What to expect from a Clinical Psych PhD interview?

[propsych]

Got my first interview after applying a second time now. I was so focused on application that I haven't spent any time actually thinking about the interview process. I saw some question lists online, but no personal experiences. Also the question lists are very long and ask a lot about clinical psych/orientation etc. and I've been so focused on research for the last five years that my thoughts on the clinical side of things are fairly superficial.

What will they likely ask?
What are some red flags they are looking for/I should look for?

Any other tips greatly appreciated.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[jdawg2017]

Got my first interview after applying a second time now. I was so focused on application that I haven't spent any time actually thinking about the interview process. I saw some question lists online, but no personal experiences. Also the question lists are very long and ask a lot about clinical psych/orientation etc. and I've been so focused on research for the last five years that my thoughts on the clinical side of things are fairly superficial.

What will they likely ask?
What are some red flags they are looking for/I should look for?

Any other tips greatly appreciated.

Congrats on your interview!

Generally Mitch's guide is pretty spot on with what to expect, though FWIW I am in my 5th year of my program so I did not apply during a pandemic. https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf. Section 3 is most helpful I think for you right now!

From my side, I would say to not overly stress the interview. Viewing it as an exciting opportunity to meet a potential mentor and lab team may help ease your nerves. Remember... this is a two-way process, to a degree. You want to evaluate if they are the right fit for your goals as much as they are evaluating you. Also, I would add that if you are applying to research-focused PhD programs, your research experiences will serve you well. Having some good talking points about clinical work will be good, but if you have been doing research for such a long time and view yourself as a researcher, then you probably have a leg up.

 

[WisNeuro]

Pro-tip, if it's an in-person interview, don't get trashed during the dinner the night before interview day. It's not generally a good first impression.

 

[propsych]

Pro-tip, if it's an in-person interview, don't get trashed during the dinner the night before interview day. It's not generally a good first impression.

lol. It's a zoom call, so I'll be hopped up on green tea!

 

[Sanman]

lol. It's a zoom call, so I'll be hopped up on green tea!

If you have an interview, as others have said, it is less about stats more about fit. Brush up on the research and goings on of the lab you are interested in joining and program details. Don't be afraid to ask questions to help you gauge if the lab and program are a good fit for you. The interview is as much about personality as it is about professional knowledge. You and your mentor have to put up with each other for the next 4-6 years, so you should hopefully get along and have a positive working relationship.

 

[R. Matey]

If you have an interview, as others have said, it is less about stats more about fit. Brush up on the research and goings on of the lab you are interested in joining and program details. Don't be afraid to ask questions to help you gauge if the lab and program are a good fit for you. The interview is as much about personality as it is about professional knowledge. You and your mentor have to put up with each other for the next 4-6 years, so you should hopefully get along and have a positive working relationship.

To this end, feel free to ask tough questions about the training opportunities, funding, etc... Also do research on people who have had your prospective advisor and see if they are doing what you want to be doing in 5-7 years.

 

[propsych]

Congrats on your interview!

Generally Mitch's guide is pretty spot on with what to expect, though FWIW I am in my 5th year of my program so I did not apply during a pandemic. https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf. Section 3 is most helpful I think for you right now!

From my side, I would say to not overly stress the interview. Viewing it as an exciting opportunity to meet a potential mentor and lab team may help ease your nerves. Remember... this is a two-way process, to a degree. You want to evaluate if they are the right fit for your goals as much as they are evaluating you. Also, I would add that if you are applying to research-focused PhD programs, your research experiences will serve you well. Having some good talking points about clinical work will be good, but if you have been doing research for such a long time and view yourself as a researcher, then you probably have a leg up.

Thank you! Looking through his guide now!

 

[PsycIntern2021]

I would also add that the more questions you have, the better it looks to the program. It shows your interest and that you have done your homework. Like others have said above, while you should definitely have a 30-second "elevator speech" about your research and potential clinical interests, most of the interview will be about personality fit. Some other things that we would look for: is this person actually interested in what our lab is doing and is the person willing to move to X (location of the program). By the time of the interview, we know you are qualified, we want to know if you can be successful in our environment and get along with everyone.

 

[RxPsych]

I think another often overlooked piece of information is to just be yourself and be someone they will want to spend the next 5-7 years with. My first round of interviews consisted of me being stressed and hyperfocused on what they thought about me and I didn't get any offers out of 2 interviews. Then, the next cycle, I was much more laid back and more true to myself. I asked everyone questions about what they like to do for fun and made comments and asked questions about items behind them during the zoom calls. I think this really helped and definitely contributed to more offers.

 

[Cantab109]

Most interviews- Grad school, internship, post-doc- you're already ranked by the time you interview. Interviews often do not change your ranking (or at least, not much) unless something extraordinary happens. So, as others said, just be yourself and see how you get along with the lab members/advisor and if you would want to work with each other for the next few years.

 

[Temperance]

Congratulations!

In addition to what has already been said above: do not be afraid to ask hard-hitting questions, especially for the sessions you have with graduate students who are not in your potential advisor's lab (and even with those who are). We get that fit is important and want you to go to a program where you would be happy. If there's something specific you want to do (e.g. child focus), then make sure the program has the people and sites to train you in it. If you're a member of a minoritized group, ask about the environment of the area, any resources you'd want to access, accessibility of the campus and the city, etc.

 

[lizzypsych02]

Got my first interview after applying a second time now. I was so focused on application that I haven't spent any time actually thinking about the interview process. I saw some question lists online, but no personal experiences. Also the question lists are very long and ask a lot about clinical psych/orientation etc. and I've been so focused on research for the last five years that my thoughts on the clinical side of things are fairly superficial.

What will they likely ask?
What are some red flags they are looking for/I should look for?

Any other tips greatly appreciated.

Congratulations on landing an interview!! I’d recommend that you check out “Navigating Academia” on YouTube. They have a ton of videos that helped me fully prepare for my interview, and I was offered a spot in my desired cohort in less than 24 hours following the interview. The YouTube channel is designed by a graduate admissions advisor, and there are several videos that will help you be ready for your interview (there’s even a practice interview which I found to be the most helpful). Best of luck!!