Interviewing
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Interviewing
An interview is your chance to bring your application to life and show an employer why you are the right fit for the role. Beyond reviewing your skills and experience, interviews give employers a sense of your personality, communication style, and enthusiasm for the position. But it also gives you the opportunity to learn more about the role and workplace culture to see if it’s the right fit for you. Preparing for the interview is key. You will want to research the organization, practice interviewing common questions, and be ready with examples that highlight your strengths.
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Interviewing 101
- Be prepared ahead of time. Before you begin interviewing, take some time to write out common interview questions you might be asked. One idea is to create an Excel sheet (check out our template!) with different categories of questions in one column and brief responses or examples in the next. Having 8-10 relevant examples or stories that you could share during your interview will help highlight your skills and experience. That way, you will be prepared to adapt those examples to a wide range of questions and can focus on communicating clearly and confidently during the interview.
- Be ready to discuss your CV/resume. Anything you include on your CV or resume could come up in a conversation. Be prepared to explain your experiences, accomplishments, and the skills you have developed, and be ready with specific examples to share.
- Do your homework on the company. Research the company thoroughly so you can clearly articulate why you are interested in working there and what unique values you can bring. Focus on what you can contribute to their goals, rather than what the job will do for you. The employers want to see how you will make an impact.
- Frame your research with impact in mind. If you are discussing your research during an interview, try to highlight the potential therapeutic relevance or implications. Even if your research is basic science, showing that you understand its broader significance, such as application in drugs, therapies, or addressing unmet medical needs, demonstrates strategic thinking and awareness of real-world impact.
- Prepare questions for the interviewer. Have about 10 questions written down that you can ask them at the end of the interview. This shows that you are engaged, curious, and serious about the opportunity, while also giving you a chance to learn more about the role and organization.
Industry Interview Tips – UCSF
Interview Prep Cheat Sheet – The Muse
30+ Best Tips on How to Prepare for a Job Interview – The Muse
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Illegal Questions
Inquiry Area Illegal Question Legal Question Age What is your age, DOB? Do you meet the minimum age requirements? National Origin/Citizenship Are you a US citizen?
Where were you born?Are you authorized to work in the US? Race All questions about a person’s race None Religion Any question regarding a person’s religious beliefs, including observed holidays After hiring, may inquire about religious accommodations Marital/Family status Are you married?
Do you plan to have a family?
What are your childcare arrangements?
Would you be willing to relocate if necessary?
Would you be able and willing to work overtime?Disabilities Do you have any disabilities?
Please complete this medical historyAre you able to perform the essential job functions? Arrest record Have you ever been arrested? Have you ever been convicted of XXX? Three Options for Answering Illegal Questions
https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/illegal-interview-questions/
- Answer it. If you think the interviewer was simply trying to get to know you and naively asked the question, you can choose to answer. Consider the intent of the question. For example, was the interviewer asking about your birthplace because he or she grew up in the same area and is trying to get to know you? If you are comfortable answering, then it’s fine to do so.
- Side-step it. You could discreetly refuse to answer the question but address the concerns that they raise. For example, if your interviewer asks you whether or not you have children, he or she might really be getting at whether your family responsibilities would interfere with the frequent travel that the job requires. You could respond by saying something like “I can assure you that my personal life will not interfere with my professional responsibilities.”
- Question the relevance. You can ask your interviewer how the question relates to the position you’re interviewing for. This may alert them to the inappropriate nature of their question. If you feel that they are asking an inappropriate or discriminatory question, you can refuse to answer their question and either try changing the subject, or you could choose to excuse yourself from the interview.
Here’s How You Answer the Illegal “What’s Your Current Salary?” Question – The Muse
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Video Interview
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Giving an Industry Seminar Talk
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Interviewing FAQ
Industry Interviews (2022) – NIH
Interviewing FAQ:
- Is it okay to ask for the interview schedule and who my interviewers are going to be?
- Yes – It is completely appropriate to ask! Once your interview is confirmed, you can politely request the schedule and a list of your interviewers. Knowing who you’ll be meeting allows you to research their backgrounds and tailor your questions and examples accordingly. It also helps you plan your day, especially if the interview involves multiple sessions or locations. You may say something like:“Thank you for the opportunity to interview. Would it be possible to receive the interview schedule and a list of who I’ll be meeting with so I can prepare accordingly?”Most employers appreciate that level of professionalism and preparation.
- What is the best way to follow up after an interview? And how long should I wait after the interview to follow up?
- Always send a thank-you e-mail within 24 hours of your interview. Express appreciation for their time, reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position, and briefly reference a highlight from your conversation. If you met with multiple people, send each a personalized message – even if it is short – to make a positive impression. If you haven’t heard back after the timeline they provided (or about 1-2 weeks if no timeline was given), it’s appropriate to send a brief follow-up e-mail. Keep it polite and concise – reaffirm your interest, ask about next steps, and thank them again for the opportunity to interview.
- What if I’ve applied/interviewed, but I haven’t heard back? Is it okay to reach out?
- If it’s been about two weeks since your interview or application submission, you can send a short, professional message to the hiring manager or recruiter to check on the status of your application.For example:“I hope you are doing well. I wanted to check in regarding the [position title] role. I’m still very interested in this opportunity and would appreciate any updates on the hiring timeline. Thank you again for your time and consideration.”If you still don’t hear back after your follow-up, it’s okay to move forward with other applications. Hiring processes can be unpredictable, and sometimes positions are delayed, paused, or filled internally, and it’s rarely a reflection on your qualifications.
- Is it okay to ask for the interview schedule and who my interviewers are going to be?