Navigating Biotech Career Fairs Like a Pro: Preparing Your Pitch, Questions to Ask, and Follow-Up Strategies to Stand Out

1. Understanding the Importance of Biotech Career Fairs

A Golden Opportunity in the UK Biotechnology Sector

The UK is a world leader in biotech and life sciences, with a vibrant ecosystem that encompasses biopharmaceutical companies, research institutes, start-ups, and contract research organisations (CROs). Given the pace of innovation and discovery—whether in gene editing, personalised medicine, or vaccine development—there is a constant demand for skilled professionals who can bring new ideas to the table.

Attending a biotech career fair allows you to put yourself directly in front of recruiters, hiring managers, and potential colleagues. It’s a golden opportunity to learn more about industry trends, discover new openings, and establish meaningful connections. In many cases, biotech employers attend these fairs to fast-track the recruitment process and speak with prospective candidates one-on-one—an interaction that seldom happens when simply submitting an online application.

Benefitting from Real-Time Interaction

Unlike applying for roles via a digital platform, biotech career fairs let you gauge an organisation’s culture, values, and current projects in real-time. You can exchange details with individuals who may later become mentors, line managers, or even collaborators in research. This face-to-face interaction not only helps you sharpen your networking skills but also grants you insider insight into what employers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors are really looking for.

By attending a career fair with a well-prepared approach, you can put yourself in a strong position to get called back for interviews—or, in some cases, secure a job offer on the spot. Let’s delve into how you can ensure that your pitch truly resonates with potential employers.

2. Preparing Your Personal Pitch

What Is a Personal Pitch?

A personal pitch—often called an “elevator pitch”—is a succinct, persuasive speech highlighting who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and why you’re an ideal fit for the organisation or role in question. In the competitive field of biotechnology, your pitch should show your technical acumen, research experience, and passion for advancing scientific innovation.

To be effective, your personal pitch must be both concise (no more than 30 to 60 seconds) and compelling. This brevity is vital at career fairs, where recruiters may meet hundreds of candidates over the course of a day. The more succinctly you can showcase your unique blend of skills, experience, and aspirations, the more memorable you will be.

Key Elements of an Effective Pitch

1. Introduction
   Start by greeting the recruiter with a smile, offering a confident handshake (if appropriate), and stating your name. Immediately set a polite and enthusiastic tone.

2. Who You Are
   Begin with a brief statement about your current role or recent academic qualification. For instance, “I’m a final-year biotechnology student at the University of Manchester focusing on stem cell research,” or “I’m currently a Research Associate at a contract research organisation, specialising in vaccine development.” This statement anchors the rest of your pitch in a clear professional context.

3. What You Offer
   Highlight your key strengths and achievements. These could include experience with specific laboratory techniques, project management in a start-up environment, or proficiency in relevant software tools like Python for bioinformatics. If you’ve published research or contributed to patents, this is the time to mention it—briefly. In the biotech sector, concrete achievements speak volumes about your capabilities.

4. What You’re Looking For
   State what you hope to achieve or learn from the interaction. Are you seeking a graduate scheme, a research-focused position, a regulatory affairs role, or a move into biotech sales or marketing? Tailor this to each employer if possible. For example, if you know that a particular company is investing heavily in gene therapy, highlight your enthusiasm for that subfield: “I’m particularly interested in cutting-edge gene editing technologies and would love to explore opportunities in your gene therapy pipeline.”

5. Why They Should Care
   End with a forward-looking statement that prompts the recruiter to engage further. For instance: “I’m excited to learn more about how I could contribute to your ongoing immunotherapy trials,” or “I’d love to learn about the current challenges your team faces and how I could help solve them.” This signposts your interest in the company’s goals, framing you as a proactive and solutions-oriented candidate.

Customising Your Pitch for Different Companies

The biotech landscape is diverse, encompassing pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, agricultural biotechnology, and more. A one-size-fits-all pitch often won’t be as compelling as one that’s tailored to a specific employer. Research each organisation attending the fair in advance. Read up on recent press releases, upcoming clinical trials, or pipeline expansions. By referencing this information in your pitch, you show genuine enthusiasm and preparedness, qualities that biotech employers find invaluable.

Practising for Confidence

Even the most well-structured pitch can fall flat if delivered uncertainly. Practise your pitch out loud, ideally in front of friends or family who can provide constructive feedback. Pay attention to your body language, tone, and pace. If possible, record yourself to catch any speech tics or filler words (“um,” “like”), and work to minimise them. The more comfortable you are with your pitch, the easier it will be to adapt it for each new conversation at the career fair.

3. Key Questions to Ask Employers

Asking intelligent, thoughtful questions is a powerful way to demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. It also helps you evaluate whether the company is a good fit for your long-term career goals. Below are some categories of questions you might consider:

1. Role and Responsibilities

   • “What are the day-to-day responsibilities for someone in this position?”

   • “How does this role typically collaborate with other teams or departments?”

2. Company Culture and Values

   • “Could you describe the company’s work culture and core values?”

   • “How are research priorities determined within the organisation?”

3. Professional Development

   • “Are there opportunities for further training or education, such as conferences or specialised certifications?”

   • “Could you share some examples of how the company supports staff to progress in their careers?”

4. Project and Research Focus

   • “What current or upcoming projects are you most excited about?”

   • “How does the company stay ahead of the curve in terms of innovation and emerging technologies?”

5. Challenges and Future Directions

   • “What do you see as the biggest challenges in this field over the next few years?”

   • “How does your organisation plan to address these challenges or capitalise on new opportunities?”

By asking these types of questions, you highlight your proactive nature and genuine desire to understand the employer’s context. Additionally, the questions you ask often signal your knowledge of the broader biotech industry. If you can reference current market trends—like new regulatory frameworks, emerging therapeutic areas, or cutting-edge platforms such as CRISPR—you’ll distinguish yourself from other candidates who might only ask generic questions about salary or benefits.

4. Examples of Biotech Career Fairs in the UK

If you’re new to the world of biotech events or simply looking for fresh opportunities, consider attending some of the following fairs, summits, and conferences. These gatherings often include designated careers sections or networking zones where you can speak with employers about potential roles.

1. BioTrinity (London)
   Organised by OBN (Oxford Bioscience Network), BioTrinity is an annual event typically held in London. While it’s primarily a life sciences and healthcare investment and partnering conference, many companies attend to scout emerging talent. There are opportunities to network, attend workshops, and speak with biotech innovators.

2. Bionow Events (Northern England)
   Bionow hosts several events throughout the year aimed at supporting the biomedical and life sciences sector in the North of England. Their conferences and exhibitions often feature a dedicated careers segment where companies showcase their latest vacancies.

3. Royal Society of Biology’s Bioscience Careers Day (Various Locations)
   The Royal Society of Biology (RSB) organises an annual Bioscience Careers Day aimed at undergraduates, recent graduates, and early-career researchers. Attendees can learn about diverse career paths in biotechnology, conservation, education, and more. It’s also a chance to network with employers, professional bodies, and mentors.

4. University-Specific STEM Career Fairs
   Many universities across the UK host STEM-oriented career fairs, often featuring biotech and pharmaceutical employers. Check with your university’s careers department or browse events at institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and others known for their strong life sciences programmes. Even if you’re not a student or alumnus, some of these fairs allow external attendees.

5. New Scientist Live (London)
   Although more of a broad science festival, New Scientist Live frequently has a careers element where leading biotech and life sciences employers set up stands. It’s a great event for discovering new research breakthroughs and potential career opportunities under one roof.

6. Local and Regional Job Fairs
   Keep an eye on local and regional job fairs. While they may not always be exclusive to biotechnology, they often attract large pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, especially if there is a significant biotech presence in the area (e.g., the ‘Golden Triangle’ of London-Oxford-Cambridge).

Staying updated on these events is key. Many organisations list upcoming fairs and conferences on their websites, and professional bodies like the BIA (BioIndustry Association) frequently publish event calendars.

5. Making a Great Impression on the Day

Presentation and Body Language

First impressions matter immensely in a crowded career fair environment. Dress professionally in attire appropriate for interviews—while lab attire isn’t expected, a crisp outfit signals seriousness and respect for the opportunity. Maintain open body language by standing straight, making eye contact, and smiling. When you speak with a recruiter, face them directly, and try not to fidget.

Carry the Essentials

Bring updated copies of your CV or mini portfolio if relevant. In the biotech world, you might also carry a list of publications or key projects you’ve worked on—kept to a single page if possible. If you have a business card, offer it at the end of your conversation to make it easier for the recruiter to remember you (and for them to contact you later).

Mind Your Timing

Biotech career fairs can be large, with many booths. Identify the employers you’re most interested in beforehand, and prioritise speaking with them. Arrive early to avoid long queues, but don’t rush conversations. Spending five to ten minutes of quality time at each stand is generally enough to make a good impression, unless the recruiter indicates they have more to share.

Network with Other Attendees

While you’re at the fair primarily to meet employers, networking with fellow attendees can also be valuable. They might share insights about organisations you haven’t yet considered or tips on how best to approach a particular recruiter. Building your network is one of the greatest benefits of in-person events. Follow up with new contacts by connecting on LinkedIn or inviting them to relevant local biotech meetups if you want to nurture those relationships further.

6. Follow-Up Strategies That Get You Noticed

Why Follow-Up Matters

The follow-up is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of career fair success. By sending a thoughtful email or personalised LinkedIn message after the event, you remind the recruiter of your conversation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role or the company’s mission. This can help you stand out among dozens—or hundreds—of other job seekers they may have met that day.

Crafting a Strong Follow-Up Email

When crafting your follow-up message, aim for brevity, clarity, and genuine interest. Here’s a suggested outline:

1. Subject Line: Use something along the lines of “Pleasure Meeting You at [Fair Name].”

2. Greeting: Use the recruiter’s name (ensure correct spelling).

3. Opening: Thank them for their time and mention something from your conversation that stood out. For example, if you discussed a specific research project, mention your excitement about its potential impact.

4. Reiterate Your Interest: State again why you’re interested in the position or the organisation.

5. Next Steps: Enquire politely about the hiring process timeline or if they require any further information from you.

6. Closing: Sign off with a professional tone, including your full name, contact details, and a link to your LinkedIn profile (if relevant).

Keep the email concise—three to four short paragraphs at most. Personalising your message to reference specific details from your chat can demonstrate that you listened attentively. If the recruiter requested a copy of your CV, attach it in PDF format to ensure consistent formatting.

LinkedIn Etiquette

In many parts of the UK biotech scene, LinkedIn is an essential platform for networking. After a career fair, consider sending a LinkedIn connection request to recruiters and new contacts. Include a personalised note: “It was great to meet you at the [Fair Name]. I enjoyed hearing about your role at [Company Name] and would love to stay in touch.”

When used correctly, LinkedIn can become an ongoing conversation channel, allowing you to engage with the organisation’s updates, share relevant articles on biotech innovations, and continue to build rapport over time.

Timing and Follow-Up Frequency

Send your first follow-up within 24–48 hours of the fair—this ensures you’re still fresh in the recruiter’s mind. If you don’t receive a response, wait about one to two weeks before sending a polite follow-up email. Persistence can be beneficial, but be mindful not to overstep. Sending daily emails or connecting on multiple social media platforms in quick succession can come across as pushy.

If you still don’t hear back, it may be that the organisation is in the midst of a lengthy hiring process, or the recruiter has multiple priorities. Continue your job search in parallel, but keep the connection warm by engaging with relevant content or events where you might cross paths again.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a solid preparation strategy, it’s easy to stumble into pitfalls that can undermine your effort. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Unresearched Pitch
   Approaching an employer without knowing anything about their current research focus or market area can indicate a lack of genuine interest. Before the fair, at least glance at the company’s website or recent news to tailor your pitch.

2. Overly General Questions
   Asking boilerplate questions like, “So, what does your company do?” signals unpreparedness. Instead, demonstrate that you’ve done some homework by referencing recent milestones or research breakthroughs.

3. Talking Too Much About Yourself
   Your pitch is important, but a career fair conversation should be a two-way street. Focus on listening and asking questions as much as you talk. This balance shows emotional intelligence and respect.

4. Being Too Informal
   Career fairs are professional networking events. Using slang, complaining about your current job, or appearing unfocused can leave a poor impression.

5. Failing to Collect Contact Details
   Even if a conversation goes well, failing to ask for a business card or the recruiter’s email address can leave you with no follow-up route. Politely ask if you can connect via email or LinkedIn.

6. Ignoring Non-Verbal Cues
   Be aware of the recruiter’s time. If they appear rushed or are glancing at a queue forming behind you, wrap up and move on politely. Lingering too long can leave a negative impression.

7. Not Following Up
   All your prep and excellent conversations can go to waste if you don’t reinforce the connection with a prompt, courteous follow-up message.

8. Bringing It All Together: A Step-by-Step Success Strategy

To help you navigate your next biotech career fair with confidence, here’s a concise step-by-step outline:

1. Pre-Fair Research

   • Identify which companies are attending.

   • Review their websites, news, and recent milestones.

   • Update your CV and tailor it if applying to specific roles.

   • Prepare your personal pitch, ensuring it’s concise and highlights relevant biotech skills.

2. On the Day

   • Arrive early and take a brief tour of the venue.

   • Approach your priority companies first, so you catch their recruiters while they are fresh.

   • Engage each recruiter with a confident introduction and a well-crafted pitch.

   • Ask purposeful questions to learn about the company’s projects and culture.

   • Collect contact details before you part ways, if possible.

3. Immediate Post-Fair Follow-Up

   • Within 24–48 hours, email or connect on LinkedIn with recruiters and contacts.

   • Personalise your message by referencing key parts of your conversation.

4. Ongoing Networking

   • If you don’t hear back, follow up in a polite, timely manner.

   • Attend other industry events, seminars, or meetups where you might encounter the same employers.

   • Continue learning about emerging biotech trends and develop relevant new skills or certifications.

5. Stay Organised

   • Keep a spreadsheet or notes on who you met, the topics you discussed, and the agreed follow-up steps.

   • This organisation ensures you’re ready to continue the conversation whenever an opportunity arises.

By systematically following these steps, you position yourself as a proactive, informed candidate committed to making meaningful contributions to the biotech sector.

9. Conclusion: Seizing Your Next Biotech Opportunity

Biotech career fairs can be life-changing events in your professional journey, whether you’re just starting out or are well-established in the field. The UK’s biotechnology landscape offers enormous potential for growth, innovation, and impact, and attending these fairs is one of the best ways to tap into that ecosystem.

To navigate a biotech career fair like a pro, begin by crafting a concise personal pitch that showcases both your technical credentials and your genuine interest in life-changing science. Come armed with insightful questions that demonstrate a deeper understanding of the company’s work and future direction. Dress confidently, bring multiple copies of your CV, and network with recruiters and fellow jobseekers alike. Finally, never neglect the all-important follow-up. A sincere, well-timed message after the event can solidify the connection and move you one step closer to landing that sought-after role.

As you embark on your next career fair, keep these strategies in mind. By preparing thoroughly, engaging thoughtfully, and following up diligently, you’ll stand out in a bustling crowd of candidates and set yourself on a clear path to securing the biotechnology job that aligns with your ambitions. It takes time, effort, and persistence, but the rewards in this dynamic and ever-evolving sector are well worth it.

Ready to explore your biotech career options further? Browse the BiotechnologyJobs.co.uk job board for the latest openings in life sciences, biopharma, and biotechnology-related roles throughout the UK. With the right approach, preparation, and follow-through, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling career in the UK biotech industry—making significant contributions to the future of science and healthcare.