I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Amsterdam) in Oct 2025
Interview
The interview process was well-organized and followed the timeline stated in the job description. One day after the application deadline, I received an email inviting me to interview. The first interview took place about one month later, and the second interview was scheduled roughly another month after that, so each step was spaced by about a month. The interviews themselves were relatively informal, and the two interviewers were very kind and supportive. The discussion focused mainly on the research methods they intend to use in the project, which helped clarify their expectations. A particularly positive aspect was that they communicated the result very quickly – I received the outcome just one day after the final interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They mainly asked about my motivation for applying to this project and why I found it interesting. They also asked me to describe how I have used the proposed research methods in my previous work, so I explained how I applied these methods in my past projects and publications.
I applied online. I interviewed at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Amsterdam) in May 2024
Interview
The interview process consisted of two rounds: a virtual interview and an on-site visit. The virtual interview lasted approximately one hour and focused on my submitted documents, including my CV and research statement. The second round involved visiting the department, where I gave a research talk lasting about 30 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session with the panel. Altogether, this round took about an hour and a half.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Specific questions about previous research experience, and questions about new research directions.
It was fast and somewhat dismissive. No one got back to me for months. In the end I had to contact them to learn that I was rejected. It still took some time after I emailed the professor and got forwarded to a few other personnel.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How I fit into the group and my previous experience.