After submitting his résumé and cover letter to a lab, a client was invited to have an interview at the lab for a researcher position in the Boston area. I coached him to help him prepare for the interview. The interview went very well, and this is what he had to say about it in an email. This is all about improving interview skills for medical researchers.
“Hi Steve
Interview went very well. Compared to last interview, it was much better. She asked me why I decided to leave my last position, and she asked me why I was applying for this position. I took your suggestion about how to answer these questions. She also asked whether I had any questions. I asked the questions as you modified them, and this was very helpful. Overall, I felt that this interview was better than the interviews I had for lab positions before your help.
I was not sure about the questions to ask and felt neutral about them but not really confident. I thought you would change them to make them better. As I expected, you did. So I want to let you know that I am aware now of when language is not the best. I think I improved because now I can feel when something isn’t right. I have better ideas now for answering questions in better way. Thank you so much for your help.
Gratefully,
Ravi R.
Revising Communication
Why are you applying for this position? Original
I have three reasons that I applied to this position. First, it matches my skills and abilities and my three years of experiences in the laboratory of GI epithelial biology. This is the lab I’ve been looking for, a place where my background, experience and skills can be put to use and make things happen. Second, I feel that this position will enable me to demonstrate my abilities and skills and make a contribution in an area I have studied in. Last, In my current position in the GI research, I found that I am most interested in the immunological and epigenetic aspects at work and so I decided to shift my career into that area and I also find this position seems interesting and challenging and I look forward to making progress in my career in that direction.
Why are you applying for this position? Revised
I’m applying for this position because it matches my skills and abilities and my experience in the laboratory at XRV biology. This is the lab I’ve been looking for, a place where my background, experience and skills can be put to use, get things done, and make great accomplishments. This lab will be able to take full advantage of my skills knowledge, and experience. Recently, I’ve been intrigued by immunological and epigenetic aspects of molecular research, which is where I’ve decided to shift my career. I believe this position will be very challenging, and I’ll be a strong contributor to the research at this lab.
Why did you leave your last lab position? Original
I decided to leave from the current lab because I am deeply interested in doing molecular research, so I think this position would provide me a better chance to shift toward my area of interest. Next, I would like the Opportunity to work in a more technologically advanced environment. Last, I would also like to take a more challenging position.
Why did you leave your last job? Revised
I decided to leave my last research position because I am deeply interested in doing molecular research. I believe this position will allow me to contribute to growth and progress in an area that fascinates me. I would, also, appreciate an opportunity to work in a more technologically advanced environment.