Hi everyone,

I have a job interview next week for a research-only position in a specialist research institute for a major project. This is for a social sciences role.

I've just been given the time and the panel (5 panel members!) and as a result feel a bit more terrified that I had been when I thought it would be 3. However, I know 5 can be a common number. I do feel lucky that I received an early morning time.

There are no instructions to prepare a presentation as some interviews require, though I will be double checking with the recruiter tomorrow when my voice stops cracking (sick with bronchitis atm!).

I'm preparing:

-answers to each position description task
-major points to remember for the research institute and what it does/its major funding
-major points for the university it's housed with/strategic goals of the uni
-major points for each panel member (4 of them as the last one is the HR manager), in particular their recent work, achievements etc
-Summary of my research area including methodology etc (as points)
-answers to commonly asked questions (i.e. where do you see yourself in x years, etc?)
-how I think the project could go <--I have some details about the project due to 1) being forwarded the email from my mentors/supervisors about the role from one of the panel members and 2) by having called the contact person to inquire about the role and the project


Plus:

Copies of my CV, journal articles, works under review, etc

Does anyone have any tips for Academic interviews?

In my first couple of interviews (research positions in medical sciences) I got caught out by the structure.

Each person on the panel had set questions to ask which were equivalent for all candidates to make it fair

The issue I had was that there was no follow up or reply (just a thank you!) once I had answered a question. I was expecting more of a discussion/conversation type of interview, but I don't think this format is commonly used in research type positions anymore as the process has to be standardised.

This meant that as I naturally don't tend to elaborate my interviews were over very quickly and therefore the panel didn't get the best impression of my previous work/skills etc

I am naturally very chatty, I just found this format very jarring!