CNRS Phd Student Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 7 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at CNRS.
CNRS
PhD Student
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Other
First, they reviewed my CV and cover letter, which took about a month. Then, I had a one-hour oral interview. They said I'd hear back within 15 days.
Confirmed questions4 questions
- Tell me about your CV and cover letter.
- Can you elaborate on your research experience?
- What are your research interests?
CNRS
PhD Student
Intern Average Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Presentation Recruiter call
Interview formats
Presentation Behavioral Technical
The interview was really unprofessional. After my presentation via Skype, the potential supervisor immediately criticized my work by pointing out "gaps in the literature" instead of asking about my knowledge of the relevant literature. They also asked odd questions and made strange comments, like saying an author I used in my proposal was outdated, rather than asking direct questions about the presentation or my qualifications for the position. The professor offered feedback, but when I agreed, she just disappeared, which felt like a pretense of transparency. The position was a joint one with Sorbonne 4 and CNRS, and while I don't know who's to blame, the process was unclear and unpleasant. Lots of documents were required, time was spent on a project proposal, and then during the interview, I felt attacked and like they were just pretending to offer feedback. I definitely don't recommend it.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Why did you choose to cite this author? It seems like your knowledge of the literature isn't very strong, is that right?
CNRS
PhD Student
Entry Average Positive experience Decline offer 1 round
Interview process
Presentation Technical screen
Interview formats
Presentation Behavioral Technical
The interview consisted of a 10-minute Zoom presentation followed by questions. We discussed my previous research, skills, and motivations, focusing on science and soft skills like organization, teamwork, and languages.
Confirmed questions7 questions
- What technical skills do you have related to --- ?
- Could you elaborate on your previous research work?
- What are your overall skills?
CNRS Phd Student Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from CNRS interview reports.
“Why did you choose to cite this author? It seems like your knowledge of the literature isn't very strong, is that right?”
Read reports →“What is your knowledge of photo luminescence?”
Read reports →“Why do you want to do a PhD?”
Read reports →“What is your knowledge of microscopy?”
Read reports →“What is your knowledge of physics?”
Read report →“What drives your motivation?”
Read report →“What are your research interests?”
Read report →“Which languages are you proficient in?”
Read report →“What are your future career aspirations?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 7 CNRS interview reports.