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So, you've made it past the admissions committee and you are ready for the next step: the Interview!
In the post-pandemic world, interviews will often consist of two parts:
A general Zoom interview with prospective faculty
An in-person interview with prospective faculty, department staff, and on-campus support.
The Zoom Interview
The Zoom Interview
Zoom interviews give you and your potential mentor a low-risk environment to learn about the lab, talk about project(s), and learn more about the program.
Often times, these interviews are 30 minutes to 1 hour in length.
Preparation Tips for the Zoom Interview:
Faculty and Research: Understand the faculty members’ research areas and recent publications.
Have questions about their current projects ready.
Program Structure: Familiarize yourself with the program’s curriculum, research facilities, and any unique opportunities.
The On-Campus Interview
The On-Campus Interview
On-Campus interviews not only give your and your potential mentor time to chat about the project, lab, and program, but they also allow for a chance to explore the facilities, meet current students, and get a feel for the campus and lab culture.
Often times, you are given the schedule just a few days ahead of time. Be sure to look through the schedule and familiarize yourself with the people you will be meeting and what they are working on.
Tip: If there are any specific people you want to meet or facilities you want to see, do not be afraid to ask. This can include on-campus support centers or potential collaborators.
Preparation Tips for the On-Campus Interview:
Bring copies of your CV or Resume.
Re-read your Personal Statement, as you may be asked about specifics
Faculty and Research: Understand the faculty members’ research areas and recent publications.
Have questions about their current projects ready.
Program Structure: Familiarize yourself with the program’s curriculum, research facilities, and any unique opportunities.
Research Projects: Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects, methodologies, and findings.
Practice common questions (see Questions! for examples).
What to Wear
What to Wear
The goal is to look professional, polished, and comfortable.
Business casual to business professional, depending on the field and school culture. When unsure, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Shoes = Closed-toe flats, loafers, low heels, or clean dress shoes.
Note: Think about the possibility you may tour a lab - you will want closed-toe!
Make sure you can walk comfortably
Note: campus tours can involve a lot of walking.
Best Practices
Best Practices
BEFORE THE VISIT
1. Know the program well
Read faculty profiles and recent work of anyone you’re meeting
Understand the program structure, requirements, funding model, and timeline
Prepare a clear answer to “Why this program?” that’s specific
2. Prepare your research story
Be ready to explain:
Your past research (clearly, without jargon)
What questions interest you now
How those interests could evolve during a PhD
Note: You don’t need a locked-in dissertation. Show curiosity and direction.
3. Prepare questions (very important)
Have different questions for:
Faculty (mentorship style, collaboration, expectations)
Graduate students (culture, workload, support)
Administrators (funding, teaching, health insurance, housing)
Note: Avoid questions easily answered on the website.
DURING THE INTERVIEW(S)
1. Treat everyone as part of the evaluation
Faculty, grad students, staff, and hosts all matter
Be polite, engaged, and appreciative throughout
2. Communicate like a colleague
Be thoughtful, not rehearsed
It’s okay to pause and think before answering
If you don’t know something, say so honestly
3. Show intellectual engagement
Ask follow-up questions in conversations
Connect your interests to what others are working on
Show openness to feedback and new ideas
4. Manage energy and time
Eat when you can, stay hydrated
Interviews are long, pace yourself
It’s fine to excuse yourself briefly if needed
MEALS & SOCIAL EVENTS
1. Keep it professional, but relaxed
You don’t need to “perform”
Avoid controversial topics unless they’re clearly academic
If food or drink is offered, moderate is best
2. Be yourself, but filtered
Friendly, curious, respectful
Avoid oversharing stress, complaints, or gossip
Don’t compare yourself negatively to other candidates
PRESENTATIONS
1. Aim for clarity, not impressiveness
Assume a mixed audience
Explain motivation and big picture
Be honest about limitations and future directions
Practice staying within time
AFTER THE VISIT
1. Send thank-you emails
Short, sincere messages within 24–48 hours
Mention something specific you discussed
You don’t need to email everyone, key faculty is enough
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