Interview questions for biologists

1. What should I know about you?

Tips: make sure to include who you are, why you picked biology as your major and
what you're looking for in a job.

2. Can you tell me about your research and lab experience?

Tips: previous work or academic experience

3. What were the team dynamics like in the research settings you've
participated in?

or in other words
Describe how you’ve worked with a team to complete a difficult research
project. How did you handle it?

Tips: collaboration skills

4. Do you have experience with [X technical skill]?

Depending on the specific job and its duties, the hiring manager might ask if you
have specific technical skills like experience handling living cultures, radioisotopes or
viruses. If you can claim that skill, let them know how you have used it successfully.

If you don't have the skills they are looking for, let them know that you're eager to
learn. Mention a time when you built a new skill — more on this below — so they get
a sense that you are motivated to pick up new things and adapt to a new position. Be
sure not to overstate your experience or stretch your skills; that may expose you later
in the process or role if you get the job.

Questions 2, 3, and 4 may be asked as a single question: Describe your research

experience. With what tools, lifeforms, and ecosystems have you worked?

Reveals more about candidate’s experience.

5. Tell me about a time when you learned something new.

Recent graduates might not be able to tick off a long list of technical skills that are
relevant to each position. Employers realize they will need to train entry-level
employers. They want to know that you can learn on the job, so show them that you
can and will develop new skills. Whether you took on some unpaid work, taught
yourself a computer program to better analyze data, or identified a better process, all
of those experiences could serve you well in the interview process.

3. What was your most challenging project and why? What would you do differently?

Shows problem-solving skills and ability to learn from mistakes.

A more common version of the above question: Explain a time when

something went wrong.
As with life, jobs don't always go according to plan. Employers want to see your
problem-solving skills, especially in science-related fields. If you're a person who
excels at thinking through complex issues and asking questions, you will be a
valuable resource in any lab environment. Be prepared to tell a compelling story and
explain how you've changed based on the situation.

"I want a student to be able to demonstrate some of those critical-thinking skills and
problem-solving skills that would help them to stand out among all the other
candidates for a position," says Leatham.

7. Have you ever applied for a grant? What was the result?

Some science jobs will require grant writing. If you have experience writing grant
proposals, let your potential employer know the type of grant you helped write and
how much money it received in funding. If you've never written a grant before,
demonstrate that you have strong writing skills and the ability to learn new
techniques.

2. What do you find appealing about the work our biologists do?

Demonstrates preparedness.

4. Describe your favorite ecosystem or organism. How have you worked with it? Why
is it your favorite?

Demonstrates job knowledge and experience.

8. Do you have any questions for us?

Resist the urge to say "no" and wrap up the interview. You must ask your interviewer
one or two thoughtful questions about the company or the role. Doing so shows that
you understand what the company does and that you're interested in learning even
more about the role.  

"Interviewees should mention research studies or publications that the interviewer

has done," says Leatham. "Demonstrating your depth of knowledge and your
curiosity indicate what you'll be like in the lab setting."

9. Can you come back to spend a day in the lab with us?

Here's your invitation to learn more about the team and the work they are doing. If
you receive this invitation, you will be able to shadow career professionals, ask
questions and demonstrate your skills in a hands-on environment.
Spending a day in the lab will you give a better sense of whether the position and
company are a good fit for you. As great as it is to hear the words "you're hired,"
landing a job that you're truly excited about is just as important.