Preparing for an REU Interview

In order to single in on potential students for their program, many REUs will ask students to participate in a virtual interview. This is usually the last stage of the application process and allows the students and program managers to get to know one another and to see if the student is a good fit for the REU. The information collected by the interviewers also helps them match the students with appropriate mentors if they are accepted. This article was written by a student who has participated in two different REU programs and is meant to inform applicants of what to anticipate during the interview process.

 

What to expect during the interview:

An invitation: If invited to an interview, you will receive an email from the program managers asking for your availability. Make sure you check your spam frequently! It is possible for non-Oberlin emails to be sent there directly.

Zoom: The interview will be virtual and they typically last 15-30 mins. Make sure you are in an area that has good WiFi and is quiet so that you can focus.

1-on-1: There is usually one person (the program manager) interviewing you with a set list of questions. They may email you this list of questions to help you prepare, but most times, they will not. 

 

Most common interview questions:

Please tell me about yourself and your academic/career interests: This is a guaranteed question that will be asked of you. 

Please describe your education and professional background. What are your areas of interest? This question is meant to verify that your interests align with those of the research programs. If they focus on a specific scope of study(ex: marine biology, modern art), make sure your answer aligns with it. 

Do you have any relevant field or lab experience? Discuss classes you have taken or skills that you have that would show that you are prepared to conduct research. It is also okay if you don’t have much experience! Many of these programs are geared towards helping students gain field or lab experiences and discover new interests. In this case, make sure that you talk about how excited you would be for the opportunity to build this knowledge.

Why did you apply to this REU? This is another guaranteed question. It helps the interviewers know if you are really interested in the program and if you would get the most out of the opportunity. Make sure that you do research on the program and its mentors. Describe specific things about the program that drew you to apply and discuss how you would benefit from it. 

What do you hope to walk away with from this program? This question is similar to the one above, and it is recommended that you follow the same process. Most REUs list their program goals/activities (ex: career development, symposium presentation) in their descriptions on the website. Make sure you discuss why they are important to you and how you would benefit from participating in them.

Do you have any questions for us? This is another guaranteed question during the interview, and it is important that you HAVE QUESTIONS PREPARED. Asking questions shows that you are serious about the program. Some possible questions that you could ask include:

What is your(the interviewer) background with the program?

What would my daily schedule look like?

What types of field materials/clothes did students typically need when going out to conduct research?

What have students done in the past to have fun during their time off?

Asking about specific mentors that you are interested in.

 

Tips and Tricks:

Turn on your camera during the interview: in order for the interviewer to get to know you, they need to see you.

If you are nervous, say so! The best way that I have found to get over nerves during an interview is to address it head-on. You can joke with the interviewer about feeling nervous and laugh about it with them. Laughing can help calm your nerves and they usually end up reassuring you. This also shows them that this interview is important to you and that you are taking it seriously.

Prepare by writing out the answers to the questions above:  The given questions above may not be exactly like the ones you will be asked, but they will be very similar. Having eloquent responses about yourself and your interests will prepare you for anything that they throw at you.

The goal of the interviewer is to get to know you!: Be your genuine self. They will decide whether or not you are fit for the program based on your application and this interview, so put your best foot forward and prove why you are.

Visit the Oberlin Speaking Center: Oberlin’s Speaking Center can help you prepare for the interview by teaching you oral communication skills. You can find their hours on WCOnline.

Come to Research Ambassador office Hours: we can help you prepare for the interview as well! You can find our office hours on WCOnline.