Interviews for Pharmaceutical jobs
Hints and tips for getting through that all-important Pharmaceutical sales interview...
Preparation
Pharmaceutical job interviews are not usually as frightening as we think they’re going to be, however, it's one of those scenarios the majority of us probably only encounter once every few years and as a result, it’s easy to underachieve.
Potential pharmaceutical sales employers will see your performance at interview as an indication of your personality and competencies - whatever you project, an employer will expect to see more of should they hire you. Whether these impressions are affirmative or off-putting are entirely up to you!
Below are some of the most obvious points to consider when preparing for an interview. Some of them they may sound condescending but they are all issues that have affected the outcome of real interviews and real people we’ve dealt with…
Appearance
Initial impressions can have a huge impact. If you give off a negative vibe, however small, you may find it affecting the whole interview. An unkempt hair do, a ladder in your tights or even just a hastily fastened tie can all leave you looking rather careless. An employer will subconsciously associate this with the standard of your work.
Make sure you have with you; a brush / comb, an umbrella and always leave enough time to have one last critical look in the mirror.
Make sure your best business wear is in a good state – have it dry-cleaned if necessary. You may only have one nice outfit but this is the time to wear it. If you have nothing suitable, a new purchase is one of the best investments in your future you could make. To a manager, the concern you show over your appearance and self-presentation is a likely indication of the care you will take over your work.
Punctuality
A pharmaceutical interview can be a life changing event and should be considered very important. An employer will presume that if your timekeeping is poor for such a significant occasion, it's likely to be similar or even worse at work.
Calculate the maximum possible time it will take you to get to your interview location, then allow more time than that to be on the safe side. It's far preferable to be very early thus giving yourself extra time to prepare, than to be two minutes late.
Brag File
A brag file should contain all of the proof and data necessary to substantiate claims made in your CV which you have made to exhibit pharmaceutical sales achievement in previous or present roles.
It’s a good idea to organise your file to easily allow you to demonstrate examples of competencies on the managers recruiting criteria. If unclear, your consultant will be able to help here.
Many candidates include a contents page listing the competencies demonstrated within the file, this not only ensures quick navigation of it at interview but demonstrates an organised individual who has thought about the process in advance.
Avoid a brag file which creates a 'paper avalanche' when picked up by the manager, remember, 'tips of icebergs', this is a clear indicator of a lack of planning and preparation for the interview, traits likely to transfer to a future role. Ensure all documents are secured in their own leaves in an orderly fashion.
Questions
Be prepared to answer questions on how you have readied yourself for the interview. Questions like this are often asked as this gives a fairly clear idea of a candidates working style and approach to responsibilities in general. Everyone researches the company website. Look to do that bit more; who do you know who could give you more of an insight? Utilise any contacts, no matter how vague, to your advantage.
Plan several intelligent questions that you would like answered during or after the interview; they may refer to bonus structures or training, for example. Type them out on a sheet of paper and leave space where you can record answers to consider them later. Once again a manager will be looking for behaviours that will expand if they employ you. This type of professional approach will stand you in good stead, but also ensure you do think in advance of matters which are important to your decision.
For more advice, please feel free to contact your consultant.
Good luck!
Click here to view our current Pharmaceutical Sales Vacancies