what to wear to a Phd interview.

nule_spoon

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

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.

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.

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

AARRRGH

I think it's safest to dress formal.

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

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*

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

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.

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.