Interview season is here...

It's time to start preparing your spiel: the things you are going to be saying about your research in interviews.  

Students who have done superbly on the market have consistently said that when it comes to the spiel, relentless preparation--thinking long and hard about exactly what words to use--is absolutely worth it.  

 

In addition to having a good spiel...

Having a good spiel is crucial, but other things matter too, some of them subtle:

-Attitude matters.  Arrogance, bravado, meanness, and undue pushiness have cost people flyouts.  

-Polite professionalism is usually a safe bet. Say hello, thank you, and know how to exchange brief pleasantries.  If job interviews are taxing for you, they are no picnic for interviewers either.  In this scenario, especially after a series of awkward exchanges, polite professionalism can be a great relief!  If English is not your first language, practice with a native speaker.  

-Overeagerness can be off-putting.  For instance, if things have changed since you first uploaded your CV, you can flag them for interviewers without being over-the-top insistent.  A gentle "oh, by the way..." is very different from an insistent "Make sure you take note!"

-Things happen.  Keep your sense of humor.  

Post by Varanya Chaubey
Image by bpsusf (http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfbps/4607149870/) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons