Thanks guys - it is really disheartening, but I guess it'll make getting the right offer more meaningful! That may also explain why I've seen some PhDs with deadlines very soon after they're first advertised!

I can't believe that - apart from the fact that I will lose money in travel costs (unless reimbursed), I'll also lose a day's pay because I'm currently a temp. Surely there's some rule that could prevent people from doing this? It just seems so unfair!

Hi guys,

I've just found out after an interview I went to recently that the PhD was given to a candidate already doing an undergraduate degree at that department who already knew the supervisor. This might just be me being bitter, but I'm way more qualified than the other candidate (we chatted for a while before hand), and I was wondering whether anyone else has experienced this; basically a supervisor already knowing who they want bu interviewing because they have to? I've asked for feedback as to why I didn't get it, but haven't heard anything for weeks.