Breaking Down the Pharma, Biotech & Medtech Interview Process (So You’re Not Going In Blind)

Let’s be real—trying to get into pharma, biotech or medtech can feel like navigating a maze with zero signage. Every company does it slightly differently, but there is a general flow that most follow. And if you’re trying to break in, understanding that process can be the edge you need to stop ghosting and start getting callbacks.

Here’s a real-world breakdown of how it usually works, especially with big-name companies:

The Dreaded ATS Submission

Most large companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)—think Workday, Taleo, SuccessFactors. These platforms are designed to manage high volumes of applicants, which means you're often asked to upload your CV and manually fill in everything from your CV again (yes, we hate it too).

➡️ Pro tip: Even if it’s boring and repetitive, filling out everything properly gives you a better chance of making it through the system’s filters. Always include a tailored cover letter when prompted—it’s not always read, but when it is, it counts.

After you submit? You wait. It might be a week, it might be a month. Sometimes, silence is just part of the game.

The Screening Call: HR or Internal Recruiter

If your application makes it through the ATS filters and catches a human eye, you’ll typically get invited to a screening call. This is usually with an HR Manager or internal recruiter, and it’s designed to cut the list of candidates down to a top 5-ish before passing them to the hiring manager.

Expect questions like:

How did you hear about the role?
Why are you looking to leave your current role?
Can you briefly walk me through your experience?
What are your salary expectations?
When could you start?

This isn’t the time to deep-dive into technical brilliance—it’s more of a vibe and alignment check. And just FYI, I’m seeing more and more companies using AI chatbots to schedule these calls (and in some cases, even conduct them).

Interview with the Hiring Manager (aka Your Future Boss)

This is where things start to get real.

The hiring manager is typically the person who opened the role—they know exactly what they need and they’ll be assessing how you stack up against that wishlist.

Expect this round to focus on:

Role-specific experience
Soft skills (collaboration, communication, problem-solving)
How you approach challenges and adapt to change
Your fit with the team’s vibe and culture

Depending on the company, you may also meet one or two team members or cross-functional partners in this same round. Think: Medical Affairs chatting with someone from Regulatory or Commercial.

Final Interview (Maybe): A Senior Leader or VP

Some companies—especially mid-to-large pharma and biotech—will include a final round with a VP or senior leader. This person usually holds budget power or is a strategic decision-maker.

They’re less focused on technical stuff and more on:

Strategic fit
Leadership potential
How you stack up vs. the final 2–3 candidates
Whether you’re a long-term value add to the team

This conversation will be higher-level—expect broader questions about how you operate, collaborate, and see yourself growing.

Bonus Tip: Every Company Is Slightly Different

Smaller biotechs might skip some steps and move faster. Medtech startups may go straight to the hiring manager. And global pharma giants? Expect a marathon, not a sprint.

Want to understand a specific company’s hiring process? Check out their careers page. Many will outline what you can expect, including how long the process typically takes.

TL;DR:

Here’s your rough roadmap:

ATS Application – upload your CV, fill everything in again, maybe a cover letter
HR/Recruiter Screening Call – alignment check, basic questions, salary chat
Hiring Manager Interview – role-specific deep dive, team fit, competency-based questions
(Optional) Senior Stakeholder Round – final sign-off, big-picture fit

If you're feeling stuck, unsure how to tailor your CV, or need help prepping for your interviews—don’t go it alone.

Book a 1:1 with us to glow up your CV, refine your interview answers, and make sure your LinkedIn actually sells you. Let’s get you hired—and not just by any company, but the right one.