Contact POI before interview

[typicaljoy]

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I was asked by a professor at a PhD program to apply, since I had research interests that were very closely aligned with the program. She and I had a prior contact (she used to work where I worked at a research institute). I had originally asked her as a job networking contact if she had any or knew of any people with any positions in the field, and when we met, she strongly encouraged me to apply to the program...this was in October, with a Decmber deadline. I scrambled to apply for it!

(sorry, I'm rambling)

Anyway, I was invited to interview for the program in the next few weeks, and she is certainly my POI (she even said that if I applied to a neighboring school, I'd probably end up working in her lab anyway). I was wondering, do you think I should contact her before the interview? If yes, what should I say? I know that she was instrumental in getting me the interview.

Also, I was wondering if it would be appropriate to wear a dark, slightly patterned skirt, white-button up blouse, and black blazer to the interview (and not a matching suit). Thank you!

 

[KillerDiller]

I don't have any strong reason for my preference, but if it were me I would wait to talk with her until your interview. "Thanks for inviting me to this interview, I was excited to apply to your program when you suggested it back in (blah blah)..." sounds more natural in person than through email, especially if you don't have any other specific reason for contacting her before you meet.

As for the interview attire, I'm very bad at visualizing these sorts of things, but it sounds fine to me.

 

[racek]

I think...assuming you will see her at the interview...that you should contact her to say you will be interviewing there and you really look forward to seeing her.

Outfit sounds fine.