Interview prep that’s never failed me
Let’s face it- interviews can be sooo nerve wracking. I used to get so nervous but over the course of my career, I’ve gotten much more comfortable by using these prep tips. I’ve never had an interview that did go well and I think that’s because I’ve gotten it down to a science. Here’s tips that I’ve learned are a MUST when interviewing in biotech. As someone who interviews others now, I look out for these things:
1. Prep at least 10 stories that you can use to answer questions during your interview. I use the STAR format to do my story telling. The acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Prepare a versatile set of stories from your experiences and get them into this format. I usually group mine into themes so that when I get a question from an interviewer, I can draw from my toolkit of stories based on the theme they are asking about! Some common themes are solving conflict, working collaboratively, providing innovative solutions to a problem, etc. If youre a nurse that’s new to biotech, that’s totally fine! Use your experiences in the clinical setting that fit into those themes! Remember, they would be hiring you for your clinical expertise so the more you can draw on that, the better!
2. Get yourself a well fitted suit! This means a classic clean look and nothing too tight! The beauty of zoom interviews is that you only really have to dress yourself from the waist up so you can even just get a nice suit jacket and button up blouse! Keep it clean and classic. I’ll never forget an interviewer telling me how she was appreciated my interview suit because all day she had been interviewing women in inappropriate interview outfits! That stuck with me forever.
3. Role play the interview! When nerves have the potential of standing in the way of successful interview-I’ve found that when I role play it out with my husband, I feel so much better! The live practice always helps me shake out any jitters. Pro tip! If you’re interviewing online, make sure you download the platform they use ie Zoom or Teams and test it out ahead of time! Having tech issues on the day of interview can be so embarrassing and always makes me even more nervous .
4. Pep talk yourself and listen to music during the half hour before your interview! This tip has never failed me. I usually use this time to listen to calming music, take deep breaths and remind myself that they already like me on paper! All I have to do now is be myself and I’m golden.
Curious what prep everyone else has done to help them succeed at interviews!
#lemon8partner #interviewprep #letschat #careertip #interviewoutfit
Preparing for a biotech interview can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can stand out from the crowd. A key component is the STAR method, which helps structure your responses to behavioral questions effectively. Start by identifying at least ten stories from your experiences that showcase your skills and adaptability. Group these stories into themes such as conflict resolution, teamwork, and innovation, so you can easily relate them to common interview questions. Your attire is also crucial. Opt for a well-fitted suit that looks professional and feels comfortable. Since many interviews are now held via video platform like Zoom, remember that dressing professionally from the waist up can make a significant difference. Investing in a quality interview outfit not only demonstrates your professionalism but also boosts your confidence. Additionally, practice makes perfect. Engaging in mock interviews with friends or family can help ease nerves and help you refine your answers. Familiarize yourself with the technology you’ll be using for the interview to avoid any technical glitches on the day of. It's advisable to download the necessary software, run tests, and ensure your video and audio are clear. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a pep talk. Spend the half-hour before your interview listening to calming music or practicing deep breathing. Remind yourself that the interviewers already see your potential based on your resume, and this is your chance to shine by being authentic and genuine in your delivery. By implementing these techniques, you can elevate your interview performance and increase your chances of landing that coveted position in the biotech field.
These are great tips! Thank you!