After applying to universities for a PhD, how should someone's be ready for the interview?

Here are a list of suggestions that may help you in preparation for a PhD interview. Some of experiences are here what to expect in the interview both in my own case and in cases where I was in the interviewing panel.

1). Know what academic research is all about and what is expected of a PhD student. Do have a fair ideà of what you hope to do for your PhD research. This means that you have done some literature review and thinking on the topic, and can indeed share some knowledge or some latest research, surrounding your proposed research. Read some seminal research work, concepts, theories surrounding the research on your proposed research topic. For instance, in the field of service management, In my case, I was able to discuss with the interviewers quite specifically and in some details, of what I had wanted to do in my research, what was the significance of the study to service businesses - answering a bit of those what, why and how questions.

I can fully understand that you may still be hazy with your proposed research topic. However, if you have reviewed some literature on the possible topic, at least you have demonstrated to the interviewing panel that you understood about the importance of reviewing literature for research work, you value scholarly literature, that you have done and therefore know a bit about what will be expected of you in your PhD study.

Moreover, from your past undergraduate or master studies too, that your past reading and studies would have informed you a bit or a about the topic/subject, and there may be some areas that might have grabbed your interest, and that you think you may have the aptitude to study for your research. It does not matter if you do not know more specifically about the area you may want to do. At least you know an area of sort of, and that you have demonstrated to the interviewers that you have come with some possible areas to focus for your research, and that you have in fact, done a bit of reading on it. The exact area of study can be worked out later.

Perhaps, inform what may be the significance of your research, if you have some thoughts on this on the likely topic. Don't worry, you will not be locked into this topic, at thus early stage of a PhD study.

These plus your recent reading and thinking will ensure you can enter into some discussions, albeit, broadly on a research topic that interest you with the panel. The important thing is that, you have shown to the interviewers that you may be a good candidate for a PhD research.

As far as the methodology is concerned, and the data collection approach, don not need to have details, as these can be worked out later. I was not asked much about this in my own interview, other than some possible approaches. You may not need to worry about this or expected to know the details, of course. It is always good to have some thoughts about the likely approach that can be used. Do some readings on the research methods for knowledge and intelligent discussion, if you have time to do.

2). Have some notes in front of you to remind you of things you have read on the topic, such as names of literature articles, researchers, authors and so on. Know some of the jargons used in the field where applicable.

3). Have a very clear mind for your interview. That implies having a rested mind, which often means having enough rest and sleep, as well as the above mentioned preparation for the interview. When you are rested, you are likely to have a clear mind and coupled with the preparation, you will not feel so nervous for the interview. At least this was what I had found.

4). Make yourself presentable - your garments, hair, etc. Some people may use these seemingly light issues to judge you - so be prepared and avoid that.

5). Be punctured for the interview session, and be polite in how you address your interviewers. Also, be thankful for their time and opportunity in granting you the interview.

6). Be prepared if they asked you to explain things you put in your Curriculum vitae/resume. Do not put things in your CV which you have little or no explanations for information given. Ensure you tell the truth and do not ‘blow yourself up in your past achievement too highly’. The interviewers are often very experienced interviewers, and can easily pick out when someone is blowing his/her own trumpet. Always, admit you do not know, but will be prepared to learn. Also that that although, you do a great deal of independent studies, you are teachable, and will always be prepared to consult and learn. You will always be prepared to work with others cooperatively.

7). Indicate to the panel, that you are keen and prepared to write and publish on the research work you have done during the candidature, as required. The aim of a PhD researcher should be about finding out new knowledge on an area, and then advancing this in literature through publication. Indicate that you are keen to do research and you want to make this a life career.

8). Indicate that you will work conscientiously and diligently under supervision, to ensure that the PhD work will be completed at the shortest possible time.

Hope this helps. All the best for your PhD journey.