ERC interview COACHING
ERC 2024 calls
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SCOPE
The key to a successful interview is transmitting the proposed research in a compelling and convincing way in a very short time frame. Most researchers struggle with adapting the narrative to fit the audience (panel members), often focusing excessively on technical details rather than “zooming out” and providing a broader context. Another typical mistake is to try to summarise all aspects of the project, instead of identifying key messages.
We help applicants make the most of their opportunity and prepare a strategy for how to impress the reviewers, while convincingly answering their questions. We offer personalized interview preparation training with the aim to sharpen the transmitted message, develop a clear storyline and provide extensive rehearsal opportunities. Our service should be seen as complementary to other mock trial interviews held in front of a variety of audiences, including senior scientific colleagues from the same/adjacent field(s), as it is important to mimic the diverse composition of the panel as much as possible.
Our support includes:
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PREPARATORY GUIDANCE AND OVERVIEW
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Success Strategies for your ERC Interview (Preparatory Video)
This Preparatory Video delivers initial guidelines on crafting the narrative and emphasises addressing three fundamental questions: Why this project? Why now? Why me? Additionally, it provides guidance on how to structure an engaging and persuasive presentation.
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Identifying key messages and challenges (Initial Meeting)
In this initial session, we have an informal dialogue with the PI to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the project. The goal is to identify key aspects to highlight during the presentation and address any anticipated interview challenges to fine-tune subsequent sessions. Discussion extends to the expected panel composition, ensuring the presentation aligns with the panel´s varied expertise.
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INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW COACHING
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Giving shape to your presentation (Mock Trial)
This session involves either a mock trial or a generic review, customised to the state of the presentation and the candidate´s choice. We provide feedback on various elements such as content, structure, framing, storytelling, terminology, time distribution, slide design and visual narrative. The objective is to carve out the main structure of the presentation, aligning it with evaluator expectations and ensuring it distinguishes itself.
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Mock interview and Q&A session (Mock Trial)
The final session stimulates the interview setting, starting with a mock trial presentation followed by a simulated Q&A to practice both generic and project-specific queries. The aim is to prepare the candidate potential interview concerns, encouraging concise, clear answers. Emphasis is placed on adopting a diplomatic tone, showing project enthusiasm, and controlling the dialogue to ensure a memorable impact. Feedback is also given for the final refinement of the presentation content.
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Our mission is to foster efficient project communication and steer candidates through the interview process, culminating in a successful ERC application. To realise this goal, we adapt our training sessions to meet each applicant´s requirements. Our service should be seen as complementary to other mock trial interviews held in front of a variety of audiences, including senior scientific colleagues from the same or related fields, as it is important to mimic the diverse composition of the panel as much as possible.
Want more information?
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For more information and to book an individual interview preparation package, please contact me below.