Hi guys!
Next week I have my first 'serious' interview for a postdoc position job that REALLY interests me. It would be done on Skype, I was asked to prepare 20-minutes powerpoint presentation on my 'previous scientific work'. Since I don't have experience, I am not really sure what does it mean. Should I make a 'classic' ppt with structure: introduction, aim, materials&methods, results, conslusions of all my projects? (Would be difficult in 20mins) Or should it be more like what was the project, why we wanted to study just this, what techniques I used, what I learned, what are my skills for the moment etc?
I will appreciate any advice :)
Thank you,
Marta
PS: we are talking about cancer research position
Dear All,
Since I am getting countless messages asking for advice and I am not able anymore to answer to each single one, I will share with you my thoughts - of course it's all based on my personal experience and even if it worked in certain environment, does not mean that it's a guarantee...I think that all depends on the field and your future boss expectations.
But here is a description of how it looked like in my case and few advice:
In my case it was an application for a Postdoc position and in the end I just introduced myself - had a slide about what I studied and where. Then I followed with slides about my thesis project - with typical structure: background/introduction, aim, results and interpretation. I added in that case that the project ended with paper submission at that time. Then I did similar slides about additional 2 project I was working on during my PhD erasmus and also here mentioned the papers. And in the end it worked - I got the position and I am still working there ;)
Meanwhile we had also plenty of phd candidates being interviewed for the position in my lab, some of them also by me, so I can give you also some advice based on this experience.
First of all if you present e.g. your master thesis project it's important to have it structured - with clear introduction and aim. We had few candidates that seemed not to know why they were doing some experiments and this is one of the things that made us reject them. Second, be sure that the presentation is linear and logic - ask someone with more experience for a revision, this really helps :) In the end, since noone expects from you rocket sience data, it's important to show which techniques you learned - our boss e.g. asked people to add the last slide with a list of techniques they learned. But this is up to you, I don't know if this is a common practice. To sum up: you have to sound like PI of your master project.
And be ready for questions like why you have chosen our lab, where do you see yourself in 5 years, read the papers of the group - at least few.
That's it - good luck!
Marta
Dear Marta,
Your previous scientific report means your master and P.hd work. what u done in ur masters? what was ur thesis title? what was ur project? and what u have done in masters? u mention all ur techniques and results what u gained I master and then talk about P.hd same like u talked about master and in last whats ur plan for post doc? What will gain there. just a simple ppt they want to know u r skills and level.
Good luck.
Hi, 'previous scientific work' may include the research articles, research projects, and experimental results related to your research field.
Dear Marta,
How went your presentation ? I have similar situation and will have interview soon with the members of grad school I applied for. Can you please share your experience regarding the presentation part of your interview?
Thank you in advance.
Dear Sarvar,
I got the position in the end!
If you want details please write me a private message, so I won't forget to answer you ;)
Hello Marta
Congratulations for the job. I have the same situation regarding Postdoc interview. They asked me to prepare 20 mins presentation. furthermore, I heard that after this interview there will be another interview? Is this the procedure usually practice. I would really appreciate for your support?
Dear Mohsin,
Who do you mean by 'they'?
If this is DKFZ it's quite common that after Skype/phone interview they invite you to do 'on site' interview, where in case of my group all of the people participate and can ask you questions.
This part is more about your ability do discuss science and your personality is evaluated in the context of fitting to the group etc.
Best,
Marta
Dear Marta
Many Thanks for your quick and positive response. Well, I am applying for Postdoc job in UK. and "they" means interview committee.
I need guideline regarding presentation slides. what should I include in my presentation slides?
Hi Marta, thanks for the great post!
I will attend my first "serious" academic interview in next week and already sent you a message. Thank you very much!
Dear All,
Since I am getting countless messages asking for advice and I am not able anymore to answer to each single one, I will share with you my thoughts - of course it's all based on my personal experience and even if it worked in certain environment, does not mean that it's a guarantee...I think that all depends on the field and your future boss expectations.
But here is a description of how it looked like in my case and few advice:
In my case it was an application for a Postdoc position and in the end I just introduced myself - had a slide about what I studied and where. Then I followed with slides about my thesis project - with typical structure: background/introduction, aim, results and interpretation. I added in that case that the project ended with paper submission at that time. Then I did similar slides about additional 2 project I was working on during my PhD erasmus and also here mentioned the papers. And in the end it worked - I got the position and I am still working there ;)
Meanwhile we had also plenty of phd candidates being interviewed for the position in my lab, some of them also by me, so I can give you also some advice based on this experience.
First of all if you present e.g. your master thesis project it's important to have it structured - with clear introduction and aim. We had few candidates that seemed not to know why they were doing some experiments and this is one of the things that made us reject them. Second, be sure that the presentation is linear and logic - ask someone with more experience for a revision, this really helps :) In the end, since noone expects from you rocket sience data, it's important to show which techniques you learned - our boss e.g. asked people to add the last slide with a list of techniques they learned. But this is up to you, I don't know if this is a common practice. To sum up: you have to sound like PI of your master project.
And be ready for questions like why you have chosen our lab, where do you see yourself in 5 years, read the papers of the group - at least few.
That's it - good luck!
Marta
Hi Marta, thank you very much for sharing your experience and suggestion. This is so helpful.
Presentation on 'previous scientific work' for an interview means , you have to prepare slides for the presentation based on your research work. So that within short time you can present your work. Slides may contain motivation i.e. Why you have under taken the problem, methodology, experimental work, results and discussion and conclusion on your findings, If publications are there you can show list of articles and conferences attended at he time of presentation.
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