Keys to Acing Life-Sciences Interviews: Insider Advice from SEDA
In life-sciences, interviews go far beyond likeability or past experience.
You’re being assessed on whether you can thrive in high-stakes, regulated environments, where precision, procedure, and innovation must go hand in hand without ever compromising safety or quality.
At SEDA Talent, we place candidates into Biotech, MedTech, and Pharma roles every day. We know what hiring managers are really listening for, and what top performers do differently to stand out.
Here’s how to walk into your next interview prepared, confident, and ready to impress.
Know what the interviewer is really looking for
Whether you’re applying for a QA, regulatory affairs, R&D, or operations role, most employers want to assess three things:
- Your technical knowledge
- Your attention to detail and process
- Your ability to communicate clearly and collaborate cross-functionally
Even if you meet all the listed criteria, your ability to demonstrate these behaviours in the interview makes the difference.
Prepare for role-specific and sector-specific questions
Don’t expect generic “tell me about yourself” chats. In life-sciences interviews, you’re more likely to face:
- Technical scenarios (e.g., “How would you handle a deviation in a GMP environment?”)
- Systems questions (e.g., “Which QMS or LIMS tools have you used?”)
- Process-based questions (e.g., “Talk me through your role during an audit.”)
Pro Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and link your answers to regulated frameworks (e.g., ISO 13485, GxP).
Don’t underestimate behavioural and culture-fit questions
In regulated roles, it’s not just what you know, it’s how you perform when the pressure’s on. Calm, clear-headed action can matter just as much as your experience on paper.
Expect to answer:
- “Describe a time you had to flag a quality issue to a senior stakeholder.”
- “How do you manage tasks when priorities shift on-site?”
- “Tell us about a time you took ownership of a problem.”
Pro Tip: Show accountability, process focus, and communication. These qualities matter in team-based environments.
Research the company’s pipeline and focus
Hiring managers want to know that you care about what they’re working on, not just any job.
- Visit the company’s website and news pages
- Look up their products, therapies, or trials
- Know if they’re MHRA-, HPRA-, or FDA-regulated
- Understand where your role fits in their wider mission
Pro Tip: Tailor your answers to show how your skills support their goals (e.g., faster approvals, audit readiness, improved patient outcomes).
Ask smart, relevant questions at the end
The interview isn’t just about them testing you, it’s also your chance to show strategic thinking.
Ask about:
- Team structure and key priorities
- Current regulatory or operational challenges
- Opportunities for training, development, or certification
- How success is measured in the role
Pro Tip: Avoid asking about salary or holidays unless prompted. Focus first on impact and fit.
Final preparation checklist
✔ Review the job spec and your CV side by side
✔ Match your experience to what they need
✔ Prepare 2–3 project examples in detail
✔ Practise answers out loud, especially STAR responses
✔ Research the company and the hiring manager if possible
✔ Be ready with your own thoughtful questions
Land your next life-sciences role with confidence
At SEDA Talent, our support doesn’t stop at the CV.
We’re with you every step of the way, offering mock interviews, insider market insight, and the prep you need to walk into every stage with confidence.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Let’s talk.
