RA skype interview

[mewtoo]

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I've gotten a skype interview for a RA job at a very prestigious school in a very prestigious lab that is tangentially related to my research interests. In short, I am freaking out and don't want to mess this up.

What should I expect for a RA interview? Would it be similar to a clinical phd interview (I went on one)? Also, any advice about doing it on skype? I've actually never even used it before.

I already know many specifics about the job- pay, length of employment, that its intended for someone who wants to apply for a clinical phd program. What types of questions should I prepare?

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[aspiretobe]

I had my first ever two weeks ago! I split my computer screen to where half showed skype and the other half was a word document with some information about the labs current research and specifics I was interested in just in case I blanked during the interview.

The research (psychopathology wise) was different from my own interests but the underlying constructs were similar to my interests, so I had a prepared answer linking my interests to theirs. I got questions pertaining to my interests, how they overlapped, what my future plans were and how this research would help me get there, what I hoped to get out of the experience.

Definitely ask questions to show you're knowledgable about the work being done in their lab. "I know that you're currently running a study on X right now, but where do you hope to go from there? What are other projects in the works or directions your planning to take your research?" etc.

you will do great! Good luck!

 

[RunningRattie]

That is such a good idea about the split screen between the video and the document. I just cut up different parts of the document and tape it to wall behind my laptop at eye level.

My Skype advice, especially if you haven't used it much, would be to set up a practice call or two with a friend before you do it so that you don't have to worry about the technical side. That way, you know how to answer the call, how to make sure video is enabled, what your connection will sound like, where to position yourself, etc., etc. Not that any of this is rocket science, but when you're nerves are amped for an interview, the last thing you want to do is bumble.

 

[undecidedman]

another good option, though not for the interview is to record the skype interview.

if you don't get it, or even if you do... it never hurts to take a look at it and see where you stumbled and how you can do better the next time.

the problem with video interviews is that it doesn't capture some of the small things that show interest in the center. So make sure you smile a lot, if you use your hands to speak, not to block the camera, etc.

Like someone else said, practice with a friend..on the computer, recorded. Write out some sample questions and have him/her ask you.

and like anything else in life, Confidence is KEY