This document provides guidance on preparing for and conducting a phone interview for an internship program in biomedical research. It emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, including researching the position and organization, developing a list of accomplishments and strengths, and practicing answers to common interview questions. During the phone interview, the applicant should speak clearly and enthusiastically, ask relevant questions, and send a follow up thank you note after the call. The goal is to make the best possible impression over the phone and move closer to securing the internship opportunity.

1. How to prepare for
an Interview

2. University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
RISE Program
Self-Assessment: How Ready Are You for the Interview Process?
Instructions:
Checkmark (√) to the left those tasks you have already completed or planned for.
Place a star (*) to the right of the tasks you need to work on.
Before the Interview
—Do a self-assessment
—Update your resume/curriculum vitae (or make a list of all of your
accomplishments)
— Plan to sell yourself
—Research the institution and interviewer
—Use your alumni network to the best advantage
—Practice typical and targeted interview questions
—Prepare questions to ask
During the Interview
—Select appropriate attire
—Know the location of your interview
—Bring extra copies of your resume or portfolio
—Collect business cards from interviewers
—Show interest in and fit for the job
— Establish the relationship
—Let our personality shine through –confident, natural, focused
After the interview

3. —Send a thank-you note within 24-48 hours of your interview

4. Job Interview Prep Sheet by Louise
Giordanohttp://www.quintcareers.com/job_interview_prep_sheet.html
Position Requirements Your "Stories"
Abilities:
1. Ability to lead
others
2.
2. Ability to be a team
player
3. Ability to
communication
effectively
4. Ability to learn quickly
5. Ability to follow
directives
Ex. Coordinated volunteers to produce on-campus event in.
____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Skills:
1.Bio-medical lab skills:
using equipment and
making measurements
2.Computer skills
related to science
3.People skills
4.Presentation/writing
skills
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Attitude:
1.Inquisitive
2.Determined
3.Hard-working
4. Dedicated
5. Committed
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Knowledge: _____________________________________________

5. 1. Scientific knowledge
Modified by Elena González October 19, 2013
Practice Typical and Targeted Interview Questions
1. —Tell me about yourself.
2. —What are your interests in science?
3. —What are your future goals?
4. —Why are you interested in the internship?
5. —Why are you interested in this field of research?
6. — What type of research are you interested in?
7. — What related experiences do you have?
8. —What are your weaknesses?
9. — What are your strengths?
10. —What leadership experiences have you had?

6. http://www.niaid.nih.gov/LabsAndResources/labs/training/summerInternships/P
ages/phone.aspx
descriptor: video biomedical research internship interview
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases:Summer Internship Program in
Biomedical Research
Phone Interviewing for Internships
Overview of Phone Interviews
Telephone interviewing has become a popular method of refining the applicant pool
because it allows interviewers to interact with a high number of applicants in a very
short period of time.
Although not as formal as a face-to-face interview, telephone interviews should still
be treated with equal seriousness. An interviewer can tell a lot about your style and
personality just by your approach during a phone interview. Interviewers will be
listening for your enthusiasm, technical interest, and knowledge. Taking time to lay
the groundwork is essential for a successful experience.
Preparation is Key
Prepare just as you would if you were meeting your interviewer face to face. Treat
this as a formal meeting.
Research the department or lab that you are interested in joining.
Complete a list of your strengths and weaknesses.
Create a short list of your accomplishments and supportive “talking points” for how
these accomplishments will contribute or relate to the position for which you are
applying.
Create a well-thought-out list of questions regarding the position, course of
research, and current opportunities that may be available to you. Consider the
interview as a two-way street--an opportunity for you to discover if this position is a
good fit to meet your needs and goals, as well as an opportunity for the interviewer
to assess how your skill set fits in with their lab. Some suggested questions are
Should I expect training or an orientation before beginning my internship?
Would I receive a stipend with this position?
Would I have regular meetings with a mentor?
Could you list some tasks and projects I could be involved with?

7. Practice interviewing. For example, have a friend or a family member conduct a
mock interview. Anticipate what types of questions will be asked and rehearse your
answers.
Pre-Interview
Keep your resume/CV in clear view.
Have a pen and paper close at hand for note taking.
Turn off call–waiting so your call is not interrupted.
Clear the room of distracting people and pets.
Turn off other distractions such as the stereo or television.
Consider using a land line as opposed to a cell phone so the call doesn’t get
“dropped.”
During the Interview
Be enthusiastic. The first 15 seconds of the interview are crucial, and the level of
interest in your voice is key.
Take your time. It’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your
thoughts. You may need time to carefully consider an answer before responding;
preface your conversation with the fact that there may be pauses in the discussion
as you do so.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Demonstrate a clear and concise career plan. The interviewer may start with the
question, “Tell me about yourself?” This is not an invitation for you to detail your
personal life. Bring hobbies to light only if they contribute to your overall career
goals and objectives.
Smile. Even if the interviewer is unable to see you, your smile can be heard. Some
people find it helpful to have a mirror close at hand so they can monitor their facial
expressions.
Closing the Call
Thank the interviewer for his or her time, and reinforce your interest in the
position.
Ask the interviewer what the next step is. (You’re looking for actions and time
frames so you will know what you can anticipate.)
It is perfectly acceptable to let the interviewer know that you are considering
another position if that decision has a bearing on your acceptance of this position.

8. After the Interview
Before you hang up, make sure that you have the name of your interviewer and their
office and/or email address. Follow up with a note thanking them for their time and
the opportunity to discuss the position. This is also an ideal opportunity to cover
any additional strengths that you neglected to emphasize during the interview.