The interview experience

I recently attended an interview for the Rank Prize Nutrition New Lecturer Award in London. I have to admit that I have been relatively lucky so far in that I have not had to attend many interviews, but that makes the process even more nerve wracking! As one who suffers from nerves, I was surprised at how much the whole process effected me- both before and after with the wait to hear the result [I won!]!

Public speaking is one of those things that I expect to bother me greatly but then you do grow accustomed to. My first conference presentation as a PhD student was scary, but the more you do them the easier it is. Sometimes you just need to remember that this is your area of research and therefore you are the expert. However, that same kind of logic does not seem to carry over to interviews. In these the panel are expected to challenge you, to push you beyond your comfort zone and see how you cope. In my limited interview experience I have always thought that my responses have been poor and I have not expressed myself well. But what is the measure of success? and what are panel members really looking for? maybe one day I will find out!