phd interview what to wear

PhD Interview Questions and Answers (13 Questions + Answers)

Most PhD applications include an interview. This allows your university (and perhaps even your prospective supervisor) to discuss the PhD with you in more detail.

This article lists some of the most common PhD interview questions along with their answers. The goal is to help you prepare for a PhD interview and pass with flying colors.

1) How did you develop this proposal?

When responding to this question, demonstrate your thought process, research skills, and the evolution of your ideas. Let's choose the subject of "Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning" as an example.

Sample answer:

"My proposal on 'Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning' originated from my undergraduate thesis on sustainable cities. Intrigued by the potential of renewable energy in urban environments, I conducted a literature review to identify gaps in current research. This review highlighted a lack of comprehensive strategies for integrating renewable technologies at a city-wide level. I then consulted with experts in urban planning and renewable energy, which provided practical insights into the challenges and opportunities in this field. I designed a methodology that combines spatial analysis with energy modeling to explore optimal renewable energy integration in urban landscapes. This proposal represents an amalgamation of academic research, expert consultation, and innovative methodology development."

This answer is effective because it mentions a literature review demonstrates the ability to conduct thorough research and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

2) Why do you wish to pursue a PhD?

For this question, it's important to articulate your passion for the subject, your long-term career goals, and how the PhD program aligns with these aspects.

Let's choose the subject of "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare" for this example.

"I am passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, and pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare aligns perfectly with this passion. During my Master's, I was fascinated by the potential of AI to revolutionize diagnostic processes and personalized medicine. I believe a PhD will provide me with the deep technical knowledge and research skills necessary to contribute significantly to this field. My goal is to develop AI systems that enhance medical diagnostics, ultimately improving patient care and treatment efficiency. This PhD program, known for its pioneering research in AI and strong healthcare collaborations, is the ideal environment for me to develop these innovations and achieve my career aspirations in healthcare technology."

This is a great answer because you clearly state that the PhD will provide the necessary skills and knowledge, indicating a clear understanding of the purpose of the program.

3) Why do you think you are the right candidate for this PhD program?

Discuss how your research interests align with the program's strengths and the faculty's expertise. Explain how the program's resources, courses, and research opportunities can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

"I am deeply passionate about environmental science, particularly in the area of sustainable urban development. This passion was ignited during my master's program in Environmental Studies at XYZ University, where I completed a thesis on urban green spaces and their impact on city microclimates. This research not only honed my skills in data analysis and GIS mapping but also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues. I am drawn to your PhD program at ABC University because of its innovative research on sustainable urban planning and the renowned work of Professor Jane Smith in this field. Her research aligns with my interest in integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to mitigate climate change effects. My perseverance, attention to detail, and ability to synthesize complex data make me an ideal candidate for this challenging program. Pursuing this PhD is integral to my goal of becoming an environmental consultant, where I plan to develop strategies for cities to reduce their environmental footprint."

This response is effective because it mentions particular aspects of your experience and the program, avoiding generic statements. It also outlines how the PhD fits into your career path.

4) What do you plan to do after you have completed your PhD?

Be specific about the type of career you aspire to, whether it's in academia, industry, research, etc. Explain how the PhD will equip you with the skills and knowledge for your chosen career path.

"After completing my PhD in Computational Neuroscience, I plan to pursue a career in academia as a university professor. My doctoral research on neural network modeling will provide a strong foundation for teaching and conducting further research in this area. I aim to develop innovative courses that bridge computer science and neuroscience, addressing the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge in these fields. Additionally, I intend to continue my research on applying machine learning techniques to understand brain function, which has potential implications for developing new treatments for neurological disorders. This academic pathway allows me to contribute significantly to both education and research in Computational Neuroscience."

This is a great answer because it connects the PhD research directly to future career plans.

It also articulates how your work can impact both academia and the broader field of Computational Neuroscience.

5) Why have you chosen this specific PhD program?

Mention specific aspects of the program that attracted you, such as the curriculum, research facilities, faculty expertise, or reputation.

Explain how the program aligns with your research interests or academic background.

"I chose the PhD program in Artificial Intelligence at MIT because of its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach, which perfectly aligns with my academic background in computer science and my passion for machine learning. The program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in AI is particularly appealing. Additionally, the opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], whose work in [specific area, e.g., neural networks or AI ethics] has deeply influenced my own research interests, is a significant draw. This program is an ideal fit for me to further develop my skills and contribute to the field of AI, ultimately aiming for a career in AI research and development in the tech industry."

This answer connects your background and goals to the program's offerings.

Including a specific professor's name shows detailed knowledge about the program and faculty.

6) What impact would you like your PhD project to have?

When answering this question, convey both the academic significance and the potential real-world applications of your research. Let's choose a project focused on developing eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles for this example.

"My PhD project aims to develop new eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles (EVs), addressing both the environmental impact of battery production and the efficiency of energy storage. I hope my research will contribute to the academic field by advancing our understanding of sustainable materials for energy storage, potentially leading to publications and patents. Beyond academia, I envision this project significantly impacting the EV industry by providing a more sustainable and efficient battery alternative. This innovation could play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and supporting global efforts towards a greener future. Ultimately, I aspire for my work to not only advance scientific knowledge but also drive real-world changes in how we approach energy sustainability in transportation."

This is an excellent answer because it connects the project to larger environmental goals and societal benefits. It also reflects a forward-thinking approach, demonstrating your understanding of the project's potential long-term implications.

7) What difficulties would you expect to encounter during this project?

It's important to demonstrate awareness of potential challenges and convey a proactive mindset toward problem-solving. Let's choose a project focused on the development of a novel AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases for this example.

"In developing an AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases, I anticipate several challenges. Firstly, the accuracy and reliability of the tool depend heavily on the quality and diversity of the data used for training the AI algorithms. Obtaining a comprehensive dataset that adequately represents the population can be difficult due to privacy concerns and data availability. Secondly, ensuring the AI model's interpretability to be clinically useful while maintaining high performance is another challenge, given the complexity of neurological diseases. To address these, I plan to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including data privacy experts and neurologists, to source and utilize data ethically and effectively. I also intend to continuously refine the AI model, focusing on both its predictive accuracy and clinical applicability. These challenges, while significant, present valuable opportunities for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration."

This response is effective because it clearly outlines realistic challenges specific to the AI diagnostic tool project. It also presents a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges, showing problem-solving skills.

8) How will you fund this project?

When answering this question, show that you've thought about the financial aspects of your research and are aware of funding sources that are available and applicable to your project. 

"I have identified multiple funding sources to support my renewable energy research project at Stanford University. Firstly, I plan to apply for the DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program, which offers substantial support for projects focusing on sustainable energy. My proposal for this grant is already in progress, highlighting how my project aligns with the DOE's priorities in advancing clean energy technologies. Additionally, I'm exploring departmental fellowships at Stanford, particularly those aimed at renewable energy research. I am also keen on establishing industry partnerships, given the project's relevance to current energy challenges and the potential for collaborative funding and technological exchange. Last but not least, I will seek conference grants to present my research findings, which can lead to further academic collaborations and additional funding opportunities."

Notice how this answer mentions funding sources that align with the renewable energy focus of the project and the resources available at Stanford University.

9) Tell us about a time you experienced a setback

Focus on a situation relevant to your academic or research experience. Let's use a real-world example where a research experiment failed due to unexpected variables.

"During my Master’s thesis on the effects of soil composition on plant growth, I faced a major setback. My initial experiments, which involved growing plants in different soil types, failed to produce consistent results due to unanticipated environmental variations in the greenhouse. This was disheartening, especially as the deadline approached. However, I responded by reassessing my experimental setup. I consulted with my supervisor and decided to control more variables, such as humidity and temperature. I also refined my data collection methods to include more frequent soil and plant measurements. These adjustments led to more reliable results, and I successfully completed my thesis. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability in research and reinforced the value of meticulous experimental design."

This is a great answer because it shows how you’ve encountered and overcame a specific problem, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

10) What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When answering this question, it's important to present a balanced view of yourself, showing self-awareness and a commitment to personal development. Choose strengths that are relevant to a PhD program and weaknesses that you're actively working to improve.

"One of my key strengths is my analytical thinking, which I demonstrated during my Master's project where I developed a novel algorithm for data analysis. This required me to not only understand complex theories but also apply them creatively to solve real-world problems. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with overcommitment, taking on too many projects at once. This occasionally led to stress during my undergraduate studies. However, I am actively working on this by improving my time management skills and learning to prioritize tasks more effectively. I've started using project management tools and setting clear boundaries, which has already shown improvements in my workflow and stress levels."

This answer maintains a good balance between strengths and weaknesses. It also shows self-awareness, demonstrating a proactive approach to personal development.

11) Why have you chosen to study for a PhD at this university?

Mention specific aspects of the PhD program that attracted you. Explain how your research interests align with the work being done at the university.

"I am drawn to the PhD program in Astrophysics at Caltech due to its outstanding reputation in space research and the unparalleled resources available at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. My research interest lies in the study of exoplanets, and Caltech's active projects in this area, such as the Zwicky Transient Facility, align perfectly with my academic goals. The opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], known for pioneering work in exoplanetary atmospheres, is particularly exciting. Additionally, Caltech's collaborative environment and emphasis on interdisciplinary research are conducive to my professional growth, providing a platform to engage with experts from various fields in astrophysics."

This response directly connects your research interests with ongoing projects and facilities at Caltech. It also shows you’ve done your research on faculty members and their work.

12) What can you bring to this research group?

Focus on your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that will contribute to the research group's success. Let's choose the field of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University for this example.

"As a prospective member of the Biomedical Engineering research group at Johns Hopkins University, I bring a unique combination of skills and experiences. My expertise in microfluidics, honed during my Master’s research, aligns well with the group’s focus on developing lab-on-a-chip devices for medical diagnostics. I have also co-authored two papers in this field, demonstrating my ability to contribute to high-impact research. Additionally, my experience in a start-up environment, where I worked on developing portable diagnostic tools, has equipped me with a practical understanding of translating research into applications. I thrive in collaborative settings, often bringing interdisciplinary insights that foster innovative problem-solving. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the group’s ongoing projects and introducing fresh perspectives to advance our understanding and application of biomedical technology."

This response shows your relevant expertise, ability to work in a team, and the unique perspectives you can offer, positioning you as a valuable addition to the research group.

13) Do you have any questions for us?

Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that you’ve given some genuine consideration to the project and/or program you’re applying to.

Some questions you can ask the interviewer include:

• What will the supervision arrangements be for the project?
• What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD program?
• How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion?
• Are there any major developments or partnerships planned for the department?
• Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project?
• What opportunities will I have for presenting my research?

Remember: you’re a good student, with lots of potential. You’re considering at least three years of hard work with this university. You need to know that you’ll get on with your supervisor, that your work will be appreciated and that there are good prospects for your project.

What to wear to a PhD interview

Wear formal attire for a PhD interview. Your best bet is to wear a suit. A navy blue suit is the best and most versatile option. No matter your gender, a suit is always very professional.

For men, wear a suit with a tie, dress shirt, and dress shoes. For women, wear a suit (pantsuit or skirt suit) with a blouse, or conservative dress, and closed-toe shoes.

When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. The goal is to make a professional impression and feel confident, without your attire distracting from the conversation.

What to expect from a PhD interview

At its core, a PhD interview will consist of questions that allow your potential supervisors to get to know you better and have an understanding of what you’d like to study, why you’ve chosen your field of study, and whether you’d be a good fit for the PhD program.

You should expect general questions to help the interviewer get a sense of your likes and dislikes, and your overall personality.

Next, expect questions about your personal motivations for studying a PhD. Your interviewer will also be interested in any relevant experience you have to qualify you to study this PhD.

In the next section, expect questions about your PhD project. You should be prepared to discuss your project idea in detail and demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate.

Last but not least, the interviewer will discuss your future ambitions and give you an opportunity to ask questions. Remember that this interview goes both ways.

It’s important to ask the interviewer relevant questions to show your engagement and the serious consideration you are giving their program.

You are preparing to spend several years of your life at this school. Think about what is important to you and what would make or break your decision to attend this university.

Prepare a list of questions ahead of the interview.

Understanding the interviewer’s point of view

During a PhD interview, interviewers are typically looking for a range of traits that indicate whether you are well-suited for the rigors of a doctoral program and a research career.

These traits include:

Intellectual Curiosity and Passion: A strong enthusiasm for the subject area and a desire to contribute to and expand knowledge in the field.

Research Skills and Experience: Demonstrable skills in conducting research, including designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. Prior research experience relevant to the PhD topic is often a plus.

Resilience and Perseverance: The capacity to handle setbacks and challenges, which are common in research, and to persist in the face of difficulties.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Although PhD research can be quite independent, the ability to work well with others, including advisors, faculty, and other students, is crucial.

Self-Motivation and Independence: The drive to work independently, manage one's own project, and stay motivated over the long term.

Fit with the Program: Alignment of the candidate’s research interests and goals with the strengths and focus of the PhD program and faculty.

These traits not only indicate your readiness for a PhD program but also your potential to contribute meaningfully to their field of study and succeed in a research-oriented career.

Related posts:

• University Interview Questions (16 Questions + Answers)
• Project Manager Interview Questions (14 Specific Questions + Answers)
• Strength-Based Interview Questions (21 Questions + Answers)
• Engineering Interview Questions (15 Questions + Answers)
• Business Analyst Interview Questions (17 Questions + Answers)

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• Interviews and Visits

What do I wear for a PhD interview

By LongGraduatedStudent January 27, 2011 in Interviews and Visits

Recommended Posts

LongGraduatedStudent

I have three interviews on the next two Fridays in two freezing parts of the country (New York (NYU and CUNY) and then Urbana (UIUC)).

What types of clothing would I be expected to wear.

I am emailing the graduate secretaries about this, but I thought I should get some input.

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Share on other sites, count de monet.

shirt, tie, slacks, weatherproof but dressy shoes in addition to your overcoat, scarf, gloves and a hat for the cold weather. Always dress up for an interview.

I got an email back from one of the graduate secretaries, they said

"Casual attire is requested."

I got an email back from one of the graduate secretaries, they said "Casual attire is requested."

Also, if you're coming any time soon, be forewarned that we have a LOT OF SNOW right now (/facepalm), so you may want to go with darker pants.

congrats with the interviews! I will also be interviewing at UIUC (neuroscience) in ~2 weeks and they told me to dress casually and comfortably, and to expect a lot of walking. they even went into specifics that "jeans are ok, but jeans with holes are not. please, no suits". i'm thinking khakis will work well, or black denim. as for tops, you can never go wrong with a button up. i was under the impression that UIUC is probably one of the more casual schools. are you going to be staying with current grad students in the department? if so, i recommend you bring both types of attire (dress up and casual) and ask them what interviewees tend to wear.

I'd still consider business casual. No tie, button shirt, khakis/slacks. In NYC "casual" does not mean the same as some other places. My husband, for example, had to head out to Indiana for a business-casual event, and some people were in jeans and polo shirts. Also, if you're coming any time soon, be forewarned that we have a LOT OF SNOW right now (/facepalm), so you may want to go with darker pants.

I found out for NY they want business casual. It has been determined, I will be wearing dark pants, boots, a thermal undershirt, a buttoned up shirt, and then a business-y sweater over the shirt. I spent most of Saturday with my oldest sister, who used to live in DC, buying warm clothes so I do not freeze. Still debating on whether to wear a tie

congrats with the interviews! I will also be interviewing at UIUC (neuroscience) in ~2 weeks and they told me to dress casually and comfortably, and to expect a lot of walking. they even went into specifics that "jeans are ok, but jeans with holes are not. please, no suits". i'm thinking khakis will work well, or black denim. as for tops, you can never go wrong with a button up. i was under the impression that UIUC is probably one of the more casual schools. are you going to be staying with current grad students in the department? if so, i recommend you bring both types of attire (dress up and casual) and ask them what interviewees tend to wear. good luck!

They told me to dress casually and warmly and to expect to have to walk. I will be likely staying with a current student. It is a recruiting weekend. I probably will wear much more casual pants. I am wearing dressy pants for NY, but I prob won't for UIUC. The Friday is a string of interviews (at least 4) with profs in multiple depts (=multiple buildings to walk to), so that day I will wear clothes similar to NY (but no dressy pants). The Saturday is a research symposium, so I figure I ought to wear as comfortable clothes as possible.

I found out for NY they want business casual. It has been determined, I will be wearing dark pants, boots, a thermal undershirt, a buttoned up shirt, and then a business-y sweater over the shirt. I spent most of Saturday with my oldest sister, who used to live in DC, buying warm clothes so I do not freeze They told me to dress casually and warmly and to expect to have to walk. I will be likely staying with a current student. It is a recruiting weekend. I probably will wear much more casual pants. I am wearing dressy pants for NY, but I prob won't for UIUC. The Friday is a string of interviews (at least 4) with profs in multiple depts (=multiple buildings to walk to), so that day I will wear clothes similar to NY (but no dressy pants). The Saturday is a research symposium, so I figure I ought to wear as comfortable clothes as possible.

sounds good. appears that our recruitment weekends have very similar schedules (just different weekends). are they hosting yours at the beckman institute? let me know how it goes and how the weather is in illinois!

• 2 months later...

I have an interview for a Masters program and I was intending to go somewhere between "business casual" and "borderline formal." Luckily, I emailed the contact person and asked about dress code- she strongly suggested a suit, and at a minimum, pants and blazer. And comfortable shoes.

So I'd go ahead and email- better to send one email than to be embarrassed either way (too dressy or not dressy enough).

• 5 months later...

I interviewed with a professor and just wore jeans and a polo shirt. I dont think they really care.

• noodles.galaznik and spunkrag

• 3 months later...

I have a follow-up question that may be kind of silly. I have a Bio PhD interview at Big Name East Coast U in a few weeks. I have my wardrobe together (yay!) except for one item (well, two, but I'll be able to find a nice Social Gathering Shirt somewhere).

They got me a beautiful bag - but it's *very obviously* a Designer Name Bag. Like, lots-of-logo Designer Name. I love it, but I'm worried that this might send the wrong message at an interview - I don't know exactly *what* kind of message it would send, but I'm still paranoid it would be negative.

Does anyone have an opinion/any warning stories? I don't think I can muster up the $$ to get a new professional-looking bag (something leather or leather-like that doesn't look cheap), so I think it's either this one or my old raggedy tote. Which is the lesser of two evils?

Thanks guys!

Also, maybe we could put together a sticky of Suggested Interview Garb for this forum at some point, including accessories for men and women?

fuzzylogician

Choose whichever one makes you feel more comfortable, just to have one less thing to worry about. I don't think there will be anything wrong with the old bag -- graduate students are poor and often use the same equipment for a long time. I also don't think there's anything wrong with a designer bag, except how it makes you feel. Honestly, if you are going to be judged at a certain place for how you're dressed, would you really want to go there? You're going to be using this bag for a long time if you attend this school, so if it's going to be a problem I would think it'd be good to find out early. Really, though, I think both options are fine.

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• Common PhD Interview Questions
• Applying to a PhD

In this guide, we’ll share 11 common PhD interview questions and our suggestions on how to answer them.

A PhD interview is an essential step in securing a doctorate position. This is because it enables the prospective supervisor to get to know you better and determine whether you’d be a good fit for the project. Equally, it provides you with the opportunity to learn more about the project and what the university offers. Although being asked to attend an interview by the admissions committee can be daunting, it’s actually a positive sign. It means that based on your application and academic qualification, the academic department believes you have the potential to make a good PhD student for the position.

Whilst most questions you’ll be asked during your PhD interview will focus on your proposed research project, a handful of generic questions will almost certainly be asked. To give yourself the best chance of succeeding in the interview, we highly recommend that you prepare answers to these generic questions beforehand.

Without further delay, here are 11 common PhD interview questions and tips on how you should answer them.

1. Tell Us About Yourself

It comes at no surprise that this common ice-breaker question is at the top of our list. This question will likely be asked to help you calm your initial nerves and settle into your interview. As this is a warm-up question, aim to give the interviewer a general overview about yourself as opposed to a detailed breakdown. To achieve this, structure your answer into three sections:

• Academic History : start with a summary of your academic background – where and what have you studied? What grades did you achieve?
• Research Topic : go onto explain your research interest in your chosen topic – what do you like about it? Do you intend to pursue a career related to it upon obtaining your degree?
• Why a PhD : Finish with why you want to undertake a PhD – do you want to make a contribution to science? Do you want to get a job in academia?

2. Why Do You Want to Do A PhD?

Although you may have touched on this in your answer to the above, your interviews will want to know more of the detail if they ask this question as a direct followup.

Though it may appear obvious, the interviewer is specifically interested in discovering your personal motivations for undertaking a PhD . Too often, students answer this question by listing the benefits of a PhD. Not only will the interviewer already know the benefits of a PhD, but a generic answer also won’t help you stand out among the other applicants.

To answer this question and leave a lasting impact, try to include an academic or personal experience that has strengthened your passion for research. As well as this, outline what your career aspirations are and explain how the proposed PhD will help you achieve them. The key to selling yourself here is to let the interviewer know how passionate you are about the project without having to say it.

3. Why Did You Choose This Project?

This is your chance to show that you have researched the University, supervisor and project.

First, talk about the project. Is there a particular aspect that you’re interested in? If so, mention it. This will show that you’re engaged in the topic and already have a basic understanding of the field. Besides this, a great way to show that you’ve really looked into the research topic would be to discuss a certain part of the methodology the project could adopt.

Next, talk about the University – there may be several universities offering similar projects, but what makes this one stand out? Is it their resources? Is it the prospective supervisor’s research group? Is it their previous involvement in previous influential studies? Again, show that you’ve adequately researched the University and clearly understand what makes it unique.

Finally, you can mention if your decision to apply to their university has been influenced by the expertise of the proposed supervisor. Given that the supervisor will be highly knowledgeable in the research topic you’re applying to, it’s possible they may have contributed to some significant findings in it. If so, it’s acceptable to acknowledge this by mentioning how you would like the opportunity to work under their guidance. However, be careful not to overdo. Although you may be sincere in your answer, it can go against you if your supervisor feels like you’re trying to flatter him. To avoid giving this impression, focus on how his or her expertise will help you develop into a competent researcher.

4. Why Should We Choose You?

A very blunt question, but your PhD supervisor will want to make sure you’re the best candidate for the position. This is especially true given they’ll be responsible for supporting you over the next few years. Therefore, the primary aim of your answer will be to reassure them you have the skills and experience required to undertake a doctoral study. To achieve this, identify the critical knowledge and skills required for the project and discuss how you meet each of these. Follow up each justification with a short, relevant example to help give your answers more impact.

When asked this question, some students tend to just summarise their academic CV and cover letter . This isn’t an effective way to answer the question as you’re telling the supervisor information they already know about you. It’s fine to reiterate a few key points, however, try to delve deeper into what you can offer going forward as opposed to what you’ve achieved in the past. As part of your answer, identify the soft skills which will be imperative to the doctorate and state how you have each of these. These can include skills such as effective communication, great time management, problem-solving, adaptability and high work ethic.

5. How Did You Come up With This Project?

If you’ve developed your own research proposal , then expect to have to defend it as part of your interview. You should have a thorough understanding of what the current gaps in knowledge are surrounding your research topic and how these could limit the findings of your study. Besides this, you’ll want to show that you’re clear on what the key aims and objectives of your project are and appreciate how they could contribute to your field of research. This last point is essential in convincing the interviewers this project is a worthy pursuit. What makes your project groundbreaking and worth dedicating several years to?

The interviewer wants to know if you have thought out all aspects of your project and so will likely scrutinise the finer details of your proposal. Therefore, be ready to outline the literature you’ve read and discuss how you evaluated different methodologies before suggesting your current one.

If you want an edge over other students, you can also produce a high-level plan, similar to the one below (but with more detail), which outlines the different phases of your research project. This can include stages such as the literature review, undertaking experiments, producing your thesis and preparing for your viva voce. Although they won’t expect your plan to be fully accurate, especially given how dynamic research projects can be, it will show your positive attitude towards being imitative and taking responsibility for your project.

6. What Challenges Are You Expecting to Encounter in This Project?

A common PhD interview question students struggle with is “What difficulties do you think you will face?” This purpose of this question is to check how much you’ve thought about the project. Students who provide a poor answer generally do so as they think admitting to any potential difficulties may make them seem incompetent. This couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Identifying potential difficulties shows the interviewers you’ve given serious thought to the project. This reassures the supervisor that should you run into difficulties during the research, you’re not only capable of identifying them but also mature enough to do so. Not highlighting potential difficulties, whether it’s due to a lack of confidence or understanding the project, suggests your project will be vulnerable to problems which could go amiss.

When answering this question, try to follow up on each potential difficulty with how you intend to address it. This can include measures such as making use of internal development opportunities, enrolling onto external training courses or signing up to specific research master classes.

7. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

This is a standard question for most interviews, and a PhD interview is no different.

Pick strengths that compliment your PhD programme. For example, if applying to a Physics or Engineering PhD, mentioning you have good attention to detail would be highly beneficial given the amount of data analysis involved. Try to support each of your claims with a relevant example. Using the above case as an example, you could discuss how as part of your Bachelor’s or Master’s dissertation project, your high attention to detail allowed you to streamline some of your experiments or identify potential problems with your data.

Likewise, try to discuss a weakness that won’t be detrimental to your research project. An example of something you would want to avoid would be “I have a tendency to put the hard tasks off until the end until I know I should really start working on them to not miss any deadlines“. Although this may seem like a harmless response, it will seriously concern the interview panel. This is because a model student will need to be consistent in their efforts to meet the challenging workload, even in times of difficulty. As before, follow up your weakness with a plan on how you intend to address it. For example, if you state your weakness as public speaking, a suitable follow up would be to discuss how you would like to work on it by presenting your research to undergraduate students and attending seminars.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

8. Can You Describe a Time You Encountered a Problem or Challenge and How You Approached It?

A key trait of all successful researchers is the ability to overcome problems independently. Given that even a minor problem can derail a research project, it’s important for your project supervisor to know whether you can adequately address them.

Despite what your example may me, try to cover the below three aspects as part of your answer:

• Identification – How did you identify the problem? Was a check you had in place triggered or did you stumble upon it naturally?
• Deconstruction – How did you break the problem down? Did you identify any assumptions or limitations which could have been associated with it? If so, how?
• Overcoming – How did you identify the solution? If you had several solutions, how did you determine the most sensible one? What did you learn from it?

Your example doesn’t need to relate directly to the research programme you’re applying to, however, it should be kept academic if possible. For example, you could discuss a challenge you encountered during your undergraduate dissertation project, such as limited literature on your research topic or inaccurate experiment results.

The key point to remember here is that a supervisor is there to supervise, not to fix all your problems. Not only will they not have the time do to this, but it will directly go against the ethical requirement of ensuring your work is yours and yours alone.

9. What Are Your Career Aspirations?

Your interviewers will want to see that you’ve considered what you will do after completing your PhD. This is to help them determine what your motivations are and to confirm that you want to enrol onto a PhD for the right reasons. It’s clear that anyone who has thought through their decision will have a long-term plan in mind, even if it’s a handful of well-considered options.

Don’t feel like your answer needs to relate to academia. One of the many benefits of a PhD degree is that it can lead to a variety of career paths. By being open with your true intentions, they can better determine what support and training you’ll require from them.

Despite your long-term goals, research into this and know the route you’d like to take post-PhD. A good understanding of your career plans and how to get there will go a long way in conveying your commitment to the project.

10. How Will You Fund This Project?

The interviewing panel will ask about this if your project is self-funded or conditionally funded (e.g. competitive funding schemes where funding is not guaranteed).

You don’t need to provide a complete breakdown of your savings, nor would they expect you to. The primary concern the interviewers want to address is that you’re fully aware of the costs associated with undertaking a PhD . If you intend to apply for external funding or take on a part-time job, mention this. In doing so, make sure you stress that you will base your part-time work around your PhD and not the other way around. The interviewers want to reassure themselves that you will make your research your top priority throughout the course of your degree.

11. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?

This interview is not only for the supervisors to evaluate you but also for you to evaluate them, the PhD project and University.

Although you will have already researched the position at length, ensure you ask questions when offered to do so. Asking questions will show that you’re engaged and are an individual who likes to make informed decisions. Not asking questions, or not asking well thought-out ones, will send the wrong message.

If you’re wondering what makes a great question, a quick internet search for “What questions should I ask at a PhD Interview?” show’s you’re not alone. Some examples of great questions to ask in a PhD interview are:

• Are there any major developments or partnerships planned for the department? – Although this won’t always be the case, the department may be planning to upgrade its research facilities or partner with another leading institution. Asking about this shows you’re genuinely enthusiastic about undertaking influential research.
• What are the supervision arrangements? – This is a great way to find out if your expectations match that of your potential supervisors. This can include aspects such as how often the two of you will meet and what level of support they intend to provide.
• Will there be any opportunities for teaching within the department? – If you intend to pursue an academic career after completing your research, this will be a brilliant way to show them you’re committed to your long-term plans. Even if you plan on following a different career path, asking will let you know whether there is any opportunity to earn whilst you study.
• What opportunities will I have for presenting my research? – This shows you intend to be an active member within your research field. This won’t be great only for your development but will help the university increase its research network and reputation in the wider community.

Other PhD Interview Tips and Advice to Help You Prepare

• Format – The format of the PhD interview varies depending on the University. If you’re unsure of what format your upcoming interview will follow, get in touch with the department you will interview with. They should be able to give you an idea about what to expect and how long it will typically last. This knowledge will prove invaluable when preparing for a PhD interview.
• Video interview – Some interviews will be conducted as either a phone interview or a skype interview. This is especially true if you’re an international student still within your home country. If so, conduct your interview in a place with a reliable internet connection and a clean backdrop.
• Attendance – Usually, your interview will comprise the primary and secondary supervisor. However, sometimes your interview panel can comprise non-technical staff or the Head of Department.
• Presentation – You may be asked to prepare a PhD interview presentation if you’re proposing your own research topic . If you’re requested to do this, keep it brief, use at least 80% of the time they permit and base it around your research proposal.
• Paperwork – Bring two to three copies of your application form, and if applicable, your research proposal. Although in most cases your interviewers would have bought their own copy, it’s better to be on the safe side.
• Etiquette – If you’re unsure of what to wear to a PhD interview, a good general rule of thumb is to wear what you would to a formal job interview. In other words, keep it formal. Additionally, learn how to pronounce the names of the interviewers and any other staff members you may mention beforehand.
• Practice – There’s a lot of truth in the old saying ‘practice makes perfect’. You will want to practise as many PhD interview questions as you can. Don’t just limit yourself to the ones discussed on here. Find as many PhD questions as you can and prepare draft answers for all of them. In fact, you don’t even need to limit yourself to questions specifically for PhD students. There are many out there that, although written for generic academic interviews or the job market, will be applicable to you. If you find yourself short on resources, try searching for ‘tell us a time when you…’ in google as these will provide great scenario-based questions you can practise with.

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• Jan 24, 2020

What to wear for Grad School Interviews

Updated: Feb 26, 2021

You're already feeling a lot of stress about graduate school interviews. You submitted the application, you finally heard back, you accepted an interview, and now it's time to pack up and go! But wait - what are you supposed to pack ?

Most guides will tell you to "wear business casual!" - okay, this is actually correct, but what does 'business casual' look like? Turns out, this is pretty tricky, because every culture, geographic location, and even department will have its own opinions of what they find 'professional enough.'

Some people might say "whatever makes you feel confident and professional!" - I hope this is true, someday, but both sexism and other hiring biases are real concerns for interviewees.

MY OPINION: Make sure your appearance isn’t the main thing they remember.

Here are my own guidelines for grad school interview wear. Let me know how you feel in the comments!

1) Consider the weather and amount of walking 🌦️ At the very least, you don’t want to end up limping around in uncomfortable shoes, shivering without a coat, or sweating through everything because you dressed for Iowa weather for a Florida interview.

2) Wear layers 🧥 You can quickly change your look for the event and weather with layers of different levels of “fancy” - if you are wearing a button-up shirt, you can wear a comfortable sweater if you think it might be a more casual event OR you can wear a blazer/jacket if it might be more business-y.

3) Avoid blue jeans 👖 I HATE that this is a thing, but it is. You'll likely be interviewed by people who were taught jeans were never professional. Black jeans are more acceptable, as are corduroy pants or any type of slacks. Skirts and dresses are good, and aim for at least close to or below the knee.

4) Make sure you can carry everything 🎒 You will be moving from place to place and shaking hands. I don’t usually carry a purse, but I did get a messenger-style bag for these meetings. A small backpack works, or even a coat with plenty of pockets.

5) Ask someone at the university! 📃 It’s a great idea to reach out to students in the department you are targeting to ask questions anyway, and you can include “what do people wear to the interviews?” as one.

6) Be confident 🤗 At the end of the day, walk proudly and own what you’re wearing. You deserve to be there, and they are lucky you're considering joining. And honestly, nobody cares how you look nearly as much as you do. - Psst: here are some great tips about how to look and feel more confident!

Anybody else out there interviewing? 💜S

*Originally published by @SusannaLHarris on Instagram

#GradSchoolInterview #GradStudent #GradLife #PhDTips #PhDStudent #CollegeInterview #ForeverAwkward

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What to wear for a graduate interview

Confused about what to wear for an interview? As graduate recruiters, we get asked every day the question of what a graduate candidate should wear for an interview. First impressions are everything. We’ve all heard it a million times. Despite having really strong work experience or how well you answer interview questions never underestimate the importance of a put-together interview outfit. A crucial part of the interview preparation process is dressing for success and there are several things to take into consideration when choosing your interview outfit. Dressing for a graduate interview follows the same prep rules as the actual interview. You’ll need to research your outfit, be able to project confidence wearing it, have adaptable attire and pay close attention to the details.

PhD in Clothes

Clothes. Career. Thrifting. Productivity.

What I would wear on the academic job market now

Hi friends! Every once in a while I get the “what should I wear to an academic interview campus visit” question. I thought we could use a 2022 update, especially as more visits are virtual and more of us are dressing casually. So here are a few items I would suggest and where I would shop for them if you are going on a professor job interview!

The zoom interview

Zoom interviews have, I’m sure, gone from a round 1 hurdle to possibly the only way you’ll interview in 2022. I think the same advice applies whether you’re doing a 30-minute preliminary interview or doing your campus visit virtually: dress head-to-toe like you’re interviewing. Why? Because the doorbell might ring. Your dog might decide it’s a good time to freak out. Someone might decide to take a leaf blower to your front yard. In short, you may have to stand up on camera, so make sure you’re ready!

I would recommend a high neck top to add some color–I love a good mockneck lately. Mine is old but here are a few saturated options: ruffled , green , and budget pick .

On bottom, I pick ponte pants because sitting should be comfy! These are still my favorites, worn once a week. Here’s an on sale option !

Should you wear shoes? I once talked to a public speaking coach who said he always stands up when leaving voicemails because you can hear the increased energy in your voice. I think the same rule applies to interviews–if I’m in slippers, I’m not quite as “on” as if I’m wearing these smart flats .

I don’t think you need a blazer for round one but it could be a nice touch for the virtual campus visit. But things aren’t as formal as they used to be so I wouldn’t worry about putting a sweater or high neck shell under the blazer, versus a traditional button down.

Finally, as always, it’s good to consider lighting and background choices. A blank wall is fine, a nice bookshelf, or a wall with just a couple frames on it are all good. Be aware of camera angles too, and if you’re on a laptop I suggest elevating it to face height with a stack of books!

Campus visits: The day 1 outfit

Ok, so let’s say you’re back in person for final interviews! Many academic interviews are 2 days–one day where you do almost all of the interviewing and an additional day where you are in transit, just getting dinner, etc. For our purposes, let’s say day 1 is your arrive/get dinner day. This day is more casual so I would suggest soft dress pants and a button down and sweater . Why? The key here is you don’t know what temperatures you’ll be facing so you definitely want a shirt you can wear under all your travel layers that is appropriate if you decide to de-layer at dinner.

Finally, I would wear the coziest sweater you can find, plus some flat, weather-friendly boots .

Going somewhere warmer? I would wear sneakers through the airport and change into flats right before airport pickup.

Campus visits: Job talk day

This is exactly what I wore in 2019 and it’s all still in my closet because it works when you have to wear a full suit. I highly recommend suit shopping early–it’s good to have a suit around anyway and finding one the week of an interview takes away prep time!

The main thing I recommend with suit shopping is that you find a shirt that doesn’t annoy you. This is a bodysuit and it has enough coverage up top that I don’t have to worry about anything with it on.

As most of us have relaxed our business wear a bit during the pandemic, I think you could also wear separates to an interview. But please, talk to people in your field before believing me 🙂 I think a plaid blazer and black pants (or vice versa) or a colored blazer and black pants would work just fine in most liberal arts/social science fields. But also consider location–the east coast tends to be fancier than the west coast, for example.

Secondhand suits:

I found my first interviewing suit secondhand on Poshmark by typing in “suit” and filtering by brand (J. Crew always!). I did this because I tend to know my size in J. Crew. If you don’t know your suit size and can go into a store to try things on then you can browse secondhand markets online. If that’s not an option, I recommend a soft tape measurer–take your bust measurement, hips, and inseam and don’t be afraid to ask sellers for those numbers!

Other friends suggested ThredUp for suit shopping as well!

I don’t think you need hair tips but my hair is a source of insecurity for me if it’s not controlled in some way so here are my thoughts: wear your hair in a way that makes you feel like yourself and lets you do your job. With a mask on, my hair really falls over my face, so I would wear it half up so it’s not distracting to me during a job talk. If you’re looking to up the hair styling game a tad, this website has taught me so much about products to put in my hair when curly. And if you want to use heat styling, this brush is the best christmas present I received this year. It dries hair SO FAST and leaves it really sleek.

Good luck to everyone interviewing. Here’s what I wore on the job market in 2019 and how I prepped .

This post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author.

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3 thoughts on “what i would wear on the academic job market now”.

Love this! Thank you for sharing – not a lot of 2022 updates on job market attire. Would love even more ideas if you ever felt up to it!

Eg nice shirts to go under blazers?

Sure! I’ll work on it! Thank you 🙂

Thank you so much! This is really helpful! I second the suggestion above for ideas for blouses under blazers.

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The ultimate guide to dressing for a graduate job interview

Jaymes carr.

The prospect of an interview could have you feeling a little nervous. First impressions really are lasting and, as a result, your interview performance will likely have a significant bearing on the fate of your application. In other articles, we’ve sought to help you prepare by covering topics such as common interview questions, techniques for responding to brain-teasers, and tips on making it through a group interview. Here, we’ll focus on something more fundamental but just as important: your presentation during the interview. After all, you know that you should ‘dress for success’ or ‘for the job you want’: but what does that mean? Read on to find out.

First principles

Unless you’re specifically told otherwise (or know that an office is ‘smart-casual’), you should assume that your interview will require you to wear smart-business attire. This rule can be disregarded only if you’re a candidate for employment at a hipster-led startup, a creative agency, or a themed restaurant. Otherwise, you should dress for your interview as if you’re about to appear on the cover of Forbes magazine: modern, professional, and ready to blend in at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Important tip: Many organisations, especially government entities, have a public code of conduct that includes an employee dress code. For example, employees at Accenture are ‘required to wear business-casual attire Monday to Thursday” with “smart-casual attire worn on Fridays.’ So, look up the company that’s interviewing you to see if you can find any must-know rules. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to ask your contact at the company about expected dress codes. It’s a ready-made question that helps you look engaged and considerate.

Business professional

Men should dress for their interview like a cast member from Suits (i.e. in a suit). The suit jacket may be swapped for an appropriate blazer but a button-down shirt, suit pants, a tie, a belt, and dress shoes are essential. Avoid bright colours: the corporate palette is chiefly black, white, blue, navy, and grey. For example, Blake, a graduate at Herbert Smith Freehills, wears business professional attire: a pressed shirt, a clean navy blue suit, and a matching tie.

Business casual  

Ditch the suit jacket and feel free to switch the suit pants for chinos or dress slacks. You should still wear a button-down shirt or a polo shirt, but make sure to tuck it in and wear a belt. Stick with dress shoes. You should still look presentable enough to attend meetings in a professional setting. For example, Steven, an analyst at Pitcher Partners, wears business casual attire.

You obviously have a lot more leeway if (and only if) casual attire is called for. However, you should avoid sandals, shorts, a slogan tee-shirts, and anything listed below (see ‘What not to wear’). For example, Nirvan Gelda, a graduate software engineer at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, is wearing casual clothing: a muted t-shirt with clean jeans and sneakers. As with the other dress codes, avoid clothes that are stained, dishevelled, or loud. Leave your bawdy high-school jersey in your wardrobe until you get the job. Alternatively, consider leaving it there forever.

Important tip: Your belt should match your shoes. It’s not something everybody notices, but those who do will defend the inviolability of the ‘all-leather together’ rule with something approaching zealotry, judging harshly its transgressors. Black shoes? Black belt. Brown shoes? Brown belt. White shoes? Take them off. No white shoes.   

Women should wear firm, professional-looking ballet flats or office heels, pencil skirts or slacks no shorter than the knee, a suit jacket, and a button-down shirt. Alternatively, a corporate dress with a jacket would also work well. Avoid bright colours: the corporate palette is chiefly black, white, blue, navy, and grey. Earth tones offer an appropriate choice for ‘accent’ pieces. If you’re unsure, buy classic items of the highest quality you can afford, and then keep them clean and well-maintained: you’ll get a lot of use out of them. For example, Cynthia Vaikunthan, a graduate in the Strategy Development division of Commbank is dressed in business professional clothing.

Business casual

Think the type of clothing that you would find at Portmans: a conservative dress, or a blouse with a matching skirt or dress pants, along with boots or dress shoes. You can also add more colour to your palette: blues, earth tones, reds, and other uniform colours are a good choice.

Use your judgement in selecting clothes that are casual but still chic and professional. For example, you could pair a collared shirt with pants and open shoes, or opt instead for an appropriate dress. Consider, for example, the outfit of Nicola O’Neill, a Management Consulting Analyst at Accenture.

Personal presentation  

Imagine that your interview will be conducted by people who have never seen conspicuous hair dye before and will struggle for years to integrate the knowledge of its existence. Do not make your job interview their traumatic flashpoint: natural colours only.

When it comes to hairstyles, you should avoid anything that would look out of place in a church choir. Keep your hair conservative and neat, and make sure that, on the day of your interview, it’s clean, dry, and well-groomed. If necessary, invest in bobby pins and elastics in neutral colours. A common interview hairstyle for women is the classic bun: if you’re unsure how to do it, YouTube will show you the way . Use hairspray to keep your hair looking neat throughout the day.

Men with facial hair should ensure that it’s trimmed and clean on the day of their interview. If you have a substantial beard, consider having it cut by a professional barber. You can also purchase specialised products, such as beard shampoo and wax, that will allow you to keep your facial hair looking neat and clean.

Be conservative in your application of makeup: match products to your skin tone, avoid false eyelashes (or clumpy mascara), be wary of bright colours (i.e. think twice about any fire-engine red lipstick), and steer clear of attention-grabbing eyeshadows.

Judiciously applied powder (or another mattifying product, such as a liquid foundation) can be helpful for women and men who worry about nervous perspiration (or want to avoid unflattering skin glare during a video interview).

Note that makeup isn’t (officially) obligatory, so, if you’re not a makeup person, focus instead on looking clean and tidy: eyebrows groomed, skin moisturised, lip balm applied. Similarly, if you feel overwhelmed by the idea of makeup, but there is an expectation that you’ll wear it, many makeup stores (e.g. Mecca Cosmetica, Sephora, and Myer) allow you to book a paid makeup trial during which you can discuss your situation (i.e. graduate preparing for interview) and budgetary constraints (i.e. graduate preparing for interview).  

Avoid strong fragrances altogether or apply only a very discreet amount of a subtle scent. Give prospective employers no reason to contemplate your potential flammability: this is remarkably unhelpful.  

Accessories

Watches should be conservative and silent: make sure no alarms go off during the interview and, if you wear a smartwatch, mute all notifications to ensure the screen doesn’t start flashing at random intervals.

Jewellery offers a classy way to express yourself, but, like the rest of your attire, it should be conservative and inconspicuous. That’s a stern, grandmotherly ‘no’ to any visible piercings that aren’t on your earlobes: anything else should be removed temporarily or, at the very least, replaced with clear studs. Disregard these rules if you’re being interviewed by Iris Apfel or Lee Lin Chin. Disregard them also if you are Iris Apfel or Lee Lin Chin. Finally, disregard them if you’re interviewing to be the creative director of a fashion magazine, in which case if you happen to have an extravagant pashmina lying around, you should strongly consider wearing it.

Where to go if you don’t have access to corporate attire

Preparing for a job interview can be very expensive: there’s a good chance that you’ll need to buy a suit, some pricey formal shirts, and a snappy pair of dress shoes. This can be particularly difficult if you’re financially independent and just graduated from university. However, it doesn’t need to hold you back.

Various highly admirable organisations have emerged that provide young people with high-quality second-hand professional attire (including shoes) for use during a job interview. In most situations, the clothing is offered to keep either for free or at a low cost. These organisations include Wear for Success (men and women), Dress for Work (men), Dress for Success (women), Fitted for Work (women (trans and cis), including non-binary and gender non-conforming people and all those who identify as women), and Suited to Success (women).

Don’t go broke

If money is tight, consider one of the organisations above or ‘shop’ in-store but buy online (some vendors sell ‘starter wardrobes’ through websites like eBay). Alternatively, you can check for affordable clothing at op shops like St Vincent de Paul, a Salvos store, or a Goodwill shop. You can always treat yourself after you’ve secured a graduate job.

Be practical

Consider the position description and whether you’d be able to do your job in the clothes you’re planning to wear to the interview. For example, a business professional outfit might not be appropriate if you’re interviewing to be a field engineer. Remember: you can always ask somebody (such as your HR contact at the hiring organisation) for advice on how to dress for the interview or check their website.

If in doubt, overdress

It’s far better to be the sharpest person in the room than the sloppiest, so err on the side of caution by dressing up instead of down.

Get comfortable

It’s important that you still feel like yourself, and not a corporate clotheshorse. Does the skirt ride up when you sit? Do your underarms get squeezed outwards in your blazer? Are your shoes too tight for you to walk in them? Conduct a dress rehearsal at home and make sure that your outfit is going to boost your confidence on the day of your interview. After all, you need to feel comfortable to do your best, so prioritise feeling comfortable.

Looking for more interview tips? Check out our advice page for more graduate interview tips.

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What should you wear to a graduate job interview?

Dress to impress at your next graduate job interview. .

There are lots of things to think about when you're preparing for a graduate job interview. How much research you should do, what the interviewer might ask , what you should say, how to get there, and what to wear. You might think the most important part of an interview is what you say,  and arguably it is, but what you decide to wear shouldn't be overlooked either. 

First impressions count, and whether you like it or not, employers will infer a lot about you based on how you present yourself at an interview. Make sure you don't fall at the first hurdle with these top tips on how to dress to impress (and therefore get the job). 

1. Consider the company you're applying for 

The industry you're applying for a job in, the company's culture, and what their employees wear to work, should all be factors you consider when deciding what to wear. If you're interviewing at a corporate company like EY , for example, where employees wear formal attire, you should follow suit. Quite literally.

A button down shirt and tie, trousers, suit jacket and smart shoes (in a safe colour like black, grey or navy) will be expected of men. For women, a smart shirt with a pencil skirt or trousers could work, or a formal dress if you have one. With regards to shoes, it depends what you're comfortable in; you might prefer a low heel or a smart pair of flats. 

If you know that the company culture is more relaxed, like here at GradTouch  for example, a three-piece suit is probably not required. Opting for something smart-casual might be better - a shirt and blazer with some smart trousers or a skirt would work. If you're unsure whether your skirt or dress is an appropriate length, it's probably better to just wear trousers and save the worry. 

Finding something smart-casual can often be harder than wearing formal dress; just as long as you try to avoid jeans, trainers and t-shirts, you should be fine. And if you're really not sure, it's better to overdress than underdress. Just remember that employers will get a good feel for how in tune you are with their culture, and whether you'll fit in with the company, based on what you're wearing. 

2. Remember, it's all in the details 

There's more to looking well-presented than just having the right clothing. In other words, don't rock up in a pair of shoes that haven't been cleaned since 2012, or a raincoat that's been ripped to shreds by the dog. Make sure your clothes are ironed, your hair is groomed and there's no scuffs in your shoes; these small and simple details might seen unimportant, but altogether they contribute to you looking polished from head to toe. Plus, employers will notice if you're well-presented, and it'll set a good tone for the rest of the interview. 

3. Prepare for all weather eventualities 

You don't want to show up to an interview sweating because you didn't realise there was a half an hour walk from the train station to the office. Layer up with a jacket or jumper, so if it's a warm day or the interview room is hot you can remove a layer.

Likewise, bring a raincoat or umbrella in case it rains; if you show up drenched from head to toe it won't matter what you're wearing, because it's not going to be a good look either way. If you're well prepared for rain or shine, any distractions that might cause you to get flustered will be avoided and you can focus on the matter in hand. 

4. Make sure you feel comfortable 

Yes, you should find an outfit that suits the company you're applying for, but more importantly, you should feel comfortable in whatever you're wearing. The last thing you want to be worrying about in an interview is what you look like, or if you're about to have a wardrobe malfunction.

Perhaps wear something you've tried and tested, such as an outfit you've worn at Sixth Form or college, or at a previous interview. The more comfortable you feel going into the interview, the more confident you'll appear to an employer. 

Now you know how to dress for an interview, there's no reason why you shouldn't start applying for jobs. Check out our website for all the latest graduate opportunities.

Farmington HS graduate forced to switch out beaded cap for plain one

FARMINGTON, N.M. — Farmington High School graduate Genesis White Bull had to take off her beaded and feathered cap and wear a plain one for her graduation ceremony. Video of the incident is going viral on social media.

Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, first lady of the Navajo Nation, says she’s not OK with what happened or how it happened.

“I was pretty disappointed that it was handled in such a public way in front of a huge crowd, in front of her fellow peers, in front of our Native community, who, let’s be honest, made up a big portion of that crowd,” Blackwater-Nygren said.

Blackwater-Nygren says she stands by Genesis and in their culture, beading a cap isn’t decorating.

“There’s a lot of thought and prayer and good intentions that go into the process of beading a cap,” Blackwater-Nygren said.

In the 2023-2024 FHS Student and Parent Handbook, it says: “The cap and gown must be worn, and their appearances may not be altered.”

To the school district, beading a cap is considered an alteration.

Blackwater-Nygren says Arizona has a “carve out” law for Native students, and she believes they are in a unique situation.

“There’s like a religious and spiritual tie that we have to eagle feathers and beaded regalia and so that’s how I would push back in saying there should be certain exceptions to our Native students,” Blackwater-Nygren said. “I don’t know if there’s a parallel to that, right, in other cultures.”

Four other Native students put feathers in their caps, but the feathers didn’t go against the school’s policy.

KOB 4 asked the school district about what happened. A spokesperson for Farmington Municipal Schools shared the following statement:

“We would like to address some of the community concerns we have received regarding the graduation ceremony on Monday night at Farmington High School. During the event, a student’s beaded cap was exchanged for a plain one. The feather was returned intact to the family during the ceremony. The beaded cap was returned after graduation concluded.

District protocol states that the cap and gown must be worn, and their appearance may not be altered, which can be found in the 2023-2024 Student and Parent Handbook. Students were informed throughout the school year and immediately before graduation of the protocol, including that beaded caps were not allowed. This standard process helps us set student attire during graduations. However, students are welcome to wear clothes of their choice, including traditional attire, under the graduation cap and gown, and regalia, stoles, and feathers in their tassels.

While the staff involved were following district guidelines, we acknowledge this could have been handled differently and better. Moving forward, we will work to refine our processes at the school level. The district is also committed to exploring the addition of a district policy that allows for additional appropriate cultural elements in student attire, including graduation caps and gowns.

We are proud of all of our graduates and deeply value their different cultural backgrounds which enhance the educational experience for all of our students. Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to work to honor both culture and individual expression in all our schools.”

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement Friday:

“In New Mexico, we are proud of and committed to our diversity, and what happened at the Farmington High School graduation ceremony does not reflect that commitment. It is unacceptable that a student was reprimanded for representing their culture during a time of celebration. 

I appreciate that the Farmington schools acknowledge that they could have handled this situation better and that their policy may be too restrictive. However, it shouldn’t have required the student raising this issue for a school to recognize its lack of inclusivity.”

Farmington Municipal Schools shared another statement on the incident Friday, on behalf of Cody Diehl, superintendent of FMS, and Rocky Torres, principal of Farmington HS:

“Farmington Municipal Schools and Farmington High School would like to apologize to the community, the student, and her family, for the events at graduation involving the Native American regalia. The intent, always, is to create a ceremony that is inclusive of all graduates and honors all of our students. It is clear that what occurred detracted from that and had the opposite effect. We are confident that our staff intended no disrespect or to violate anyone’s cultural beliefs or practices. In a community like ours, we need to have a new conversation about meaningful ways to best celebrate all of our graduates.

To learn from this experience and to improve our school community, we will continue to collaborate with groups within the Navajo Nation and other community stakeholders to begin the healing process and figure out the best ways to move forward. We are committed to learning from this experience and improving our school communities now and in the future.”

NFL distances itself from Chiefs’ Harrison Butker’s Benedictine College speech

In response to the controversy surrounding Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College, the NFL distanced itself from the ideas expressed in the speech, saying the league doesn’t share the beliefs the Kansas City Chiefs kicker voiced while addressing the graduating students.

During the commencement speech, Butker referred to Pride Month as an example of the “deadly sins.” He also addressed gender ideologies and said a woman’s most important title is “homemaker.”

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“Not the deadly sins sort of Pride that has an entire month dedicated to it,” Butker said, “but the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the holy ghost to glorify him.”

Butker spoke for more than 20 minutes to students at the Catholic school in Atchison, Kan., saying he wanted the graduating class to prevent political leaders from interfering with social issues that impact their relationship with the church.

In response, NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer Jonathan Beane said in a statement to The Athletic that Butker gave the speech “in his personal capacity.”

“His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger,” Beane said. His statement was first reported by People.

The Chiefs declined to comment when reached Thursday by The Athletic .

While Pride Month, which is in June, falls outside the NFL’s season, the league participates in LGBTQ+ initiatives. On the Wednesday before Super Bowl LVIII, the NFL hosted a “Night of Pride” event in partnership with GLAAD, the LGBTQ+ advocacy organization.

The Chiefs are among the NFL teams that have a Pride selection of apparel with rainbow colors. Kansas City is also among the many North American cities that host Pride events during June, led by the KC Pride Community Alliance.

Later Thursday, legendary college football coach and TV analyst Lou Holtz took to X to thank Butker “for standing strong in your faith values.”

“Your commencement speech at Benedictine College showed courage and conviction and I admire that,” Holtz wrote, later linking to a form from America First Works for people to sign and offer their thanks to Butker for his comments.

Required reading

• Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker says Pride Month is example of ‘deadly sin’ during commencement speech

(Photo: Ric Tapia / Getty Images)

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Tess DeMeyer is a Staff Editor for The Athletic working on the live/breaking news team. Prior to joining The Athletic, she worked as an associate digital producer at Sports Illustrated. Tess attended Brown University and originates from a small town outside of Savannah, GA. Follow Tess on Twitter @ tess_demeyer

Trump gets Barron's age wrong when asked about his youngest son's convention role

Former President Donald Trump misstated the age of his youngest son in an interview that aired Thursday, saying Barron Trump was 17 years old — even though he turned 18 in March.

The mistake came when T r ump reacted to his son's entering the political arena as a delegate from Florida for the Republican National Convention, which was first reported by NBC News.

"He’s pretty young, I will say. He’s 17," Trump said in an interview with Telemundo 51 of Miami. "But if they can do that, I’m all for it."

Telemundo is the Spanish-language network of NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News.

Asked for comment, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung attacked NBC News.

"NBC News has lost its mind and clearly suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome. Instead of focusing on President Trump’s second term agenda and undoing Crooked Joe Biden’s disastrous policies, NBC has chosen to engage in tabloid journalism fit for the checkout aisle of a grocery store," Cheung said in a statement.

Trump's youngest son will serve as a delegate alongside Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Tiffany Trump. It is one of his first public moves in politics; he has previously been largely out of the public eye.

The former president also referred to his youngest son's being a delegate as "very cute," adding, "He’s a very young guy, and he’s graduating from high school this year."

Barron Trump will graduate from high school next week. The former president requested a break from his criminal trial in New York so he can attend the graduation on May 17. Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the hush money case, in which Trump is accused of falsifying business records, has said Trump can attend the graduation. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Alex Tabet is a 2024 NBC News campaign embed.

Megan Lebowitz is a politics reporter for NBC News.

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Johnny Depp’s teeth ‘rot’ is actually ‘aggressive’ wear: celebrity dentist

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Sign him up for a good cleaning.

Despite fans believing Johnny Depp’s teeth are “rotting” inside his mouth, celebrity dentist Dr. Apa tells Page Six exclusively that it’s a simple case of “aggressive” wear and tear.

“He has wear, which has been a cumulative effect over a lifetime,” Apa explains.

“Wear like that, sometimes we see it in 30-year- olds in really aggressive cases and sometimes we see it in cases like Depp,” he says of the 59-year-old.

Apa, who is behind the smiles of Ramona Singer , Kendall Jenner, Simon Cowell and more celebrities, believes Depp’s passion for espresso and cigarillos is to blame for the “stainy” chompers, which he says likely haven’t been cleaned in “years.”

The teeth connoisseur suggests the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star, whose teeth went viral at the Cannes Film Festival this week, get a “really good cleaning” to improve the optics of his mouth. To reverse the wear, Apa recommends porcelain veneers.

“I would do veneers because he needs his bite reestablished,” Apa explains to Page Six. “He’s worn his teeth down so much.”

Apa suggests a “rugged but natural” look for Depp, whose status as a rocker is becoming as well known as his Hollywood career.

Unfortunately, the “Tourist” actor likely won’t be interested in any extreme dental work, as he once boasted about having “rotten” teeth and “lots of cavities.”

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“I’ve got loads of cavities,” he  bragged in a 1995 interview with Premiere magazine .

“I had a root canal done eight years ago that’s unfinished,” he continued, calling it a “rotten little stub” at the time.

The actor, then 31, claimed he “liked” his flawed smile.

“It’s like when the Indians would make something beaded, they would always put imperfections on it,” he said, adding, “I’m proud of these.”

Depp also criticized those with a perfect set of pearly whites and said he’d hate to have them.

“When I see people with perfect teeth, it drives me up the wall,” he said. “I’d rather swallow a tick than have that!”

Miraculously, the outlet noted Depp’s breath remained odorless despite his penchant for wine and smoking.

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