Invited for an ERC Interview? Here’s How to Ace the Q&A Like a Pro

An ERC grant is the dream of many researchers: a generous budget, years of groundbreaking research, and the chance to build your own team.

But before that dream becomes reality, there’s one final hurdle: the interview with the panel.

So, how do you come across as clear, confident, and convincing?

Here are four practical steps to structure your answers and impress the jury. Plus, you’ll get a bonus tip on how AI can help you prepare the Q&A.

✅ Step 1: Listen carefully and make sure you understand the question

The panel is sitting together in Brussels. You’re behind a webcam. Sometimes, a question may come through with a heavy accent or poor audio quality.

The worst thing you can do? Start answering without truly understanding what was asked.

What to do instead:

• Politely ask the jury member to repeat the question.
• Or ask another jury member to help clarify.

It’s always better to ask than to assume.

✅ Step 2: Rephrase the question in your own words

Some questions are long and multi-layered. For example:

“You propose using AI to predict molecular interactions. But how reliable are those predictions, how does your model compare to existing ones, and how will you deal with bias in the dataset?”

There are three questions in one. If you just dive in, you might answer only part of it.

Better approach:

• Say: “I hear several parts in your question. Let me start with the one about reliability. Is that okay?”
• Or: “So you’d like to understand how robust the predictions are – have I understood that correctly?”
• Get confirmation before continuing.

This helps you stay focused and shows you’re a clear communicator.

✅ Step 3: Provide a clear, structured answer

Many researchers start with long background explanations and only reach the point halfway through.

Problem: The panel chair might cut you off before you get there.

How to do better:

• Give a clear answer within the first 30 seconds.
• Then expand with relevant context if needed, but keep your full answer under two minutes.
• Use the “rule of three” to structure your points:
  “The three main advantages are: first…, second…, and third…”

✅ Step 4: Wrap up and check if your answer was sufficient

Avoid ending your answer with awkward silence or uncertainty.

How to finish strong:

• Briefly summarize your main point. (“So in short, …”, or “That means the answer is …”)
• Ask: “Does this answer your question, or would you like more detail?” or “I’d be happy to explain further if you wish.” This keeps you in control of time and shows respect for the jury’s agenda.

Be mindful of time. Set a timer next to your laptop if needed.

If no follow-up comes, you might ask:

“Do you feel you have enough information to assess my proposal, or is there anything crucial I haven’t addressed yet?”

This shows you’re strategic, thoughtful, and professional.

💡 Bonus tip: Prepare with AI!

Great answers require practice. In addition to feedback from colleagues, you can use AI to simulate realistic jury questions and refine your responses.

How?
Ask ChatGPT or you favorite AI tool:

“Can you generate 10 questions the jury might ask after my pitch?”

Just be sure to include:
✔️ A summary of your proposal
✔️ Info on who the jury members are
✔️ The evaluation criteria

You can also request feedback:

“Can you evaluate my answer for clarity, relevance, and structure?”

This helps you polish your responses before the real interview.

🎤 Need help preparing for your ERC or FWO interview?

At The Floor is Yours, we coach researchers like you to shine during both your pitch and Q&A. Here’s how we work:

✔️ Session 1: Structure and storytelling of your pitch and slide optimization
✔️ Midway feedback: On your script and visuals
✔️ Session 2: Live practice of your pitch and Q&A

👉 Curious how we can support you? Get in touch and prepare for your interview with confidence!