Mastering the Best Practices
Research the Company
Before heading to your job interview, research the company and its mission statement. Know what field the company is in and what kind of biotech they specialize in. Investigate the company’s history, any executives you might meet and understand what kind of team they are looking to build in the position you are interviewing for.
Reviewing the company website or news articles will help you stay abreast of any recent innovations or product launches. This will give you a leg up when you get the question, “What do you know about or company?” or “Why do you want to work here?”
Practice Your Answers
Don’t wait until you are being interviewed to prepare your answers to potential questions. Prepare yourself by practicing answers to common biotech job interview questions. Using a mock interview set with someone who has more experience in the field than you do can really help you, they can give you feedback and show you the areas that you may need to improve on.
Here are a few common biotech interview questions you should know:
- What industry trends excite you the most?
- Tell me about your research experience
- What risks have you taken in your career?
Remember to always focus on positive outcomes and provide examples of real-life situations to add weight to your answers.
Also, be prepped when they ask you if you have any questions for them. This can make or break an interview. Interviewers are wanting to see that you have put some serious thought into this position beforehand. Here are a few to spark your imagination:
- What do you enjoy most about working for this company?
- Can you tell me more about the role and team I would be joining?
- What challenges does your department face in the current market?
- How will success be measured in this position?
- Is there any room to develop new skills and ideas within this role?
- What opportunities are available for career growth at the company?
Dress to Impress
Biotech companies expect professionalism, so it’s important to dress the part. Choose an outfit that makes you feel powerful yet comfortable. Dressing formally in a white lab coat is not necessary, but you should always aim to be modest.
Show That You Are a Team Player
It’s not just about displaying your Biotech knowledge, but also about demonstrating your ability to work positively as part of a team. Be sure to acknowledge your past group projects, pointing out the teamwork that was involved.
Give credit where it’s due and make sure to let the interviewers understand that you are a team player.
Follow Up After the Interview
After the interview, you should send a thank-you note to your interviewer. This will show your interest and enthusiasm for the position and emphasize that you are keen on the job opportunity. In your note, reiterate why you are the best candidate for the job and be sure to thank the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you.
Conclusion
Remember, the interviewer is looking for candidates that are not just skilled but possess soft skills that suggest they can be an asset to the team. Confidently show your passion for the industry while demonstrating your team player nature, brushing up on your interviewing skills and doing your research beforehand.
Use these biotech job interview best practices to ace that interview and secure the job of your dreams!