Preparing for a telephone or video interview for a science job

Initial interviews are usually relatively informal conversations designed to establish whether you're a good fit for the position, and equally importantly, whether the opportunity is right for you. But don't mistake informal for unimportant! A little preparation can make all the difference.

Here are our top tips to help you make the most of that first conversation.

1. Do your homework

Before your interview, spend some time researching the company. Explore their website, understand their products or services, who their customers are and where they sit within the scientific industry.

It's also worth looking up your interviewers on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and roles within the business.

Revisit the job description and familiarise yourself with your CV. Be ready to talk confidently about your experience, responsibilities and achievements, particularly those relevant to the position you're interviewing for.

Our tip: Have a copy of your CV and the job description in front of you during the interview. One of the advantages of a telephone or video interview is that you can refer to notes discreetly!

2. Be prepared to explain your motivation

One of the main purposes of an initial interview is to understand why you're interested in the opportunity.

Expect questions such as:

• What do you know about our company?

• Why are you interested in this position?

• What attracted you to our organisation?

• What could you bring to the team?

• Why are you considering leaving your current role?

Think about your answers beforehand, but avoid rehearsing them word for word. You want to sound enthusiastic and genuine, not as though you're reading from a script!

If you're moving jobs, keep your reasons positive and focused on what you're looking for next rather than criticising previous employers.

3. Brush up on your technical knowledge

For scientific jobs, even an initial interview may involve technical questions.

Be prepared to discuss the techniques, instrumentation and methodologies you've used, and importantly, your understanding of the science behind them.

For example, if you're interviewing for an analytical chemistry position, you might be asked about your experience with HPLC or mass spectrometry, how you've approached troubleshooting or why you've selected a particular analytical method.

Don't panic if you don't know an answer! Be honest, explain your thought process and demonstrate a willingness to learn. Interviewers sometimes ask increasingly difficult questions to establish the limits of your knowledge, so not knowing everything doesn't necessarily mean you've performed badly.

4. Prepare some examples of your experience

Although more detailed competency-based questions often come later in the interview process, it's worth preparing a few examples of situations where you've demonstrated relevant skills.

Think about times you've:

• Solved a technical problem or overcome an unexpected challenge.

• Worked effectively as part of a team.

• Managed competing priorities or tight deadlines.

• Adapted to a new technique or unfamiliar task.

• Handled a mistake or learnt from something that didn't go to plan.

Keep your examples relevant to the role and be ready to explain what you personally contributed and what the outcome was.

5. Get the practical details right

It sounds obvious, but technical difficulties or interruptions can throw you off before you've even started!

For telephone interviews:

• Double-check the time, contact details and who will be calling whom.

• Find somewhere quiet with good phone reception.

• Make sure your phone is charged and turn off notifications.

• Have your CV, the job description, a notebook and a glass of water handy.

For video interviews:

• Test your camera, microphone and internet connection beforehand, and make sure you're familiar with the meeting software.

• Position your camera at eye level, ideally showing your head and shoulders.

• Choose a quiet location with a tidy, neutral background and good lighting.

• Dress appropriately, just as you would for an in-person interview (yes, that includes your bottom half, just in case you need to stand up!).

• Look towards the camera when speaking to create the equivalent of eye contact.

• Avoid distractions from phones, pets or other people.

And remember to allow a little extra time in case the interview starts late or runs over.

6. Remember, it's a conversation!

An interview shouldn't feel like an interrogation. Listen carefully, take a moment to consider your answers and don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you're unsure what the interviewer means.

Be positive, enthusiastic and let your personality come through. Employers want to understand not only your technical capabilities but also how you'd fit into their team.

Have a few questions prepared, too. For example:

• What would a typical day in this role look like?

• What are the team's current priorities or challenges?

• What training and development opportunities are available?

• What do you enjoy most about working for the company?

These questions demonstrate genuine interest whilst helping you decide whether the opportunity is right for you.

7. Finish on a positive note

If you've enjoyed the conversation and you're interested in progressing, tell them!

You don't need to make a grand speech, but a simple acknowledgement that you've enjoyed learning more about the role and would be keen to take things further can leave a positive final impression.

You can also ask about the next steps and expected timescales.

Finally, be yourself!

It's natural to feel nervous before an interview, particularly when it's for a job you're really excited about. But remember, you've been invited to interview because the employer has already seen something they like in your application.

Prepare thoroughly, be honest about your experience and approach the conversation with enthusiasm. You're not expected to know everything, and the interview is just as much about deciding whether the role is right for you.

Interviewing for a scientific role through VRS? We're here to help you prepare. As scientists ourselves, we understand the technical requirements of the positions we recruit for and can offer tailored advice to help you put your best foot forward.

Good luck!