By Cameron Barrus (Senior Director of RPO & Project Management) and Christine Tsouros (Vice President of RPO & Project Management)
The hiring landscape has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with virtual interviews becoming the norm due to pandemic-induced restrictions. However, as the world adjusts to a post-pandemic reality, the life sciences industry is witnessing a return to in-person interviews. While virtual interviews offer undeniable convenience, we at PharmaLogics Recruiting believe that there is an unmatched value in face-to-face interactions, especially when it comes to making pivotal hiring decisions.
Virtual Interviews: A Modern Solution
Virtual interviews surged in popularity during the pandemic, and their practicality remains a significant draw for many organizations. Often, we found that virtual interviews expedited the hiring process, with less time spent coordinating schedules and no travel required.
In a virtual set-up, candidates could engage from a familiar environment, which helped reduce stress and increase focus. The ability to connect with talent across cities and state lines without logistical hurdles has also been a game-changer.
However, these benefits come with notable drawbacks. Primarily, you miss out on the intangible elements that come with being in the same room as someone.
In a virtual setting, it can often be more challenging to build authentic connections and gauge a person’s energy. Subtle cues like body language, tone, and enthusiasm become more difficult to discern through a screen.
We also noticed that virtual interviews sometimes enable complacency. Candidates may rely on notes or search for answers online during the interview, making it difficult to assess genuine preparedness.
In-Person Interviews: The Human Connection
In contrast, in-person interviews offer a richer, more comprehensive experience for both candidates and employers. We’ve seen firsthand how face-to-face interactions allow for deeper connections, particularly in the life sciences industry, where collaboration and innovation thrive on personal relationships.
When you meet someone in person, you gain a deeper understanding of who they are. You see how they carry themselves, how they interact, and how they respond to real-time scenarios. Body language, eye contact, and overall demeanor provide invaluable insights that simply don’t translate on a screen.
Additionally, in-person interviews allow candidates to immerse themselves in the company’s environment and envision themselves as part of the team. They can meet potential colleagues, observe team dynamics, and get a feel for the workspace. Experiencing the culture firsthand can be a deciding factor for candidates, especially if they’re choosing between multiple offers.
Of course, in-person interviews require more logistical planning, especially if candidates are traveling from different cities or states. The time and costs involved can be significant, and the process may take longer to accommodate these factors. Despite these hurdles, we believe the depth of information gained and the connections made during in-person interviews often justify the investment.
Virtual vs. In-Person: Finding the Right Balance
Rather than viewing virtual and in-person interviews as mutually exclusive, we advocate for a hybrid approach. Use virtual interviews for initial screenings or roles that don’t require a high degree of interpersonal interaction. But for roles where collaboration, culture fit, or client-facing skills are critical, in-person interviews are invaluable.
Some people don’t shine in virtual settings but excel in person, and vice versa. Tailoring the interview format to the role and situation ensures you’re making the most informed decision.
Tips for Life Sciences Candidates Preparing for In-Person Interviews
If you’re stepping back into the world of face-to-face interviews, preparation is key. Here are some actionable tips to ensure you leave a lasting impression:
Before the Interview
- Exude professionalism: Dress appropriately and maintain confident body language.
- Research thoroughly: Learn about the company, its culture, and the individuals you’ll be meeting.
- Overprepare: Be ready to discuss your skills, experience, and fit for the role.
- Plan your route: Familiarize yourself with the interview location and allow extra time for unexpected delays.
- Prepare for contingencies: Bring a spare outfit, an umbrella, and other essentials to tackle unforeseen challenges.
During the Interview
- Arrive early: Aim to be there 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time, allowing for ample opportunity to compose yourself and calm your nerves.
- Stay present: Avoid distractions like your phone even while waiting.
- Engage fully: Make eye contact, listen actively, and ask thoughtful questions.
- Display confidence: Turn nervous energy into enthusiasm, and don’t hesitate to show genuine excitement about the opportunity.
The Transformative Potential of In-Person Interviews in Life Sciences
In life sciences, the hiring process takes on a profound significance. In-person interviews serve as more than a procedural step—they become a dynamic exchange that fosters understanding and alignment between candidates and employers.
For candidates, stepping into a company’s physical space can be revelatory. It’s not just about seeing the layout of a lab or the vibrancy of an office; it’s about feeling the rhythm of the organization. These subtle yet impactful observations often shape a candidate’s enthusiasm for the role in ways that a virtual tour or an online conversation cannot.
From a recruiter or hiring manager’s perspective, meeting a candidate face-to-face uncovers dimensions of their personality and potential that are hard to assess through a screen. The way someone shakes hands, their natural reactions during a conversation, or even how they navigate unexpected questions can provide a deeper sense of their fit for the team and the role.
In-person interviews also offer an opportunity for mutual investment. Both the candidate and the company dedicate more time and effort to the process, signaling a shared commitment to finding the right fit. This level of engagement not only strengthens the connection but also sets the tone for a collaborative and motivated working relationship moving forward.
Human Connection: The Key to Successful Partnerships in Life Sciences
While virtual interviews have revolutionized the hiring process with convenience and efficiency, the value of cultivating in-person moments cannot be understated—especially in life sciences where the mission often transcends business objectives to address human health and well-being. They enable both parties to move beyond resumes and job descriptions, focusing instead on the shared purpose and potential that make a successful partnership possible. Ultimately, the power of being in-person often lies in the human connections it fosters, deepening trust and collaboration that can’t always be captured through a screen.
At PharmaLogics Recruiting, we believe in the power of meaningful, in-person connections to unlock the best opportunities in life sciences. Let us help you find the perfect fit, where your skills and passion can thrive. Get in touch with us today and take the next step toward your ideal career!
About Cameron Barrus
Cameron Barrus is a Senior Director of RPO and Project Management at PharmaLogics Recruiting. She has 6 years of experience within the life sciences sector. Cameron specializes in placing exceptional talent that aligns with both the strategic goals of companies and the career aspirations of individuals. From identifying hard-to-find candidates to supporting organizations in scaling operations, she takes great pride in facilitating connections that drive success.
By leveraging a strong network, industry insights, and a passion for matching talent with opportunity, Cameron empowers both professionals and companies to reach their highest potential. Whether supporting fast-growing startups or established enterprises, Cameron is committed to driving results that help clients and candidates thrive.
About Christine Tsouros
Christine Tsouros is an accomplished Vice President of RPO Project Management, bringing over 11 and a half years of experience in the life sciences industry. Throughout her career, Christine has been instrumental in managing a wide range of recruitment projects—both small and large—in diverse global markets. Her deep understanding of the complexities within the life sciences sector has enabled her to lead teams with strategic foresight and precision, ensuring successful talent acquisition solutions across multiple regions.
Known for her passion for building lasting relationships with top industry professionals, Christine excels at identifying and securing high-caliber talent for her clients. She is deeply committed to exceeding expectations, consistently delivering exceptional service, and ensuring her clients’ needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and efficiency. Her expertise spans various facets of recruitment, from team leadership to stakeholder management, making her a trusted partner for organizations seeking innovative recruitment strategies.