If you're a graduate looking to get into research and need to get a feel for the kind of questions employers might ask at interview, then make sure you research these graduate research interview questions below. These questions and answers are taken from real graduate interviews, and compiled to give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare your answers.
Example Research Interview Questions:
Tell me about something creative you have done recently?
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.
What experiences you have had during your academic career that will benefit you for a career in research and development?
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.
Describe how you have used research methods in the past.
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.