Graduate school is mostly about getting students ready for jobs in academia, and those who chose other wildlife biology jobs aren’t given much attention. It can be hard to know what to expect when you haven’t been on the job market since 2003, especially at a new level (post Ph.D.). D. ).
I used career websites to look for general job interview questions when I was applying for jobs in wildlife biology after college. As I’ve learned more and gained more experience, it can be hard to find out what kinds of questions are common in job interviews. Here I have listed the questions that I have been asked the most since getting my Ph. D. They are broken down into categories of importance and breadth.
Landing your dream conservation job requires more than just passion and expertise. Acing the interview is crucial, and that means being ready to answer a range of questions that delve into your knowledge, experience, and problem-solving skills.
This comprehensive guide equips you with the essential questions you’re likely to encounter in a conservation interview, along with insightful tips and sample answers to help you shine
Absolute MUSTS: The Foundation of Your Interview Success
These are the questions that interviewers are highly likely to ask, so make sure you’re prepared to answer them confidently and effectively.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question assesses your career aspirations and alignment with the organization’s goals.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Be honest and self-aware, highlighting your strengths relevant to the position and demonstrating your ability to identify and address areas for improvement.
- Why do you want this job?
Clearly show that you care about the group’s goals and how your skills and experience can help them reach their goals.
- What can you bring to this job/Why are you a good fit for this job?
Find ways to connect your skills and experiences to the job’s requirements and show what makes you special.
- Tell me about yourself and how you got to where you are.
Share your career journey, emphasizing your relevant experiences and achievements that demonstrate your passion for conservation
- How well do you work on teams? Independently? Which do you prefer?
Demonstrate your adaptability and ability to thrive in both collaborative and independent settings
Tell Me a Story Showcasing Your Problem-Solving Prowess
These questions assess your ability to think critically and creatively to overcome challenges.
- Tell me a time you experienced a difficult situation and worked through it.
- Tell me about a time you used creativity in your work.
- Can you describe a situation where you had to deal with an under-performing employee?
- Tell me about a time when you worked with a difficult personality.
Structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to show how well you can solve problems and make things work out for the best.
Research-focused Questions: Demonstrating Your Expertise
These questions will be specific to the job you’re applying for, so be ready to show what you know and have done in that field.
- What kinds of software/programs have you used?
- Tell me about your field experiences.
- What is a postdoc to you?
- If you had a million dollar grant, what kind of research project would you pursue?
- How are collections and museums important to scientific research?
- What funding sources will you pursue?
Write responses that are thorough and show that you know about the field, research methods, and funding opportunities.
Conservation-Specific Questions: Unveiling Your Passion and Knowledge
These questions delve into your understanding of conservation issues and your commitment to making a difference.
- What do you see as the most important issue in conservation today? How would you address it?
- Who is your conservation hero?
- Do you see “conservation” and “preservation” differently?
Share your insights on pressing conservation challenges, demonstrate your knowledge of different approaches, and express your passion for protecting our planet’s biodiversity.
Science Communication: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Society
If your role involves communicating science to the public, be prepared to showcase your communication skills.
- Tell me about an area of your research as if I were an eight year old.
- Give a short (5-10) minute general audience talk on any part of your research.
Practice your presentation skills, simplify complex concepts, and engage your audience with clear, concise, and enthusiastic communication.
Other Questions: Exploring Your Personality and Fit
- What do you do for fun?
- What do you like most about your current job? Least?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
Be genuine and authentic in your responses, showcasing your personality and fit within the organization’s culture.
Good Questions to Ask Them: Turning the Tables
Asking insightful questions demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and the organization.
- What will a successful year look like?
- What are your expectations for publishing?
- What is your mentoring style?
- What is the work environment/lab like?
- What does a typical day look like for this position?
- For past employees of the same position that have performed well, what made their performance outstanding?
- Are there any reservations you have about my fit for the position that I could address?
- What is your timeline for getting back to candidates, and what are the next steps?
Prepare a list of questions that address your concerns and help you gain a better understanding of the position and the organization.
Additional Advice: Making a Lasting Impression
- Dress the Part: First impressions matter, so dress professionally and appropriately for the organization’s culture.
- Skype/Phone Interviews: Ensure your background is professional and your technology is working smoothly.
- Be Prepared: Thoroughly research the organization and the position, and practice your answers to common interview questions.
By following these tips and preparing for the questions outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to ace your conservation interview and land your dream job.
Science Communication Questions:
If the job you’re applying for involves communicating science to a large group of people, you should be ready to give a short, presentation-style talk.
- As if I were eight years old, tell me about a subject you study.
- Give a short (5–10 minute) talk to anyone about any part of your research.
- When you were asked, “What do you do for fun?” I had to think back to a time when I had more time for this because I had just finished my dissertation.
- What do you like most about your current job? Least?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
Tell me a Story Questions:
These types of questions are designed to provide the interviewer with information on you ability to solve problems. Examples include:
- Tell me about a time when you had a tough situation and got through it.
- Tell me about a time when you tried something new at work.
- Can you describe a time when you had to deal with an employee who wasn’t doing their job?
- Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult.
- Tell me about a time when you solved a problem by yourself.
- Tell me about a time when you and a teammate didn’t get along.
- Story of a time when you and someone you were watching had a fight.
These questions will often be very specific to the wildlife biology job you are applying for. If you applied for a job that requires remote sensing, be ready to give a general answer about your skills, knowledge, and experiences in this area.
- What kinds of software/programs have you used?
- Tell me about your field experiences.
- What is a postdoc to you?
- what kind of research project would you do if you had a million dollar grant?
- How are collections and museums important to scientific research?
- What funding sources will you pursue?
Here are examples of specific conservation-related questions I have come across.
- The most important thing you think about in conservation right now. How would you deal with it?
- Who is your conservation hero?
- Do you see “conservation” and “preservation” differently?
Conservationist interview questions
FAQ
What questions to ask about conservation in an interview?
What should I wear to a conservation interview?
What questions do interviewers ask a Conservation worker?
Interviewers may ask this question to make sure you know how to keep yourself safe while working in the field. They want to see that you have experience performing conservation work and can do so safely. In your answer, share a specific example of what you did to ensure your safety when working in the field.
Why does a conservation specialist ask a question?
The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the principles that govern conservation. This is because ecology is a key component of conservation work, and it’s important for conservation specialists to understand how ecosystems function.
What questions do soil conservationists ask?
Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various soil conservationist interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions. What inspired you to pursue a career in soil conservation?
How do you interview a conservationist?
Conservationists often use technology to help them with their work. Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience using GPS devices and other types of technology in the field. Before your interview, think about what types of technology you have used in conservation. Explain how these tools helped you complete your projects.
