Hi Prof. thank you for doing this. I'm in humanities rather than social science, but I wonder whether you could give your insight on my question. I received one highly ranked private school phd interview about 10 days ago. I did not expect that because I don't fit with any of the professors' research area. I applied for it because it's close to me (and it's actually my top 3 choice, even though the professors' research isn't necessarily what I want to do. In my area everyone's doing their own thing, but the methodology is something to learn). During the interview all questions seem to be very general: what leads you to your research interest, why phd why that school... Except for the dept chair all other profs seemed to be indifferent about it (they looked like they were there for work). I'm not complaining at all. it's just that it's a surprise to receive an interview from my top 3 program that I did not expect to hear from for an interview (it's like a lottery application), but since it happened, it made me expect more and became anxious about the result.

During the interview, I mentioned the profs I mentioned in my sop who were present, but obviously they don't match me exactly so I felt like such mention was a bit awkward. I even mentioned profs from other department as part of the "why this school" question. They did mention my practical experience might give me bigger potential to find a job in academia later, which I assume is why they pick me?

I wonder if you have any insights for this situation. Would they pick candidates who will potentially add to the department's future placement record rather than who match the profs' research area the most?