Looking for a job is a job and this also applies to those people who are looking for their doctoral and postdoctoral projects, since just like when you are actively looking for a job, looking for a thesis tutor or internship is a process that can be become an intense experience, where the interviews are decisive due to the high expectations of both parties.
Therefore, preparing for an interview is essential, in order to get the most out of this experience and shine.
How to prepare for an interview?
With these recommendations you will be able to get the most out of the time of your meeting and be assertive:
● Thoroughly investigate the profile of the company/institution and, if possible, the interviewer
● Based on your previous research, be prepared for the possible questions you might be asked. On the internet, you can find sample interviews that will help you practice.
● Define with intention how you want to be perceived as what you will wear that day.
● Prepare your own questions for the interviewer.
● Follow up on your interview. This point is crucial, as it demonstrates your structure and interest.
It is vital that you structure your interview, this allows you to have coherent and meaningful answers. When there is no structure, you can be preyed to nervousness, failing to respond evasively or even very slowly to your interlocutor.
In interviews, even pauses for silence are critical, so having standard answers handy will help you a lot.
According to the company Robert Walters, these are some of the most frequently asked questions in a job interview:
● First impression: What could you tell us about yourself?
This is often the icebreaker question, the one that starts the conversation between the recruiter and the interviewee. It is usually the most important question because, through it, the recruiter will get a first impression of the candidate.
● Projection: What are your goals?
Express what your objectives and motivations are in the short, medium, and long term. Explain what type of work and functions you would like to do, why, and the steps you would like to take to achieve it.
● Self-knowledge: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Most importantly, when asked this question, show the recruiter that you know yourself well.
Motivation: Why do you want to work with us?
When preparing for the job interview, make sure you have a good understanding of the company's products and services, its corporate culture, and the future plans you envision with it. Use this information to describe how your goals and ambitions align with these motivations.
● Elevator pitch or personal brand: Why should we hire you?
Explain why you would be a great asset to the company. What sets you apart from other candidates? This could be highlighted through your skills, experiences, and/or personality. For example: "I have a unique combination of good technical skills and the ability to build long-term customer relationships," followed by a specific example of an accomplishment in this regard from prior work experience.
● Functional Expectations: What skills will help you be successful in this position?
Currently, there are certain competencies that companies tend to look for in professionals regardless of their sector or function: project management, problem-solving, teamwork, good communication, business partner mentality, team management, organizational skills, and digital abilities.
Some interesting statistics about the interview process:
● 47% of those interviewed know nothing about the company
● 38% of applicants do not smile
● 28% of the interviewees do not smile
● 90 seconds is enough to decide whether to hire a person in 33% of cases
If you are preparing to take a job leap in your professional career or take charge of your Doctoral project, these tips will be very useful to achieve your goals.