PhD Interview: Don't Make These Mistakes! Top Professor Shares

There are a lot of things that turn people off during a PhD interview, and here is a list of things that are very important for you not to do during your grad school interview. Don’t come across as condescending or arrogant. We recognize that you likely came from a great school or you have great experience, but you don't need to tell everybody that. Everybody that you will meet will be smart. Don't feel bad if it does not work out. The process is a market, and people often choose based on their personal preferences, and it is very slight experiences that will drive these personal preferences. Don't show too much interest in just getting the degree, having a teaching career, or getting your doctorate for consulting. The degree is to do research. Don’t sell yourself. The focus should be on the other person, and what they are doing. You will be surprised how much you learn. Don’t pretend to be smart or know what you are talking about. A mark of a good researcher is to simply say I don't know, what do you mean, and can you help me do research on that. Don't try to hide your emotions. Just be yourself. If you're nervous be nervous. It's flattering if you are very nervous. The interviewers are likely nervous as well. If you bumble and someone jumps on you, use that as a strong negative signal about the program. You should never be treated poorly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, that is very important to the career. Check out: PhD Interview Anxiety, Fear, And Nervousness: You Got This    • PhD Interview Anxiety, Fear, And Nervousne...   What To Wear In A PhD Interview?    • What To Wear In A Masters Or Doctoral Inte...   Bad PhD Interview Experiences: What You (Don’t) Want To Do During Your PhD Interview    • PhD Interview: Don't Make These Mistakes! ...   How To Prepare For A PhD Interview?: Questions To Ask About Your PhD    • How To Prepare For A (Stellar) PhD Intervi...   MS Interview & PhD Interview Questions & Answers: How To Ace The Graduate Interview    • MS & PhD Interview Q&As: Ace The Graduate ...   PhD Interview: What Does An Interview Mean For A PhD / Doctorate (In Business)?    • Is A PhD Interview A Positive Sign? Secret...   *** David Maslach is a research professor of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business strategy, I discuss topics, such as behavioral science, strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and apply these to my new peer proofreading and editing platform. Topics include the sharing economy, altruism, investing in technology, starting a business, and bounded rationality. My favorite videos pertain to incentives, goal setting, and learning from failure to drive behaviors such as weight loss, stopping telemarketers, creating novel technologies, and creating new movements. https://r3ciprocity.com: Peer proofreading and editing platform A new platform where you can earn credits by editing other people's documents. Use these credits to have your own work edited. If you do a good enough job, you can convert these credits to money. The goal of the platform is to get people to 'pay it forward' and help other people out by creating incentives for people to give back. Check out https://www.r3ciprocity.com Please subscribe to the Youtube channel:    / @r3ciprocityteam  

I Avoided the 5 Worst PhD Interview Phrases – Here’s What Happened!
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I Avoided the 5 Worst PhD Interview Phrases – Here’s What Happened!

PhD Interview Success (2025): Expert Tips from a Johns Hopkins Professor
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PhD Interview Success (2025): Expert Tips from a Johns Hopkins Professor

How to Ace Your PhD Interviews: Top 5 Tips for Success
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How to Ace Your PhD Interviews: Top 5 Tips for Success

What Is A Good Sign In A PhD Interview? Hidden Signs Of A STELLAR Interview.
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What Is A Good Sign In A PhD Interview? Hidden Signs Of A STELLAR Interview.

Is a PhD STILL Worth It in 2026? (Professor’s Honest Advice)
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Is a PhD STILL Worth It in 2026? (Professor’s Honest Advice)

Don't Miss Out On These Top PhD Interview Questions: Land Your Dream Doctoral Program!
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Don't Miss Out On These Top PhD Interview Questions: Land Your Dream Doctoral Program!

Common PhD Interview Mistakes to Avoid (and what to say instead)
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Common PhD Interview Mistakes to Avoid (and what to say instead)

Understanding academic supervisors | My PhD supervisor hates me...
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Understanding academic supervisors | My PhD supervisor hates me...

HOW I PREPARED FOR MY PHD INTERVIEW // PHD INTERVIEW PREP // PHD INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ANSWERED
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HOW I PREPARED FOR MY PHD INTERVIEW // PHD INTERVIEW PREP // PHD INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ANSWERED

How to Prepare for Your PhD Interview (Questions and Answers)
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How to Prepare for Your PhD Interview (Questions and Answers)

Transform Your PHD Interview: Kickstart Your Path To Success Now!
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Transform Your PHD Interview: Kickstart Your Path To Success Now!

I Failed Orals: Let's Be Honest about the PhD Process
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I Failed Orals: Let's Be Honest about the PhD Process

Master Your Zoom PhD Interview: Expert Tips For Success
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Master Your Zoom PhD Interview: Expert Tips For Success

PhD Interview Questions | What do PhD supervisors look for in applicants?
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PhD Interview Questions | What do PhD supervisors look for in applicants?

PhD Interview Questions That Get You the Offer (Complete Guide for 2025)
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PhD Interview Questions That Get You the Offer (Complete Guide for 2025)

“Tell Me About Yourself” In A PhD Interview. #phd #interview
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“Tell Me About Yourself” In A PhD Interview. #phd #interview

PhD interview questions and answers - the model answers and secret ingredient!
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PhD interview questions and answers - the model answers and secret ingredient!

5 IMPORTANT Reasons Why YOU Should do a PhD!
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5 IMPORTANT Reasons Why YOU Should do a PhD!

How To Prepare For A (Stellar) PhD Interview: Get Insider Information!
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How To Prepare For A (Stellar) PhD Interview: Get Insider Information!

Beyond the Basics: Advanced PhD Interview Tips to Stand Out and Get Accepted
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Beyond the Basics: Advanced PhD Interview Tips to Stand Out and Get Accepted