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Academia is by nature pioneering and therefore individualistic, in both the good and the bad sense. Generally, research groups tend to be influenced by their Principal Investigators (PIs). But as the academic world inevitably courses towards a more business-like demeanour, the more streamlined its various processes become. What that means is that more and more labs begin to look, do, talk and feel fairly similar.
The best way to see that is with PhD/Postdoc interviews. Although each interview is unique to the PI and questions can often range from the intimidating (“So – what’d you want?”) to the arcane (“Tell me how you think”), as you interview across various labs for your next research job, you will hear a few questions repeated time and again (unless of course you’re so stellar you only have to interview once).

Below are the 4 most common interview questions, and what they mean in an academic context.

1. Where do you see yourself in X years?

This one is a staple. Straight out of the Interviewer’s Script, it is meant to gauge the candidate’s level of ambition, career vision and general raison d’être in one fell swoop. In an academic interview it is generally advisable to indicate that you have long-term plans for your research, i.e. you’re not just doing a PhD to go straight into scientific publishing or another non-research career, or that you will do this postdoc while you wait for “something better”. And, of course, it is really advisable that what you say matches reality – for everyone involved.

2. Describe a past conflict and how you resolved it.

This one really means “when (not if) we butt heads, what kind of damage should I expect?”
Think of a conflict that you had in the past, even if it wasn’t in academia – preferably one where you demonstrated some finesse and reason in resolving, rather than that virtual bloodbath between you and your last line manager.

3. What is your greatest strength/weakness?

Pretty straightforward. Strengths in research include analytical/lateral thinking, troubleshooting, patience, attention to detail, technical aptitude, working independently, time management, and, of course, a strong, demonstrable interest in the field you are pursuing.

With weaknesses, don’t go for the cliché “I work too hard”. It’s 2012 and no-one falls for it anymore. Be honest, but don’t kill your chances. Things like “I tend to be too eager for results” or “I don’t like being distracted when I am focusing” are good examples. Avoid things like “I tend to give up fast” and “I’m not good at planning ahead” if you actually want a career in research.

4. Why do you want to work here?

Tricky and common. The interviewer wants to know not only why you are interested in the field, but why do you want to pursue it with his/her particular research group. This is a good time to mention their recent publications, their track record and even the available equipment and facilities. And of course, steer clear from answers like “it’s close to my home”.