Preparing for an Interview

Before you begin, it’s important to note that it’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first research lab interview. But, remember, you’ve got this! Take a few deep breaths, remind yourself that this is an exciting opportunity to learn, and focus on showing genuine interest in the lab’s work.

Undergraduate research lab interviews are usually conversational. They are focused on getting to know you, rather than testing you. Unlike formal interviews, faculty and graduate students want to understand your interests, your goals, and whether you would be a good fit for the lab’s work and environment.

Tip: Use this quick coping technique before any interview to steady your nerves and feel more grounded.

Interviewers typically want to know:

Why you are interested in their research
What you hope to learn
If you can commit to their time commitment
Whether you work well in a team, pay attention to detail, and can follow through with tasks

Most importantly, these interviews are not meant to be high-stress or intimidating.

Professors and graduate students understand that you are still learning, and they don’t expect you to “know everything.” They’re looking for curiosity, reliability, passion, and a willingness to learn.

Preparation goes a long way, so reviewing the steps below will help you feel more confident and empowered to share what makes you a great fit.

Tip: Use the "Interview Readiness Checklist" tab to make sure you are prepared for that interview!

How to Prepare:

Review the Lab's Website and Research Focus

Read the mission statement, research topics, and current projects
Identify the main themes that the lab focuses on (e.g., social relationships, ADHD, resilience)
Be ready to explain why their research interests you and how it connects to your coursework or goals

Understand the Undergraduate Research Assistant Role

Think about the typical tasks RAs perform:

Running participants
Coding or cleaning datasets
Literature reviews
Transcribing interviews
Conducting community outreach

Ask yourself:

What skills do I already have that apply?
What skills am I excited to learn and develop?

No research experience? That's okay!

Discuss transferable skills-organization, teamwork, attention to detail, leadership, or handling data in classes, volunteer work, or jobs

Review Your Own Application Materials

Interviewers may ask about anything you wrote. Re-read your:

Resume
Outreach email
Application responses (if applicable)

Be prepared to talk about:

Relevant courses (e.g., Research Methods, Statistics)
Technical or software skills
Key experiences that show responsibility, leadership, or teamwork

Prepare Your Short Introduction

Have a 1-2 minute answer ready for: “Tell me about yourself.”

Your response should include:

- Your academic background (major, year)
- Organizations or activities you’ve been part of
- Your research or professional interests
- Why does this lab interest you
- A closing statement showing your excitement to learn more

Prepare for Common Interview Questions

Practice responding to questions such as:

"Why are you interested in this lab's research?"
"What do you hope to gain from this experience?"
"Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team."

Reflect on Your Availability

Be ready to discuss:

Be ready to discuss:
- How many hours per week can you commit
- How long do you hope to stay in the lab
Labs often prefer students who can at least two semesters or through the summer

Prepare Thoughtful Questions for the Interviewer

Having questions shows initiative and interest in the position. You can ask:

"How do you describe a successful research assistant in the lab?"
"What goes into the training for new research assistants?"
"Are there opportunities to take on tasks that include [insert specific skill you want to learn]?"
"Are there opportunities for professional development? If so, what are they?"
"How often does the entire lab meet?"

Practice Professionalism

Address faculty formally as Dr. [Last Name] or the graduate student by their name, unless told otherwise.
Be polite and friendly! Ask how they are doing.
Arrive at the interview location or log into Zoom a few minutes early.
Dress neatly (even on Zoom).
Bring a notebook or have a document open for taking notes.
It's totally okay to pause before answering a question. A few seconds of silence can make you seem thoughtful and professional.
Pause if needed. You can say, "That's a great question. May I have a moment to think about that?"

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