The ERC Interview is a unique window of opportunity to communicate with the ERC review panel, clarify open questions, and further impress them with your project. Researchers must prepare for the interview based on the unique nature of the ERC.
To help prepare for this unique opportunity – Enspire Science offers the below service.
Personalized ERC Interview Preparation Service
This service includes a pre-recorded online course as well as personal preparation sessions.
ERC Interview Online Course
An online pre-recorded course to be viewed by researchers at their own time and pace.
**This course can be viewed independently. Learn more here.
The course covers the following information:
- General information and technical overview of the ERC interview
- How to develop the main presentation for the interview (knowing the audience – the review panel, building the right narrative for this audience, expected outline and thinking process, take-home message and technicalities). This refers both to on-site or on-line interview options.
- How to prepare for the Q&A session (what to expect, recurring questions, how to handle scientific dispute in the interview, etc.)
- An ERC-customized presentation skills training and closing tips
Important note: This course refers to both on-site or on-line interview formats, according to the specific circumstances.
If you wish to only view or join a live session of this course, please go to the dedicated course page.
Personalized ERC Interview preparation sessions
The personalized preparation is individual, customized, and based on the specific PI’s ERC application and the review panel(s).
This service includes the ERC Interview Online Course and the following steps:
- Strategic planning. A personalized brainstorming session with the applicant. We will discuss the best way to pitch the project during the interview and address possible questions, taking into account the project’s content, specific guidelines from the panel and more. The output of this session is clear guidance for the applicant to prepare the narrative for the pitch and answers to the anticipated questions.
- Ongoing feedback. Following the strategic planning, and before the 1st rehearsal, we will provide ongoing feedback to the applicant on drafts of the pitch narrative and answers to anticipated questions. Applicants are advised to make use of this opportunity and communicate with us for any question or assistance relating to their interview preparation.
- 1st rehearsal. This session will include detailed feedback about the pitch, its inner logic, how it is addressing the expected key scientific issues, as well as any other relevant aspects, further discussions about potential questions and answers, pitfalls and weaknesses of the ERC application, and how to improve and address all of the above for the interview.
- 2nd rehearsal. Similar to the 1st rehearsal, this session will include a rehearsal followed by deep discussion about all the important aspects that the applicant should mind during the actual interview. The main goal of this session is to ensure that the applicant has covered all aspects and is fully ready for the interview.
The added value of our personalized ERC Interview Preparation service:
- This service is individual. Unlike group settings, strategic planning of the interview & the rehersals focus all attention directly on the applicant.
- The applicant will receive very focused instructions based on the specific ERC application and the review panel(s).
- In addition to the 3 scheduled meetings, the researcher will receive ongoing communications and support to ensure 100% preparation.
For ERC Synergy Grant interviews: During the process we work to reflect the synergy of the team, the unique attributions and contributions of each PI, and prepare all for the interview.
For all ERC calls – please refer to our timeline and deadline policies to learn more about the best time to book this service, our deadline for accepting new applications and our booking policy for this service.