10 Essential Interview Tips That'll Help You Land Your Dream Life Sciences Role

Got an interview coming up? I get it – even seasoned professionals feel those pre-interview nerves.

But here's the thing: with the right preparation, you can walk into any interview feeling confident and ready to showcase exactly why you're the perfect fit.

The life sciences industry is evolving fast in 2025, and so are interviews. Companies are streamlining their processes and showing more willingness to consider remote hires.

Whether you're interviewing for a regulatory role, clinical research position, or biotech startup, these 10 tips will help you stand out from the competition.

The life sciences industry is evolving fast in 2025, and so are interviews. Companies are streamlining their processes and showing more willingness to consider remote hires. Whether you're interviewing for a regulatory role, clinical research position, or biotech startup, these 10 tips will help you stand out from the competition.

1. Do Your Homework (But Make It Interesting)

Sure, everyone says "research the company," but let me be specific.

Don't just memorize their mission statement. Dig into their recent pipeline updates, regulatory submissions, or partnership announcements.

Check their LinkedIn for recent hires or promotions. Look at their competitors and understand where they fit in the market.

I once had a candidate who mentioned a specific clinical trial the company had just initiated that week. The hiring manager was impressed – not just because they knew about it, but because it showed they were actively following the company's progress.

2. Master Your Story (All of It)

You know your resume, but can you tell compelling stories about each experience?

Practice explaining your biggest achievements, toughest challenges, and career transitions.

Be ready to discuss specific projects, methodologies you've used, and outcomes you've delivered.

Here's a pro tip: prepare 3-4 detailed stories that showcase different skills. That way, no matter what they ask, you have concrete examples ready to go.

3. Get Comfortable with Virtual and Hybrid Formats

Hybrid interview structures are becoming vital in 2025.

You might have a phone screen, video interview, and in-person final round all in one process.

Test your tech beforehand – nothing kills momentum like fumbling with mute buttons or poor audio quality.

For virtual interviews, treat them like in-person meetings.

Dress fully professional (yes, even the parts they can't see), maintain eye contact with the camera, and have a clean, well-lit background.

4. Prepare for Technical Deep-Dives

Life sciences interviews often include technical assessments. Whether it's discussing GMP protocols, clinical trial design, or regulatory pathways, be ready to go deep.

Review current guidelines, refresh yourself on industry standards, and think through real scenarios where you've applied this knowledge.

Don't just memorize facts – be prepared to discuss how you'd handle complex situations or solve specific problems.

5. Show Your Industry Awareness

AI-driven drug discovery, lab automation, and personalized medicine are shaping the future of life sciences. Demonstrate that you understand these trends and how they might impact the role you're interviewing for.

This doesn't mean you need to be an AI expert, but showing awareness of industry evolution signals that you're someone who stays current and thinks strategically.

6. Ask Questions That Matter

Your questions reveal how you think and what you prioritize. Instead of asking about vacation policies, ask about the team's biggest challenges, upcoming projects, or how success is measured in the role.

Some of my favorites: "What would a typical first 90 days look like?" or "What opportunities do you see for this department in the next year?"

7. Demonstrate Cultural Intelligence

Life sciences companies are increasingly global, and showing cultural awareness matters. If the company operates across multiple markets, mention relevant experience with international regulations, cross-cultural collaboration, or multi-site coordination.

Even if you haven't worked internationally, showing curiosity about global perspectives can set you apart.

8. Be Ready to Discuss Remote Work

The industry is showing more openness to remote hiring, but companies want to know you can be effective in flexible work arrangements. Have examples of successful remote collaboration, self-management, or virtual team leadership ready to share.

9. Showcase Your Problem-Solving Process

Life sciences is all about solving complex problems with limited information. Walk through your thought process when discussing challenges you've faced. Explain how you gather data, evaluate options, and make decisions under pressure.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), but focus especially on your thinking process and how you adapted when things didn't go as planned.

10. Follow Up Thoughtfully

A thank-you email is expected, but make it count. Reference specific conversation points, reiterate your interest, and if appropriate, share additional thoughts or resources that came up during your discussion.

Timing matters too – send it within 24 hours, but not immediately. You want to seem prompt, not overeager.

The Bottom Line

Great interviews feel like conversations between colleagues, not interrogations. When you're well-prepared, you can focus on building rapport and showing how you'd contribute to their team's success.

Remember, they're not just evaluating you – you're evaluating them too. The right role should feel like a mutual fit, where your skills and interests align with their needs and culture.

Ready to ace your next interview? At PNJ Global, we help life sciences professionals navigate every step of their career journey. From interview preparation to salary negotiation, we're here to support your success.

Contact us to learn how we can help you land your next great opportunity in life sciences.