How to Interview for a Research Job

The final hurdle for getting a research job is the interview. During the interview the company hiring is trying to verify that you have the experience you say you have, they are trying to determine if you will fit in with their company an they are trying to develop an overall impression about you. If you have an upcoming interview, follow these steps to make the best impression on your interviewers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Research the company that you will be interviewing with so that you can focus your answers on specific topics that the company will be interested in. A good way to do this is to visit the companies' website and read about their history and mission. If the company is a public company then you can download their investment prospectus.

2. Request a job description for the research position you are interviewing for. This job description will include a list of qualifications the company is looking for, as well as a list of duties. Some of the most common qualifications research jobs require include: advanced degree, research experience, report writing, market testing and ability to use various pieces of equipment. Study this description so that you can highlight the experience, skills and training that you have that will meet their requirements. Having this information on the tip of your tongue will help you to look professional and highly qualified.

3. Create a list of possible questions that your interviewer may ask you. Then practice your responses. Some questions that you need to be prepared to answer include: (1) what research experience do you have; (2) what equipment are you comfortable working with; (3) what leadership experience do you have; (4) what research projects have you been associated with; (5) what experience do you have with planning a research project; (6) what research software programs have you used and how did you use it; and (7) are you familiar working with Universal Safety Precautions?

4. Dress professionally and arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. When you arrive at your research job interview you will most likely be asked to fill out paperwork before the interview begins. After filling out your paperwork review information about the company.

5. Shakes hands firmly, make eye contact and introduce yourself to your interviewer. Make sure you remember the name of your interviewer or interviewers. You can then use their names during the interview.

6. Listen carefully to the questions that are being asked and answer them completely and honestly. Try to focus your answers on topics that you know are important to the firm or company that you are interviewing with. Refer to the information you learned in earlier steps about the mission statement and function of the company. When asked questions about your experience and training, focus your answers on the skills and experience that related to items listed on the research job description.

7. Ask the interviewer some questions about the company and the current projects that they are working on. Again you can use your company research from prior steps to help you focus on specific company projects. This will let the interviewer know that you have a serious interest in the company and you will make a stronger impression on the interviewer then if you don't ask them any questions.