How to express clearly in an interview?

@dandan07 (1906)
China
October 7, 2008 8:08am CST
I now meet a problem when I try to find a job. Can anyone give me some help? Thing is like that: when I try to find a job in a chemical company, I told the interviewer that I am now a graduate student in the university, and I will get my doctor degree soon. I do not think there is anything wrong with my word at that time. I am really on the way to get the PHD in the major of Chemical Enigneering. But the interviewer thought my major is medical direction( means I will be a person who take care of illness). Is Doctor different from PHD? How can I express it in a right way?
1 person likes this
4 responses
ram_cv
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
7 Oct 08
Hmm... I can understand this state, but actually it does not really tell too highly about the interviewer. I think the usage of the word "Doctrate" is common for Ph D. When People say Doctor some do confuse it for being a medical doctor. So I tend to prefer the use of the word Doctrate or Ph. D itself. Cheers! Ram PS: For more tips on handling interviews check out my blog: http://ramsuniverse.blogspot.com/2008/09/preparing-for-interview-structured.html
1 person likes this
dandan07
@dandan07 (1906)
• China
8 Oct 08
As English is not my mother language, I sometimes can not know the differences between two familiar words, and that brings me troubles in some occasion. Thank you for your help. I will try to learn more from the website you give me. Have a nice day.
1 person likes this
ram_cv
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
9 Oct 08
Maybe it is worthwhile for you to join an English speaking course. Again, the use of the word is "Mother Tongue" and not "Mother Language". A course might help you refine these small things. Cheers! Ram
gtdonna
@gtdonna (1738)
•
7 Oct 08
Having a PhD is the same as saying having a Doctorate, I guess it is how you spoke during the interview. So what you shoudl say is that I am studying for a Doctorate in Chemical Engeneering. Thats the correct term to use instead of saying I am studying for a PhD, which can mean a PhD in anything.
1 person likes this
dandan07
@dandan07 (1906)
• China
7 Oct 08
Thank you for your lovely advice. I think I should give enough informaton to the interviewer in a sentence, not put it into two or more. So that people can know what I say clearly without less misunderstands. Now I now how to express in a proper way. Have a nice day.
chiyochan
@chiyosan (30186)
• Philippines
22 Apr 11
I wonder why your interviewer did not clarify this with you. Knowing you are a chemical engineer, he would have that idea that you are going for a phd and not md.
suruchi86
@suruchi86 (1872)
• India
23 Apr 09
I'm so sorry for coming in so late. I think, you could have said, "Doctorate in Chemical Engineering". Anyway, how is your job going on right now.