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What is the role of the "informal chat" or lab tour that sometimes happens alongside the formal PhD interview?

My interview schedule includes a lab visit and coffee with current PhD students. Is this just a nice break, or is it still part of the assessment? Should I be "on" the entire time?

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By TyndesideIron Answered 1 year ago

This is absolutely part of the assessment—it's where they gauge your interpersonal and cultural fit. The panel trusts their students' instincts. Be engaged, ask current students genuine questions about supervision, workload, and collaboration. Observe the lab dynamics; do people talk? Is it supportive? Show enthusiasm for the actual work environment, not just the abstract project. However, stay professional; don't overshare or complain. I've seen candidates ace the formal interview but get rejected based on a negative report from student interactions suggesting they'd be a difficult lab mate. Be your curious, collegial self. They're seeing if they'd want to work alongside you for 5 years.

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