Video Interview Etiquette Thanks to technology (and a recently shaky economy), companies are increasingly turning…
As a biotech recruiter with over a decade of experience connecting talented individuals with leading biotech companies, I’ve conducted thousands of interviews, from the brilliant ones that led to job offers and the challenging ones that didn’t. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to share what happens behind closed doors when biotech companies evaluate candidates.
Contrary to what many candidates believe, interviewers aren’t trying to trip you up with obscure technical questions. What we’re actually assessing is how you apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
When I placed Janelle, now a senior research scientist at a CRISPR therapeutics company, she impressed the hiring team not by reciting textbook definitions but by walking through her problem-solving approach. “I don’t know the answer off-hand,” she admitted during a particularly challenging question, “but here’s how I would design an experiment to find out.” That honesty, combined with methodical thinking, won her the position over candidates with technically “perfect” answers.
The candidates who consistently advance are those who’ve done their homework. Before your interview, research the company’s:
When my client at a leading immunotherapy company interviewed Maya for a clinical operations role, they were impressed that she had read their recent Phase II results and could speak intelligently about how their approach differed from competitors. This level of preparation signals genuine interest and professional dedication.
Biotech is uniquely specialized. Your impressive background in protein engineering might be fascinating, but if the role focuses on downstream processing, you need to bridge that gap.
The most successful candidates I work with create clear connections between their experience and the company’s needs. Rather than simply listing accomplishments, they explicitly state: “My experience optimizing fermentation conditions at my current company would directly apply to your continuous manufacturing challenges.”
In an industry where collaboration is essential, your interpersonal skills can make or break your candidacy. I’ve seen technically brilliant candidates passed over because they couldn’t effectively communicate their ideas or demonstrate teamwork capabilities.
During panel interviews, hiring managers are evaluating how you:
The questions you ask reveal your professional maturity and how you conceptualize the role. Avoid basic questions about the company that could be answered by a quick website visit.
Instead, ask about:
One candidate I placed at a prominent gene therapy startup asked: “I noticed your recent publication on AAV capsid engineering. How does this team balance improving delivery vectors versus focusing on payload optimization?” This question demonstrated deep understanding of the field and strategic thinking about resource allocation.
Biotech companies invest heavily in their employees and want to ensure alignment between your ambitions and their needs. Being transparent about your career aspirations shows self-awareness and helps determine fit.
One of my recent most successful placements was a candidate who openly shared her desire to eventually move from bench research to clinical development. Rather than hiding this ambition, she explained how the current role would build foundational skills while delivering value to the company. The hiring manager appreciated her candor and saw opportunities for her growth within the organization.
In an industry defined by failed experiments, regulatory challenges, and funding uncertainties, demonstrating resilience is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve handled setbacks and what you learned from them.
The biotech leaders I work with consistently value candidates who can share specific examples of perseverance through professional challenges. This isn’t about presenting failures as successes, but rather showing your capacity to adapt, learn, and maintain momentum through difficult circumstances.
The biotech interview process can feel daunting, but remember that companies are looking for colleagues who will contribute to their mission of improving human health. By preparing thoroughly, communicating clearly, and authentically engaging with the opportunity, you position yourself as not just a candidate but a potential partner in innovation.
Your unique combination of technical knowledge, practical experience, and personal qualities is exactly what some company needs right now. As a recruiter, nothing brings me more satisfaction than making that perfect match happen.
Good luck with your interviews… the biotech world needs your talents and wants to hear your perspective.
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