interview prep pt. I

Happy (late) New Year to you and yours! While much is likely to remain the same in 2021, if you are like me, you’re hoping that the biggest change will be starting a PhD program in the fall. We’ve successfully submitted our applications, with our eyes towards the next hurdle of admissions – interview season! 

I’m going to be breaking up my interview guidance into two posts – this one will function as a more conceptual overview of what to expect and how to prepare, while part 2 will focus on actual questions to ask various folks with whom you may interact. 

There are a lot of existing resources for preparing for interviews, and it can be difficult to sort through all of the information available. I personally find myself struggling with information overload with all of the videos, Twitter threads, and blog posts that are available. Additionally, not all of them are specific to clinical psychology. I thought it might be helpful to compile a list of tips and tricks I’ve found useful. I have some firsthand experience – I did attend an interview weekend last cycle, and have had a few preliminary interviews this year so far. It’s important to note that each program and each individual faculty member will have a unique process for selecting interview candidates and conducting interviews. 

Typically, there are two types of interviews – preliminary/informal interviews, and formal interviews/interview weekends. I’m going to chat about the differences between these types of interviews and how to prep. See the bottom of the post for Do’s and Don’ts, and check out part II for actual questions.  

PRELIMINARY INTERVIEWS 

Preliminary interviews are used by faculty to decide final interview candidates. It seems like some programs always conduct prelims, while others only hold prelims depending on an individual faculty member’s preference. Even then, sometimes faculty hold prelims with all possible interview candidates, while others only interview those they aren’t sure about inviting. This could be for multiple reasons – maybe you are a stellar candidate, but your interests are slightly different than the lab’s. Maybe you have a perfect research match, but there is something in your academic or work history they want clarification about. There are a number of factors that influence this process. It’s also important to note that meeting with a faculty member prior to the application deadline does not count as a preliminary interview (in the majority of cases). This would be considered an informational session or informal chat. 

Prepping for Preliminary Interviews

To prepare for a preliminary meeting with a faculty member, I would focus most on your specific research interests, why you chose their lab, and what would make you a good fit for their program. The faculty member is trying to choose between their top candidates, and to do that they are going to ask questions about fit and interests. In my brief experience, it seems like a prelim is less of a chance for you to ask questions, but you should come with a few questions in case there is time. These interviews seem to be shorter than others – around 30 minutes. Thirty minutes will fly by – make sure you are prepared to be succinct and clear in your answers. Something new I’ve seen this year is faculty sending out brief questionnaires for all prospective interview candidates to fill out, which they will then use to make final decisions. I’ve also heard of applicants being sent an intense research question to answer during the prelim interview. The process varies quite a bit! 

FORMAL INTERVIEWS

Formal interview invitations are usually extended by either a faculty member or the DCT (director of clinical training), and tend to come anytime between December and February, depending on the program. This is an invite to attend an interview day or weekend. During a typical interview day, you will meet with your indicated faculty of interest, the graduate students from that specific lab, other clinical faculty members, and other graduate students. On average, it seems like faculty will invite around 4 – 7 applicants for each potential admit slot available. Sometimes, the program will include social events like dinner with faculty or an informal gathering with graduate students. Regardless of the perceived “chillness” of the event, make sure you are treating the entire day or weekend as an interview. I’ve heard stories of applicants getting too drunk, telling inappropriate stories, or doing other non-professional things during these events and ultimately making a bad impression. 

Prepping for a formal interview

1. Download a copy of the program handbook (if available)

• Get comfortable with the policies and procedures of the program – what are the milestones expected? What funding opportunities are available? What emphases are offered? How do expectations vary from year to year? 

2. Read a few recent articles from your PI’s lab to see what research they’ve been conducting, and make sure you are familiar with their current ongoing projects

3. Do a little research on other faculty members you are interviewing with that aren’t your PI

• You can choose how much or how little to prep for this, but in my experience these interviews are very laid back. They just want to get to know you!

4. Do a little research on the students in your PIs lab

• What kind of research are they doing? How homogeneous are everyone’s interests? Is there lots of project flexibility? 

5. Practice a few basic pitches so you are comfortable chatting about:

• Who you are 

• Your research interests 

  • Potentially, what you envision as a very preliminary thesis/dissertation topic

• Why this lab/this program? 

6. Set up your workspace (for virtual interviews) – see below 

7. Take a deep breath!

• The program chose YOU out of hundreds of applicants. You are meant to be there. You are qualified. 

• It’s so important to be authentic to yourself. Sometimes we can get so focused on just getting in – somewhere, anywhere! – that we forget how important fit is. Make sure the program is accepting you based on your authentic self. 

INTERVIEW DO’S AND DON’TS 

DON’T waste any time in an interview – dead air is bad air. Having lots of thoughtful questions will help with this! 

DO ask about money! I’ve seen a lot of applicants questioning if they should ask about financial support. This is SO important. Your stipend will be your livelihood, and having to work a side job or take out loans could be a deal breaker. 

DO maintain professionalism throughout the interview, even in conversations with grad students or during social events.

DO have snacks and liquids close by, especially for virtual interviews. Make sure you stay fed and hydrated throughout the day! 

DON’T hide your personality! Be sure to be your authentic self, and let your unique qualities shine through. Just because we are professional doesn’t mean we can’t be spicy and interesting. 

DO “overdress”. It’s very hard to overdress for a PhD interview, especially in clinical psychology, but it is easy to underdress. 

DO have questions printed to review! You aren’t expected to have everything memorized. 

DO take notes during the interview, and after the interview day is over. Engage in thoughtful reflection of how you would fit in at that particular program. 

DO prep your interview area if attending a virtual interview day. What does your background look like? How does your outfit translate over Zoom? Are any distracting objects in view? Try to keep your background as neutral as possible. 

DON’T hesitate to ask additional questions over email if you forget something the day of – faculty want to make sure you have all information needed to make an informed decision. 

Anything I missed? Feel free to drop other suggestions in the comments! 

Head over to Part II next week for tangible questions you can ask during your interview day, as well as questions YOU might be asked!