← JoVE
JoVE role-play cheat sheet
For the mock cold call at the end of most SDR interviews.
What they sell, in one line
A library of scientific research and teaching videos sold by subscription to schools and labs.
Who you'd be calling
Librarians, science department heads, and lab or R&D leaders at universities, colleges, and biopharma companies.
Your opener
“Hi Dr. Patel, this is Alex from JoVE. I know I'm calling unannounced. We offer science videos that show lab methods step by step, and I wanted to ask how your students or lab staff learn new techniques today.”
Problems you solve for them
- Students and new lab staff learn techniques from text and miss the hands-on view
- Hard to train people consistently on lab methods
- Lab techniques are hard to reproduce without seeing them done
Discovery questions to ask
- How do students or new hires learn lab techniques right now?
- Who decides on subscriptions like this, the library, the department, or the lab?
- When does your budget or renewal cycle come up each year?
Objections they'll throw at you
“I'm busy right now.”
→ Of course, I'll be quick. Can I ask one question about how you train on lab methods, and then you can decide if it's worth more time?
“We're not interested.”
→ Understood. Is training on lab techniques already well covered, or is it just not a priority this year?
“We already subscribe to journals and other resources.”
→ Good, so you value quality resources. Do those show techniques being done, or mostly describe them in writing?
“Send me an email.”
→ Happy to. So I send the right thing, are you looking at this for teaching, research training, or both?
Interview tips for this company
- Understand that library and university budgets run on set cycles, so ask about renewal timing.
- Be honest about what you don't know on the science side and ask good questions instead of guessing.
Written from public information about JoVE to help you practice. Ask an insider what their role play looked like; it's the best prep there is.