Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

what to wear to a Phd interview.

  • 15-06-2008 1:25pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4


    Hi Guys,
    Just a quick question as what to wear for an interview i have tomorrow for a Phd. I was thinking suit and tie, but Im not really sure if this is what i should be wearing.

    I really dont want to appear over or underdressed as i really want this!

    Any advice is greatly appreciated!

    thanks alot

    spoon


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 205 ✭✭corkgal1981


    Is it an interview with a prospective supervisor or do you already know the person from previous postgrad studies? I went to ucc and I would never have dreamed of dressing up for the phd interview but then I didnt even consider it to be an interview as I had known my supervisor and head of dept since degree and MA.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,562 ✭✭✭leeroybrown


    If it's an official interview then wear a suit or shirt, tie at a minimum. You're far more likely to give a bad impression by being under- rather than over-dressed.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4 nule_spoon


    thanks for the replys guys..

    its with a prospective supervisor who i dont really know. So i think i will go with the trousers shirt and maybe a suit jacket.

    thanks again

    spoon


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,382 ✭✭✭✭AARRRGH


    I think it's safest to dress formal.

    Worst case scenario you can pretend you are in your work clothes!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 402 ✭✭newestUser


    I've done both a research MSc and PhD, and for the interviews for both dressed casually.

    I recently went for a post-doc interview when I dressed in a suit.

    I'd go for casual business attire. I've seen plenty of people coming in for interviews in my last lab for PhD positions, very few (if any) were wearing suits.

    I don't think it's a huge issue. It's far more important that you're capable of displaying interest in and knowledge of the position.

    Personally speaking, for a chat about a PhD position, I think a suit is over-dressing, and sends out a subtle signal that the candidate isn't familiar with the academic environment (people don't wear suits and ties in general there). But that's just me, other people may have a different perspective. And for my last interview for the post-doc, one of the other people being interviewed was dressed casually, and I remember thinking she'd f*cked up there. *shrug*


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4 nule_spoon


    thanks NewestUser.
    Thats great so, Ill go with trousers and a shirt then.

    Another question would be what would be the best way to prepare for something like this? should i be really researching the area in question or is the interview just a way for the supervisor to gauge your personality??

    Ive only ever done interview for actual jobs (after college i went working for a year before thinking now to go back for Phd). Do you think the preparation would be just the same as for a job?
    thanks again for the response

    spoon


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,644 ✭✭✭✭nesf


    Depending on your subject area avoid formal business dress and aim for well dressed/casual. If it's a business related subject, suits may be more common but I'd still play it safe and leave it at shirt and slacks tbh.

    On preparation:

    Focus on what your proposed subject area is. Read up on the literature a bit, figure out what are the main theories, their strengths and problems. Be comfortable talking at length about your area. If you're thinking about a PhD you probably are strongly interested in the area, show this.

    I'd follow the rule of: use their title until they start using first names (i.e. Dr or Prof etc). Don't whatever you do address them by their first name initially. Most people aren't fussy about titles but you could get unlucky and be talking to someone that cares about it. In general in academia it's a useful rule of thumb and helps to avoid any potential insult being given.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭Climate Expert


    Just wear your normal clothes.

    They don't tend to be interviews either more a chance to meet and discuss a project and for both parties to gage interest.


Advertisement