- What is innovative about your research?
- How is your work distinct from your supervisor’s/principal investigator’s? …
- What influences have you been exposed to? …
- Who has influenced you the most?
- What has been your role so far in developing research ideas and carrying them forward?
5 Tips for an Undergraduate Research Interview
How do you manage large databases without being overwhelmed?
Evaluates data management, knowledge of tools, and also reveals level of experience.
Describe a time when you missed a deadline. What did you learn?
Tests time management, level of accountability, and willingness to learn from mistakes.
Interview Questions for Researchers:
Tests knowledge of research methodologies as well as level of skill and experience.
Tips for preparing for your interview
Consider the following additional tips to help you prepare for your interview:
When you take the time to prepare for your interview, you increase the chances that you impress the interviewer and create a lasting impression, which can lead to a second interview or even a job offer afterward.
What are the distinctions between a participant and a collaborator?
Qualitative researchers must know the difference between a participant and a collaborator regarding a research project. In your answer, describe the extent of involvement for each individual.
Example: “The participant is the individual who is involved in the research from the initial investigative stages to the findings and conclusions. Collaborators are the individuals who contribute to the final report writing and finalization of the research. In my past projects, I had the opportunity to work with a participant who became a collaborator to assist me with the research documentation.”
Qualitative research interview questions with sample answers
The following questions with sample answers can help you prepare your answers before your interview:
How might you handle a disagreement with a lead researcher?
Research projects can be high-pressure situations with differing opinions. Hiring managers want to make sure your personality and outlook are compatible with those of the lead researcher and the organization before making any hiring decisions.
Example: “If I were to disagree with the head of the project, I would share my opinion in a calm, fact-based manner. If the lead researcher still disagreed with me, I would defer to them, as they are in charge of the project.”
Interview questions with sample answers
Use these common research assistant interview questions with explanations and sample answers to help you prepare for your next interview:
General questions
Often, hiring managers begin interviews by asking general questions to get to know you as a person. Prepare for basic questions about your personality and goals like these:
Most interviewers will set aside time specifically for you to ask questions. Asking good questions reinforces your interest to the interviewer and provides useful information in your evaluation of the employer. Come to the interview prepared with more questions than you will actually ask. Here is a list of questions you might use:
It is common for these questions to arise in social situations with well-meaning (but ignorant) interviewers. For example, during a site visit lunch, an interviewr might mention something about their children, then inquire if you also have children. When responding to such questions, assess the situation and do your best to understand the concern or reason for the question. You may determine that you are comfortable answering the question. Other times, you may want to deflect the inquiry. In general, avoid responding with a combative tone. It is your choice whether you wish to volunteer information that would be illegal for interviewers to ask.
Example Research Interview Questions:
This will be a difficult question to answer if you have not got a good example. If you are struggling to think of one then do something now! You will benefit if you are creative and your response could be anything from writing some music to designing an ad campaign. Aspects of the example that you should bring out are the creative processes involved and how what you created fitted in with an objective. This question aims to assess your approach to a research based role, and creative thinking is key.
This is a typical question which you will be asked when applying for a role that does not fit in directly with your academic career. The best way to approach a question like this is to highlight skills that you have gained that the employer will be interested in. Good ones for this role would be good communication skills, research skills, analytical skills, writing skills and presentation skills, all of which are transferable from many degree subjects.
Most candidates will have to bring up an example from their academic past. Try and describe both quantitative and qualitative methods to show that you have a wide range of skills. Some candidates may have an example from some work experience they have conducted. Try and use a recent example and explain how you conducted research particularly effectively.
FAQ
What are the questions asked in interview for students?
- Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
- What do you know about our company?
- What interests you about this job?
- What are your strengths?
- What do you consider your weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Can you describe your ideal work environment?
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers students?
- Tell Me About Yourself. …
- Why Are You the Best Person for the Job? …
- Why Do You Want This Job? …
- How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Role? …
- Why Are You Leaving (or Have Left) Your Job? …
- What Is Your Greatest Strength? …
- What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
How do you prepare for a research interview?
- Before the interview. …
- Prepare the questions with care. …
- Start with the easy ones. …
- Remember that the time is a limited resource. …
- Talk about what you are doing and why. …
- Prepare for surprires. …
- Make sure your equipment works. …
- Learn your interview script by heart.
What are research questions and interview questions?
