Hi I was wondering if anyone had any tips for an interview for research assistant. The only qualification says I must be eligible for work study but I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice about any lab knowledge I should be familiar with for the interview. Some of the techniques mentioned in the job description are things I've never done before in the lab.

- read about their research

It's a simple, kind of obvious answer, but Jay's got the right idea.

The key to impressing a professor (or other scholarly figures) is enthusiasm. You have to look like you've done your homework, get a bit of background in the area the R.A. is in.

This of course doesn't mean you need to become an expert in it...because by all means, doing the R.A. should be mutually beneficial...instead you should just show them you're excited and eager to do said research.

Are you excited? If so, it'll show and you probably have a decent shot at landing the job...if not, you've gotta work a little harder, haha.

Good luck! R.A.s are a great experience. (:

Remember, the professor / supervisor can do the research themselves...that is, they are fully capable...they just like some help to do some of the more monotonous work.

That being said, they want someone who can break the monotony...someone enthusiastic is a breath of fresh air in a lab/research setting. (:

Oops...meant to edit my previous post.

Off-topic but Sinthu do you work at The Tank? I thought I saw you there.

Thanks for the tips .

Originally Posted by Jake

Off-topic but Sinthu do you work at The Tank? I thought I saw you there.

lol ja i'm working with bookstore for the rush period

Originally Posted by sinthusized

Hi I was wondering if anyone had any tips for an interview for research assistant. The only qualification says I must be eligible for work study but I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice about any lab knowledge I should be familiar with for the interview. Some of the techniques mentioned in the job description are things I've never done before in the lab.

Hi, was wondering if you're doing this during the school year and if yes if you're taking a full load. If yes, tell me about it, I want to do this during the year.
Adrian

Anyone know how much of the decision is based on marks? (Just realized I have to show my marks for the interview.)

It's mostly based on marks and the types of courses that you've taken.

Originally Posted by sinthusized

Anyone know how much of the decision is based on marks? (Just realized I have to show my marks for the interview.)

Since you don't have much research experience yet as an undergrad, grades are the only way professors can seperate potential candidates and pick out the best.

They don't ask about grades in interviews, it's best you don't mention them. They want to get to know you better.

Mac is a firm believer in hiring balanced candidates. Even its med-school is about 50/50 grades/interview...so don't worry about it, just kill the interview. (: