The 5-Step Formula to Master Any STEM Interview

STEM interviews can be daunting, especially when you’re competing for a role that requires both technical expertise and soft skills. But the good news is, with the right preparation and mindset, you can significantly improve your chances of success.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple 5-step formula to help you master any STEM interview and stand out from the competition.

Step 1: Research the Company and Role Thoroughly

Before you even think about tackling technical questions, your first step should be researching the company and the role you’re applying for. Understanding the company's goals, projects, and culture will not only help you tailor your responses but also demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.

• Check the company’s website: Read up on recent projects, their mission statement, and any specific areas of research or development they are focusing on.

• Look for recent news: If the company has been in the news for a major product launch or breakthrough, make sure you mention it in the interview.

• Analyse the job description: Highlight key responsibilities and required skills in the job listing. These are the areas you’ll want to emphasise during the interview.

Try to incorporate specific details into your answers, such as “I noticed your recent work in renewable energy solutions. I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to these initiatives because…”

Step 2: Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

STEM interviews often come with technical assessments or questions that gauge your understanding of core concepts. While you can’t predict exactly what will be asked, you can prepare by reviewing the basics and practising problem-solving in your field.

• Review academic notes and textbooks: Go over core subjects related to the role, such as programming languages, data analysis techniques, engineering principles, or lab methods.

• Practise coding or problem-solving: For tech roles, platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codewars are great for practising coding challenges. For engineering or science-based roles, work through common industry problems.

• Stay updated on industry trends: Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in your field, whether that’s artificial intelligence, renewable energy, or biomedical advancements.

If you don’t know the answer to a technical question during the interview, don’t panic. Instead, explain your thought process and how you would approach finding a solution. Employers value problem-solving skills as much as the right answer.

Step 3: Prepare for Competency-Based Questions

Competency-based or behavioural questions are used to assess your soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and time management. These questions often begin with “Tell me about a time when…” and require you to provide examples from your academic or professional experience.

• Use the STAR technique: Structure your answers using Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

  • Situation: Briefly explain the context of the example.

  • Task: Describe the challenge or responsibility you faced.

  • Action: Focus on what you did to resolve the issue.

  • Result: Explain the positive outcome, whether that’s a successful project or a lesson learned.

Example: "In my final-year project (Situation), I was responsible for developing a prototype energy-saving algorithm (Task). I led a team of four, and we used Python to model various usage scenarios (Action). Our model improved energy efficiency by 20%, which was well received by our supervisors (Result)."

Prepare several examples from your academic projects, internships, or volunteer work that demonstrate your problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability.

Step 4: Practice Communication Skills

In STEM roles, being able to clearly communicate complex ideas is essential, whether you're explaining technical details to a non-specialist or collaborating with a team. How you articulate your ideas in the interview can make a lasting impression on your interviewer.

• Explain technical concepts simply: Try explaining a project or concept to a friend or family member who doesn’t have a technical background. If they understand, you’re on the right track.

• Be concise but thorough: Avoid overly long-winded answers. Instead, stick to the key points and avoid too much jargon unless specifically asked for.

• Listen carefully: Communication isn’t just about speaking. Make sure you’re listening to the interviewer's questions and clarifying anything you don’t fully understand.

During technical discussions, break your answers into smaller steps to make sure the interviewer is following along. This also gives you time to think through more complex questions.

Step 5: End with Thoughtful Questions

An interview is a two-way street. At the end, when asked if you have any questions, it’s crucial to show you’ve been engaged and are thinking about your future within the company. Thoughtful questions not only demonstrate your interest but also give you valuable insights into whether the company is the right fit for you.

• Ask about the company’s future: Questions like, “What are the company’s main goals over the next few years?” or “How does the team stay ahead of emerging trends in technology?” show that you’re thinking long-term.

• Enquire about team dynamics: Understanding the team structure and company culture can help you assess whether it’s the right environment for you. Questions like, “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with?” are good options.

• Clarify the role’s growth opportunities: Ask about the potential for career development, such as, “What does a typical career path look like for someone in this role?”

Avoid asking questions about salary or benefits in the first interview. Focus on questions that reflect your interest in the job and the company’s values instead.

Mastering a STEM interview is all about preparation and confidence. By following this 5-step formula – researching the company, brushing up on technical knowledge, preparing for competency-based questions, practising communication skills, and asking thoughtful questions – you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any interview.

Remember, interviews are as much about showcasing your potential as they are about your past experiences. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll not only impress your interviewers but also take a major step forward in your STEM career.