Top 10 MS / PhD Interview Questions and Their Answers

𝐐𝟏: 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰?

You should only make slides during your PhD interview if specifically asked for. It is because:

• PhD interview is more about discussion than presentation.
• Time is short during an interview, and you don’t want to waste that time changing slides.
• This interview is more about exchanging views and adding details to each other’s ideas.

Exceptional situations where you can make a presentation are:

• If you are asked about making a presentation
• If your research proposal has more visuals or has a complex flow chart then you can make an exception in making a presentation. However, it is still recommended to make printouts and hand it over to your examiners so they can read them.

𝐐𝟐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐦𝐞?

Your interview questions can be broadly divided into three areas where examiners can ask you. They can ask you about the background of your study, your research proposal and future implications of your research.

Background of Study:

• Introduce yourself
• Why did you choose our PhD program?
• Why do you want to pursue this topic when you have all other topics around?

Research Proposal:

• How did you develop your research proposal?
• How can your research add further knowledge to an already existing pool?
• Are you aware of other studies going on in your field of study?

Future Implication of Your Study:

• How will you arrange funding for your study?
• Has your topic been covered by someone else in the near past?
• Is your topic of research universal?

If you have issues in writing research papers, read it. How to overcome Challenges in writing research papers?

𝐐𝟑:𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰?

It is best to avoid discussing personal circumstances in your PhD interview unless it is relevant to your topic. Here is the reason why:

• Time is limited in your interview, and you don’t want to waste it discussing your personal situation.
• It won’t have any impact on results.
• It is better to focus on your interview instead of discussing irrelevant things.

You can discuss your personal circumstances if:

• You have done something remarkable.
• You are asked about academic breaks in your career.
• There is a specific connection to your research project.

𝐐𝟒: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐛?

Here are some steps that can help you align your research background with that of the target lab:

Research the lab:

• Look for faculty and their expertise.
• Previous publications and achievements mentioned on their website will help decide the direction of the lab.
• Search national media for reports regarding your lab to check for credibility and reputation.

Mention common points:

• Mention what is shared between you and your desired lab.
• Identify areas where your research overlaps with them. This will help you find similarities.
• Discuss how the future can help you both achieve your targets.

Show passion and enthusiasm:

• Be passionate while discussing your research proposal.
• Ask questions so that you can get as much information as possible.
• Express your interest in lab research and discuss areas in the lab’s interest.

Q5: Can I mention my non-technical aspects (e.g., hobbies) during the interview?

Yes, you can mention your non-technical aspects during PhD interview, but you need to be a little witty about it. Here are some tips:

• This will make you a person who has a life outside academics.
• This will show your teamwork, problem-solving, discipline, etc., skills that can be used while researching.
• Have a natural communication flow when discussing your hobbies.

Q6: How should I introduce myself at the start of the interview?

A strong introduction can set a positive tone for your interview and will impact the rest of your interview. Start with:

• Greeting each other.
• Mention your name and background: My name is ABC. I am a (PhD graduate) from (university name) in your field.
• End with thank you. For example, Thank you for inviting me to the interview today.

Q7: How can I present myself as a good fit within the short period of the interview?

Here are some strategies you can adopt to have good results in short form for your interview.

• Prepare Well.
• Rehearse your interview in front of your friends. This will help you be confident during the interview; you will have good body language.
• Always practice active listening. Don’t listen to answers; listen to understand.
• Focus on skills, hunger for learning and long-term Vision.

Q8: Is it okay to ask questions related to funding during the interview?

Yes, you can ask fund-related questions, and infact, it will show you how planned and responsible you are. Here is how to ask such questions:

• Keep it off in the first half of your interview. When you have satisfied them with your academics, you can bring up this question.
• Always ask questions about what kind of funding opportunities are available for students.
• Don’t demand for specific funds. Leave that on your interviewing panel.

Q9: What should I say if the panel asks about my plans after the PhD?

Here is how you can answer this question:

• If you are interested in staying at university, you tell them about post-doctorate in your current field.
• After PhD, if you are attracted to doing a field job, you can discuss the industry you will target in the future.
• Most people are interested in Govt jobs afterwards, which can also be discussed.

Q10: What questions should I ask the panel at the end of the interview?

Here are a few steps that will help you end your interview:

• Don’t ask repetitive questions.
• Ask questions that have specific information about the research, and don’t waste an opportunity by asking irrelevant questions.
• Prepare 2-3 questions for the end.
• Always end your interview with gratitude.

You want to add anything please feel free to do it in the comments section.

A guide to outline your MS / PhD thesis is provided below. How to Outline Your MS/Ph.D. Thesis Chapters: Beginner’s Guide!