Online guidance 2: Preparing for the interview, and the interview process.
If you are shortlisted for an interview we want you to be comfortable and give your best performance at interview, and as part of that we offer both in-person and online interviews. Our interview Chairs are experienced at putting you at your ease, and so we hope that the interview will be a positive experience. While the exact format of the interview will vary depending on the particular interview panel, most IGNITE PhD interviews start with some general questions on your academic and wider experience (this is where you can talk about research that youâve previously completed or are currently doing), why youâre applying for a PhD, and how the PhD work might support your future career goals.
In the interview, weâre looking particularly for motivation and enthusiasm, both for the specific PhD topic(s) and the wider field, including evidence of your understanding of what the PhD project is about and why this PhD research might be important to wider society and our understanding of the environment â a typical question might be âin 2 â 3 sentences explain why this work is importantâ. Itâs important that youâve also read around the PhD topic â make sure youâve read about the topic, and also check the webpages of your potential supervisors for their background. Make sure that youâve âdone your homeworkâ, as this shows your enthusiasm for the project, and makes the interview more rewarding for all! Youâll get the chance to discuss the project in advance of the interview with supervisory team members, and ask them specific questions about the project. You can also ask the prospective supervisor for advice about the interview. You are very welcome to contact your prospective supervisor(s) ahead of an interview, and indeed this is a good idea â they will welcome hearing from you.