Research Assistant Phone Interview?

[cho15]

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So, as I'm waiting to hear from schools (i'm on two waitlists), I have been applying to jobs for the upcoming year. I was offered a phone interview for a research assistant in psychiatric genetics position at an NIH funded center. Anyone have any ideas what (aside from the general questions such as why i'm interested, what my experience is etc...) they may ask? Also, are these types of interviews to rule out others and eventually invite you to a face to face interview or is this it and I'll find out soon after if i'm hired? Thanks

 

[Kaustikos]

So, as I'm waiting to hear from schools (i'm on two waitlists), I have been applying to jobs for the upcoming year. I was offered a phone interview for a research assistant in psychiatric genetics position at an NIH funded center. Anyone have any ideas what (aside from the general questions such as why i'm interested, what my experience is etc...) they may ask? Also, are these types of interviews to rule out others and eventually invite you to a face to face interview or is this it and I'll find out soon after if i'm hired? Thanks

Every phone interview I was on was generally a screen, so to speak, before inviting you for an interview. I found it to be a blessing because there were places I'd have to go that was over 500 miles and the guy didn't wouldn't even want me. I think it's more important to them questions than them ask you. If all you do is answer questions, it's not a good thing. Find out what opportunities they give you/ask what opportunities there are. Find out of there is room to grow/other labs you could work for, other projects, etc.

 

[GTstormin]

So, as I'm waiting to hear from schools (i'm on two waitlists), I have been applying to jobs for the upcoming year. I was offered a phone interview for a research assistant in psychiatric genetics position at an NIH funded center. Anyone have any ideas what (aside from the general questions such as why i'm interested, what my experience is etc...) they may ask? Also, are these types of interviews to rule out others and eventually invite you to a face to face interview or is this it and I'll find out soon after if i'm hired? Thanks

I was in a similar situation. Research phone interviews are conducted the same way as regular interviews, at least mine was (so your assumptions are typically correct). I moved half way across the country for my position so a phone interview made sense. I would recommend making it clear to your potential employer that you are still going to apply to medical school (this part may hurt you or help you but its still necessary). My current PI has helped me immensely on my application and getting me unique experiences for my app. GL!

 

[fishbait63]

They will also ask some questions about yourself simple ones that they might use to get to know you. For many interviews especially job ones your personality is just as or more important than your skills.

My friend once told me "We can train them to do anything, but we can't change their personality" so they might be trying to understand how you might fit into the lab