November 27, 2009
By BioSpace.com
Landing a research assistantship is an important step toward establishing yourself in a health or science related profession. You will work closely with an expert, gain hands on experience and may ease the financial burden of attending graduate school or an internship program. The process usually involves filling out an application, submitting a curriculum vitae (a more in-depth version of a resume) and participating in an interview. Since it is likely that many other qualified students or researchers will be competing for the same position, you need to find a way to distinguish yourself. Preparing yourself properly for the interview can make or break your chances of securing the spot.
1. Do your homework.
Prepare for the interview by reading up on the details of the assistantship, project, institute/hospital/university, and principal investigator(s). You want to convey to the interviewer that you are inquisitive and capable of doing research. This information can also help you tailor your responses in the best way for the position and gives you something to ask about if given the opportunity.
2. Plan your responses.
Anticipate possible questions, and be prepared to answer them. Most likely you will be asked the same questions as the other applicants as well as some specific to your background. Know your strengths, and find positive ways to answer questions aimed at uncovering weaknesses or negative experiences. If you do not have experience in research, find ways to highlight other strengths and your ability to learn quickly. Answer questions in a way that lets the principal investigator know you are capable of performing necessary tasks. Candidates who have conducted research as part of a dissertation, thesis, clinical trial or some other project, will most likely be asked to talk about the experience. This may include questions on why you chose a particular topic, ethical principles, methods of analyzing data and what you learned.
3. Practice empathy.
Put yourself in the interviewer’s position, and envision the type of person you would want as an assistant. Rather than focus on reasons why you want the position, point out ways you will benefit the research. For example, consider the question “Why did you apply for the assistantship?” A response that reveals how your interest and skills are an ideal match for the project will resonate better than your need for money or desire to get ahead.
4. Emphasize special skills.
Not all assistantships are alike. Some researchers are looking for assistants to manage data (assist with collection, data entry and statistical tests) while others may expect additional responsibilities such as teaching, identifying funding opportunities, grant writing, publishing, and presenting outcomes. Most candidates will have the same education as you and possibly more research experience. Highlight ways your technical skills will benefit the project and how your communication competence will play into teaching, recruitment (whether for promoting a particular program or finding test subjects) and sharing results. Listening is a skill that is highly valued in the field yet often overlooked by applicants. Pay close attention as the interviewer describes the research or clinical trial so you can ask good questions. This will indicate your interest in the research as well as your ability to listen.
5. Presenting yourself.
Although much of the interview will be weighed on your responses, the interviewer will also be affected by your nonverbal cues. Make eye contact. Sit with a comfortable, upright posture. Dress appropriately; this is even more important if you will be working directly with patients or human subjects. You probably submitted written materials (curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, publications) during the application process, but bring extra copies to the interview in case the interviewer needs them as well as a paper and pen to jot down notes. Also bring a planner or PDA—your availability will most likely be discussed. Having everything in hand shows you are organized and prepared, skills valued in research.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
What to Expect at Your Biotech Job Interview
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