Interviewing for industry

1. Interviewing for industry BEyond MIT Fall 2013

2. Typical hiring process & timeline NOTE: Fiscal and the academic calendars are not the same! Formal offer Submit application Interview Verbal offer (Recruiter) Phone screening Reference check Negotiations Start date Process can last 2 weeks to 8 months = “thank you” note

3. Typical interview involves: • HR interview • 2-5 one-on-one interviews with potential colleagues and bosses • 30-45 minute seminar w/Q & A • Lunch with potential colleague(s)

4. The key to successful interviewing: • Research • Showcase • Connect • People, position, company, projects • Your personality, achievements, potential • Be yourself, ask good questions, listen

5. If you get nothing else from this talk: do your research. • MAKE THE MATCH EASY • Individuals – everyone you will meet • Company – financials to mission statements • Projects – past and present • Competition in the market • Seminar prep – who will be in the room?

6. First impressions really matter. • What are you communicating? • Body language • Attire • Conversational chatter • Interview interactions

7. You must nail the phone interview. • 15 min – 1 hour • Technical question or clarification of your CV • Personality check-in • ADVICE: act as if it were an in-person interview • If you succeed  interview day

8. On interview day, you must speak and listen thoughtfully. • Anticipate your interview day; think like an interviewer. • Research research research • Know your notes internally • Be prepared to ask top-notch questions

9. The best kinds of questions showcase your thinking and understanding. • I’ve notice that, strategically, you go after XXX targets and I’m wondering why you haven’t pursued XXX? • It seems like the industry is really shifting XXX what changes are likely to come for XXX company with this in mind? • I noticed that you studied XXX at Penn, how did you get involved with XXX? • XXX project that you’re working on is really fascinating because XXX. I’m curious to hear about how you are you going to address XXX?

10. Your seminar should share a great story for your audience. Climax Resolution and next steps Your pursuit and challenges Knowledge gap • Highlight how you overcame a challenge • Inconsistency with data • Technical issue Background information

11. Master the art of prompt, thoughtful “thank you” notes. • Note must be sent within 24 hours of visit • Collect business cards during your day • Use a formal and proper tone • Note specific things from your visit • Mention your desire to “join the team”

12. Subject: Thank You Dear Dr. Goldstein, Thank you for meeting with me today to discuss the Senior Scientist II position. Abbvie seems like a strong and stable company that has a fresh new perspective on innovation. I am particularly drawn to the idea of being a part of a new group because it is ripe for fresh ideas and creative thinking. In addition to learning about this position, I also really liked hearing about your passion for fly fishing; I bet you come up with some great ideas for your research on the river! Having spent the day with you and your team, I feel that this position really would be a good fit for me right now. I hope to be considered for the role and look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Bob Bobbino 617.661.6661 LINKEDIN: bobsyouruncle.com

13. 2) Interview day you must have 3 elevator pitches ready: • Your research • What you have been studying • Why it is important • What excites you about it • Your story • Brief overview of your journey to date 3) Why this job? Let’s practice!

14. Other tips: • Use your network and extended network • Bring copies application materials with you • Be prepared with your travel plans and logistics • Show enthusiasm and excitement! SMILE. 