How “Pre-Interview Priming” Pays Off

Imagine this: Alex has just applied for a Biostatistics role at a biotech company that is working on cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments—a field they’re passionate about. The company’s research aligns perfectly with Alex’s graduate work, and they feel confident about their qualifications. But rather than sitting back and waiting for a response, Alex decides to take a proactive approach that could set them apart from other candidates.

Here’s what Alex does next:

They search LinkedIn and find a senior biostatistician at the company—someone who recently gave a talk at a conference Alex attended. The talk covered innovative approaches to handling missing data in oncology trials, which just happens to be one of Alex’s areas of interest.

Alex sends a short, thoughtful message:

“Hi [Name], I really appreciated your recent talk at the [Conference Name]—your point about [Specific Insight] stuck with me. I just applied to the biostatistics role at [Company], and I’d love to hear a bit more about your team’s work if you’re open to connecting.”

The senior biostatistician responds, and over the next few days, they exchange a few messages—discussing study design choices, sharing resources, and talking about the nuances of real-world data versus controlled trial settings.

The rapport is genuine, and the conversation is rooted in shared interests, so when Alex suggests a short Zoom chat, the invitation feels natural—not transactional.

The 15-minute conversation goes like this:

• Alex listens more than they talk.

• They ask insightful questions, showing they’ve done their homework and are genuinely interested in the team’s work.

• Alex shares just enough about their own background to demonstrate alignment with the team’s direction.

A few days later, when the hiring manager reviews Alex’s resume, it’s not just a name among many applicants. It’s Alex—the biostatistician who had a great conversation with someone on the team, the one who asked smart questions, and the one who already feels like a fit. This early visibility doesn’t guarantee an offer, but it dramatically increases the chances of securing an interview.

💡 Action Step: Reflect on What You Can Learn from Alex’s Pre-Interview Priming

Think about how Alex approached their pre-interview priming. What could you learn from their strategy? What shared interests or experiences can you identify with someone on the hiring team? Brainstorm a few key insights you could ask about in a brief, thoughtful message. Focus on building rapport and demonstrating your genuine interest in their work, just like Alex did. This approach can set you apart and help you get noticed in a competitive field.