PhD application interview via Skype / email
Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 2:45 pm
I was requested to do a Skype interview with members of one of the Mathematics departments in UK to which I have applied. I would like to ask from those of you who have prior experience with interviews for Math grad school (either in US or Europe) for advices, tips and/or personal stories on how these go. Are they looking for something specifically? ... Or it could be just a casual chat to establish that I am still interested in their school?
I should mention that my intended research area is a very good fit to this department's strongest group. So, I am especially interested to make a positive impression on them.
Now, my current context would allow me to relax a bit (I have another acceptance, also in Europe at a good school), but I am still nervous about this interview. I think I would turn that offer down in favor of one from this school. I don't have any other experience with academic or job interviews via Skype/email, so you can imagine that this being my first one is somehow frightening.
Also, should I mention my other offer (to which I have a deadline to respond in three days from the interview) and put it like "I would like to know your decision soon, since I have to respond to the other school" or it would be a better idea to say something like "I was so close to accept that other offer, but now I'm thinking to ask for more time and wait for your response" (though I'm not sure if they will grant me more time to decide).
Please share your experience with Skype and email interviews. Any input is greatly appreciated.
I should mention that my intended research area is a very good fit to this department's strongest group. So, I am especially interested to make a positive impression on them.
Now, my current context would allow me to relax a bit (I have another acceptance, also in Europe at a good school), but I am still nervous about this interview. I think I would turn that offer down in favor of one from this school. I don't have any other experience with academic or job interviews via Skype/email, so you can imagine that this being my first one is somehow frightening.
Also, should I mention my other offer (to which I have a deadline to respond in three days from the interview) and put it like "I would like to know your decision soon, since I have to respond to the other school" or it would be a better idea to say something like "I was so close to accept that other offer, but now I'm thinking to ask for more time and wait for your response" (though I'm not sure if they will grant me more time to decide).
Please share your experience with Skype and email interviews. Any input is greatly appreciated.