Hey guys, so I landed an interview with a prof who does research at the local hospital, and this is my first ever interview for a research position (I’m a freshman). It’s in about a week. What kind of questions might he ask? What should I bring? What should I wear? I really want this position (I guess that goes without saying though lol).
First, you need to have a good idea of what the professor researches. Start by looking at his faculty page on his university or hospital’s website. This should give you a basic idea of what he studies. On those pages there will probably links to papers that he has authored. You should read a few of those, especially ones where he is the first or last author in the list of authors. If the websites don’t have a link to papers, try searching for his name in a database like PubMed or Web of Science. If you don’t know how to use these resources, the librarian at your university should be able to help you. Once you read through what he studies, make a list of questions of his research. Professors LOVE to talk about their research.
He might ask you how you’ve done in your classes, what your career goals are, intended major, how you work as part of a team, etc. Look up general interview questions.
You should bring a note pad (preferably in a padfolio) and copies of your resume printed on nice resume paper.
You should wear what you would wear to any other job interview - either a suit and tie, or if you don’t have a suit, dress pants, dress shirt, and a tie.
I just realized that your name is MadamePsychosis . . . for female, I’d also recommend wearing a suit or dress pants/dress shirt without a tie
Dress well, you don’t have to go full black tie affair- but be professional. The biggest thing is to demonstrate that you are friendly and communicative. Talk and chat, there are plenty of very smart kids that go for positions like this that are only capable of speaking to adults with one word phrases when asked direct questions. No professor wants to be an interrogator pulling teeth.