We spoke with faculty members at Stony Brook University and asked them what they would look for when interviewing applicants. Here is some of their advice
Good practices for interviews:
Answer emails about logistics for the interview promptly.
If asked, give names of faculty with who you’d like to meet.
Think about your previous research exposure, what did you do and most importantly, why? If you had the chance to work in or with a lab, aspire to describe what they are after better than a journalist could.
Dare to discuss failures. Experiments do not always work, and usually you have to have a lot of experiments fail before things start going right. If you can find a way to convey that you understand that and are still excited about graduate research, that can strengthen your application.
Come prepared - do some homework on the program and your faculty interviewers.
Have some questions prepared (even if you think you know the answers).
Be prepared to answer questions about previous research experiences, and note that your interviewer will want to see that you understand the underlying concepts (nott just the methodology).
If your undergraduate institution has a career office that offers practice interviews, take advantage of that service. If not, perhaps a faculty member would be willing to do a practice interview.
What to avoid in interviews:
Don’t show up late.
Formal dress is not required, but don’t fall below the standard of business casual attire.
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