Remember that maybe you’ll be interviewed all day-even if you don’t realise-for example, by the person who’s picking you from the airport, the other PhD students during the coffee break and so on. I don’t want to put you under pressure, maybe it won’t be like this, but you should pay attention to what you say to everyone during the entire day.
Another thing: Ok, you'll talk a lot about you, but don't forget you also need to ask a lot of questions-about what is expected from you, the work being carried out by the group, other(funding, accommodation, etc.).
So in the end it’s not just you being interviewed, they are also being interviewed, you need to understand if the research group satisfies your needs (software, supervision, data etc).
Good luck!

First,"be yourself".
Keep in mind that they are interested in finding out if you have the potential (academic and personal) to carry out a research with little supervision.
Get a clear idea of what you're interested in and if you can't, don't pretend just to make a good impression. Be honest.

I think you should try to personalise your letter, make it interesting for those who read it, don’t just state your qualifications and motivation. Add some personal detail/s, don’t make the letter a copy of your Academic CV.
From my experience, before you start writing it, make sure you’re convinced that PhD is right, even perfect for you… One time I wrote a very convincing cover letter (I was inspired and maybe a little desperate because I didn’t have a job at the moment) and I got an almost instantaneous invitation to an interview. The next moment I realised I didn’t even want the job. It was a good exercise though. Good luck!

You're right, Hypothesis, I have some preconceived ideas about the country I'm supposed to move to, and it’s not fair, maybe it won’t be bad at all. Thanks, I needed a reply like this. I freaked out today because I just let my boss know I’m quitting my job (a good, comfortable job) soon and he didn’t take it very well, even though he knew I got the PhD position.
And thanks Shani, your reply was also helpful, I’ll try to be more optimistic. Good luck with your PhD and congrats to your boyfriend

First, I think you should have an idea of what you want to study before you decide you really want the position. Select a few topics that might interest you, then read some papers on those topics, find out which faculty member has done similar research, read their papers, contact them, ask for their advice etc.
Second, ask yourself why do you want to enrol for a PhD course? To postpone the job-hunting and continue your student life? To increase your chances in getting a better job afterwards? Other?
You will probably be asked this at the interview. Good luck!

Hi everybody,

I need your opinion.
After I graduated, I worked as a researcher, looking for the "perfect PhD" in the meantime. I finally found it, I was accepted and I'm supposed to start soon. This implies moving to a country I don't like and leaving all my family, friends and boyfriend behind.
I am enthusiastic about the project, but sometimes I wonder if it's worth it. I mean, should I put my life on standby and move to a place I don't like? What if the PhD won’t fulfil my expectations? Will I be able to get my life back afterwards?
I've waited for so long for this opportunity and now I worry it's not the right thing. Am I crazy? Maybe I've waited too long and my goals have changed but I don't want to accept it because everybody's expecting me to follow this path (PhD, a research career etc.), including myself.
I'm not scared of starting all over again, I've done this before.
But is it normal to worry so much, to be so undecided?

Have you been in a similar situation?

Thanks a lot,

Coral