proven your academic capabilities it is sufficient for the university that your supervisor is happy to take you on.

Doctoral Training Programmes (Leeds and Oxford)

My experiences with doctoral training programmes were quite different. Under these circumstances you’ll likely not have spoken to individual supervisors yet because you’re effectively applying for a course rather than a specific project. Therefore the interviews tend to be more formal and rigourous. I had interviews for two different DTPs: one at Leeds and one at Oxford.

My experience with the University of Leeds

At Leeds there were a panel of three interviewers all of whom were involved with different aspects of the  course and as such questioned me on varying topics. I won’t go into the specifics of the questions but they were a mix of the typical “why do you want to a PhD?” and more technical “how would you define [insert scientific term]?”

The interview panel were friendly and as long as you’d done a bit of homework none of the questions would have come as too much of a surprise.

My experience with the University of Oxford

My Oxford interview was similar to what you might expect. About a week in advance of the interview I was notified of a few general, but quite different, topics to prepare for. Two professors formed the panel and there was very little fluff with almost all the questions being technical.

Many of the questions involved doing some calculations on a pad of paper with the two professors watching over. It goes without saying to make sure you are as comfortable as possible with the suggested topics, however one of mine was as broad as “basic biology” which can be difficult to interpret as a non-biologist!

You might not be able to predict every question but there are certainly some which you should be prepared for.

Ten Frequent Questions You Might Get Asked at a PhD Interview

Motivation:.

• Why do you want to do a PhD?
• What relevant experience do you have?
• What difficulties do you expect to face during your PhD?
• Describe to us a time you’ve overcome a problem.
• What do you want to do after your PhD?

Topic-specific:

• What interests you in this field?
• Why do you want to work with [this supervisor]?
• Why do you want to study at [this institution]?
• What are some recent advances in this field?
• Where do you see this field developing in the future?

What Interviewers Are Looking For

More than anything potential supervisors seek motivated students who want to learn and develop academically: this includes admitting that you do not know everything about every topic. So if something goes wrong in the interview, don’t panic.

Any academic experienced enough to conduct an interview will have seen lots of different responses from potential students. The best you can do is maintain your composure and take on board any feedback given to you.

If you’d like personalised help with your PhD application I am now starting to offer a small number of one-to-one sessions. Please contact me to find out more or click here to book a call.

Best of luck if you have a PhD interview coming up. I hope that this article has been useful, if it has I’d love to hear about it! You can also subscribe for more content:

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2 Comments on “STEM PhD Interviews: My experiences”

Hi Jeff, Really good article once again!! Thank you for this! Just curious what security you have in place for this website? As my webroot online protection marks your website as unsafe, which might be reducing traffic to your website.

Keep up the good work 🙂 Yusuf

Hi Yusuf, Thanks for your comment. I hope you’re well and I’m pleased to see you’re still interested in PhDs. Ah, this is really useful to know about, thank you! I’ll investigate. 🙂 Best wishes, Jeff.

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