So you have an interview for grad school…

*So you will not be executed at the end of the interview, I promise. Right there you’re better off than Louis* XVI *and family.* [Link to image source]. *Also you’re probably a better person with more interesting ideas and brighter future than any one depicted on this medal.*

Some people like to wing it, some people like a road map. No judgements. This is the type of advice I typically give to those who want concrete suggestions. Definitely not fixed in stone.

Ask those offering the interview if they have any specific advice on how to prepare to make the most out of your time in conversation together. It is often now considered best practice not only to ask all candidates the same questions, in some cases interviewers may even send a sample list of questions ahead of time, but not all programs or interviewers are this formal. Even if questions are provided, interviews remain spontaneous and you may be asked follow-up or individual questions specific to your application.
Ask if it would be appropriate for you to be in contact with any of their present graduate students to discuss the program and to ensure you’re well informed about the student experience. You may also work your network and your mentors’ networks to look for those who may have been through the program or its interviews previously.
Most interviews start with a softball question. “Tell me about your self”, “Tell us more about your research interests”, “tell us more about why you want to study here”. The goal of this answer is to show you can be succinct and direct using concrete examples to illustrate your answer. Keep you answer to about 2-3 minutes max unless they specifically tell you they want longer. End with something like “did that answer get at the question? Would you like me to elaborate on anything?”
Keep a notebook near you during the interview and take notes as you are asked questions. It can help to nod and smile as you take notes. Once the interviewer finishes talking, if you have any doubts about what they want (academics can ramble!), look up and paraphrase the question back to them. “So it would be helpful for me to share something about…”. Pause to get confirmation or redirection and then answer.
Prior to the interview prepare 12 notecards. On one side write a concrete experience (a specific paper, or class, or presentation, or group work, or part of a trip…), on the back of the card list all the ways that experience exemplifies your skills and aptitude. Things that the interviewers may want to know about you (resilience, ability to take feedback, adaptability, ability to work independently, depth of research, overcoming personal challenges, sustaining a research interest over a long period and across projects, connecting ideas and disciplines, asking for help etc…)
Ask a trusted mentor to set up a mock interview with experienced interviewers who can give you feedback on your skills and also things like body language and camera background.
Research your interviewers. If possible ask others who may know them about their conversational style. There may be YouTube clips of them giving talks. You don’t have to watch the whole thing, but you may find it comforting to see their mannerisms and typical tone of voice ahead of the interview itself.
After the interview, send a short thank you note email, saying you are happy to answer any further questions and look forward to hearing from them.
Almost all interviews ask you about a time you overcame a challenge or dealt with a difficult situation or your greatest weakness. Anticipate this.
Almost all interviews end with the interviewers asking you to if you have any questions for them. Prepare two or three. Ask only one or two max.