Applying/Interviewing with Biotech as a Ph.D. Grad
1. Resume
The recommended resume for biotech jobs should have: 1) Short description of yourself and your interests, 2) Job/relevant experience, 3) Education history, and 4) Relevant skills
I had a 1 page resume with the above info, but it was my CV that got me the interview. My CV had all of those with the addition of organizations I was a part of and my publications.
2. First Interview
1 week after applying, I was contacted to do a 30 minute video interview.
My skill set matched quite well with the job, so the majority of their questions focused on how I work with a team and how I handle conflict with people
Show you’re excited and interested in the job, but don’t ever break your formality for this first interview. Until you’re literally in the company building on your first day of the job, do not break your formal and professional attitude.
3. Team Interviews
Will be a very long process (mine was 5.5 hours)
Series of 30 minute interviews with member(s) of the team
Make sure you are well-rested and have water to lubricate your throat.
Questions were repeated between interviews. My advice is to just answer them as if the question was never asked before.
Be friendly and ask questions. My favorite was asking about company work culture.
Once again, if they aren’t worried about your skill set, their questions will focus on how you work on a team and with other people.
I thought this process would be tiring, but it was a lot of fun! You get to talk to scientists who are passionate about their job. That’s always fun!
4. Giving a Seminar
You will give a short 30-45 minute presentation on a topic of your choice (I presented 25 minutes, heh)
I recommend choosing a research project to present on if it’s for a scientist role
This is your time to show you have the skill set, but also it’s your time to tell a story. Make sure you have a STORY! It makes the seminar so much easier.
Questions were not too difficult; your committee will ask harder questions
Keep slides simple. You want little text and helpful visual aids
Don’t assume that everyone will understand the experiments you did. Include slides that explain the experiments and what they will tell you.
5. Interview with CEO
This was unexpected for me, but the company wanted to keep the tradition of the CEO talking to the possible new hires.
This was a short (15-20 minute) phone call with the CEO of the company.
Don’t assume you have the job, keep showing you’re interested in the job. Ask them questions if given the chance.
I actually didn’t get to talk too much because the CEO talked most of the time about how the company has great opportunities for me (sold!)
The CEO basically confirmed I had the offer which was a relief
So don’t be afraid of an interview with the CEO but don’t be over-confident. Remain interested and professional.
6. Negotiations
Do not be afraid to ask for an increase to the base pay!!!!
Good and reputable companies will not rescind their offer just because you negotiated salary.
You should have a good reason for the increase in base pay, not just greed. In my case, I had seen on Glassdoor and other websites that Scientist I position salaries were a lot higher than their proposed salary. I also knew cost of living was going to be substantially higher in the Bay Area. This is why I asked for an increase to my salary.
Below is the e-mail I wrote to negotiate my salary and start date:
The company did meet me half-way for the salary and start date. They rose my base pay by 3% and they are letting me work remotely for the last 2 weeks of January.
I was fine with their counter-offer and accepted the job.
I hope these tips are helpful! Feel free to comment/reblog your own tips as well.
