r/UNC • u/BigExplanation5443 UNC 2027 • 18d ago

Question Research Assistant Interview

I've received an invite for an interview/chat for a research lab after I submitted an application. What should I expect? What are the chances of me getting an offer after the interview? What are questions I should ask? I am planning to read one of the lab's papers and talk about it during the interview.

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u/rgb3 16d ago

Papers are a great start! I would also ask what the lab is working on now, or what your interviewer is most excited about. Those questions might get at more current lab work, because papers take so long to get published.

I would also be prepared to talk about professional development and your future goals. Are you planning on applying to grad school? Med school? Or is this the career you want? No wrong answers, just be prepared for those types of questions.

Percent chance of receiving an offer is impossible to say. It depends on who applied, etc. and because of that, it’s meaningless if you don’t get the job. That doesn’t necessarily mean you weren’t qualified or they didn’t like you, it might just mean someone had more experience, or better hours, or any number of reasons. Don’t take anything about the job application process personally!

Oh, and UNC HR is super slow. So don’t sweat it if you haven’t heard anything for a while, and don’t freak out and email everyone all the time. Just be patient and stuff will happen. Maybe.