6 Questions to Ask Your Interviewer to Land a Life Science Job
Congratulations you got invited for an interview — you climbed the first step of the ladder! To provide some orientation for the job interview we have compiled some interview tips and useful questions.
Six questions you should ask your interviewer
… to land your dream position in the life science industry
1. What do you enjoy the most about working here?
This is a great question to loosen up the situation. It’s a perfect way for you to relate to the hiring manager on a personal level while encouraging them to reveal some of their personal insights into the company. Typically, the hiring manager would start speaking about the perks the company offers, describing the team, or telling you about their professional growth.
This is a great way for you to learn something more about how the company works. Usually, it is quite obvious whether his or her answer is honest and spontaneous or just a rehearsed reaction they repeat for the hundredth time.
2. Why is the position open?
Showing interest in why the company you applied for is opening this position gives you great insight into which direction the company is going in. When companies open up new positions, they are either keeping up with the growth of the company (which is a good sign for its longevity), or they are investing in new business areas.
In case you are replacing someone, ask them to give them insight into why that person left. It could be that the person before you assumed a new role within the company is a strong indicator as to what your career trajectory could be there.
3. Can you tell me something about the team I’ll be a part of (if I’m hired)?
Based on how the interview is going, you might leave out the “if I’m hired” part. If your gut feeling tells you the hiring manager is impressed by you and might eventually hire you, be bold and ask this question as if you already were the newest addition to the team. If you have your doubts on whether you are the hot candidate, rather stay on the safe side.
One way or another, after the recruiting manager starts answering this question, listen carefully because the team you’d be working with is one of the most important things about the job.
4. What will be the greatest challenge for me if I am hired for this position?
By asking this question, you’ll kill two birds with one stone. For one, you’ll show you’re already thinking about working for the team, and two, you’ll make the hiring manager thinking about you as a part of the team. Asking this question will also give you a better insight into the job and you’ll know what sort of problems you might face once you’re hired.
Take extra care about your non-verbal communication — don’t let the hiring manager know you’re startled by the possible challenges.
5. Do you think I lack any skills needed for this position?
This is a really straightforward question but you don’t have to fear it. If you ask this question you will let the hiring manager know you’re comfortable with being criticised and that you’re not overly self-confident. Also, by asking this question, you create a space for you to let the hiring manager know you want to learn and improve.
After the hiring manager starts answering your question, listen very carefully and if you detect any hint of them being unsure about your abilities, don’t be afraid to speak up and defend yourself. Needless to say, don’t cut the hiring manager off! Let them finish first and then diplomatically tell them what you have to say in your defence. Try saying something on the lines of: I can see why you feel this way, however… or I understand your point and I can explain…
Do not hesitate to reach out to your recruiter, should you have any questions about your upcoming interview! It is our job to prepare you as well as possible.
6. What is your patient strategy? How do you stay close to patients?
This helps you understand what drives people in an organization. A company that has a really, really defined patient strategy, who are close to their patients, who listen to feedback from their patients, usually have people who are very passionate about the work that they do.
We found that companies that aren’t really close to patients or don’t necessarily have that relationship are the ones that are maybe more revenue-driven, and you tend to have people, perhaps, who are less passionate at those companies. This is why it’s good to understand how a company is relating to the people that they’re trying to serve.
Many people join this industry because they want to help people, and you want to understand how close your company is to the people it wants to help.
Want to learn more about life science recruitment or get more advice on getting your dream job in life science, contact us at headcount.ch, or read more blogs like this one on blog.headcount.ch.