I applied in-person. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Columbia University (New York, NY) in June 2016
Interview
The interview process was an informal and comfortable one — where the potential employee (student) feels safe.
First, the interview process cannot happen in the absence of prior signaling of research and analytical skills the hirer (individual faculty, in this case) deems qualifiable for such assistantship. Second, the interview is more likely to ever occur after *you* have signaled to the hirer that you have an interest in working with them.
When both conditions have worked out, the faculty calls for a "discussion" to understand interests and reasons of the student to work with them and on the subject concerned. This would usually happen in their offices over a period of an hour or so.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The things faculty ask are:
1. "Why are you interested in working on the topic concerned?"
2. "What skills and knowledge do you have that make you a good candidate?"
3. "What do you hope to gain out of this?"
4. "Are there personal goals this employment can bring to completion?”
I interviewed at Columbia University (New York, NY)
Interview
One interview with a panel of three lab workers after a 30 minute phone call. Was a mix of technical questions and my personal interest in the job. Interview for lab based position.
It was a straightforward process and asked mostly background and experience related questions. Be able to share relevant details about your past experiences and how it relates to the role.
Processes are long and very meticulous.series of interviews required. Although for the team I work for is small, I was required to interview with 3 different people plus an extensive and detailed review of my references
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Career goals and how my role would be significant for it
