How to Set Yourself Up for Interview Success

One of our many jobs as recruiters is to help candidates prepare for their interviews and put them in the best position to make a great first impression. I've seen the contrast between candidates who breeze through interviews and those who struggle to leave a lasting impression.

It all starts with preparing properly.?

Growing up, my mom constantly drilled the 6 P’s into my head:

Prior

Proper

Planning

Prevents

Poor

Performance

Though I used to roll my eyes at her advice and often ignored it, I've since seen the light.

Take a page from Mom's book and approach every interview with this mindset.

Here, I provide the key areas I focus on when preparing a candidate for an interview.

Be sure to set aside the right amount of time to prepare for a big interview. Schedule it over a few days/nights instead of cramming. I suggest 2-3 hours to get yourself fully ready.

1. Research, Research, Research: Before you even step into the interview room (or virtual space), ensure you know the company inside and out. Dive deep into their science and website, understand their mission, vision, and values, and research recent news or projects. This knowledge will impress your interviewers and help you tailor your answers to demonstrate how you align with the company culture and goals. Life sciences companies are looking for mission-driven employees who want to contribute to their science and make a difference, not just someone looking for their next “job.” Prepare properly to put yourself in the best place to make a great first impression.
2. Polish your job talk/seminar: The seminar you present can make or break your interview and can be the difference maker in whether you receive an offer or not. It also sets the tone for the day and shapes the 1:1 or panel interviews, so be calculated on the topic you present. Your audience will usually be a mix of technical and non-technical, so be sure to cater to both. You want to display that you have the technical and scientific chops for the job, but you also don’t want to lose anyone who doesn’t have domain experience. A few other tips: Be sure to introduce yourself confidently, highlighting your key skills and experiences and how you are a strong match for the role.?
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Don't underestimate the power of practice. Rehearse common interview questions, focusing on articulating your experiences and accomplishments clearly and concisely. Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or family to simulate the real thing and receive valuable feedback.? I’d suggest connecting with a mentor or fellow job searcher to assist. If they are busy, let me know. I’d be happy to help as well.
4. Dress the Part: Dressing appropriately shows respect for the company and the interview process. Whether it's a traditional office setting or a more casual environment, ensure your attire is polished, professional, and reflects the company culture. Business attire plus is always my suggestion.
5. Showcase Your Soft Skills: In addition to technical abilities, employers value soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles, illustrating your ability to thrive in diverse work environments. Listen carefully and let the interviewer finish their questions before you reply. Be thoughtful and international with your answers.
6. Ask Thoughtful Questions: Remember, interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions to ask your interviewers that demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and company. This shows your enthusiasm and provides valuable insight into whether the company is the right fit for you. Ask about company culture, work-life balance, and other things that are important to you.
7. Follow-up: Don't forget to send a thank-you email or note within 24 hours of your interview. Express gratitude for the opportunity, reiterate your interest in the position, and briefly touch on key points discussed during the interview. This is sometimes forgotten and can show the company your lack of interest in the position. I ask candidates to set a reminder on their phone or calendar for the next day to avoid getting missed.

Incorporate these strategies into your interview preparation to set yourself up for success and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. It could be the difference maker in a very competitive job market.