Get that job in the Pharma Industry!!

The day of your interview for your dream job has finally dawned. You’ve researched the role and the organisation, prepared your examples of skill and competency and polished your shoes! Now it’s here and should be feeling enthusiastic and raring to go! But are you….? 1. Combating Nerves If you are feeling nervous, remind yourself just why you think you are right for this job anyway. Do you have the knowledge to do the job? Do you have the skills to do the job? If the answer is yes, then there is no need to feel nervous. Before you set off, relax with a final cup of tea and run through in your mind all of the examples of competency that you have prepared. Remember, the interviewer is there to assess whether you are suitable for the role for which they are interviewing. They are not there to pass judgement on you as an individual. There are no trick questions - if the purpose of a question is not clear to you, ask the interviewer to explain what they mean. Present yourself exactly as you are and you won’t go far wrong! If you have to “act” to secure a job, you are unlikely to be happy or successful once you are in the role. And remember, interviews are a two way process – you are also going to interview them! 2. First Impressions First impressions really count. It is widely believed that many interviewers make their decision based on the impression they form in the first five minutes of the interview! Make sure you:

be friendly and polite to those who meet and greet you – receptionists, secretary etc. They are often briefed to feedback their thoughts!

smile and shake hands firmly when you are first introduced to the interviewer(s).

are aware of your body language and maintain eye-contact with the questioner

try to relax – you will appear more confident

listen carefully and answer questions as succinctly as you can

look interested and enthusiastic (but don’t over do it – you may appear desperate!) 3. Questions and Answers If at any time you do not understand a question, always ask for clarification. Don’t be afraid to pause while you consider an answer and, if you really cannot answer a question be honest and say so. Take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the role or the organisation but don’t try to make up things on the spot if all your questions have been answered. Whilst it is important to relax and be friendly, try not to be lured into informality by an overly laid-back interviewer. Don’t ever be tempted to criticise your current or previous employers – it is very much frowned upon and can pull you into a negative frame of mind. Discussions and negotiations regarding salary can be the trickiest question to tackle at interview. ALWAYS be honest when giving your current package – if you are tempted to “round it up” you will invariably get found out. If asked what sort of package you are looking for try to give an answer which shows you are open to negotiation according to the role. If you are pushed to give a figure, make sure that you have previously decided on a level which reflects your worth but does not price you out of the market. At the end of the interview, clarify and confirm the procedure and timescales for receiving feedback. Thank the interviewer for their time and remember you are still potentially on show until you leave the company’s premises. 4. After the event... If you applied direct, you may wish to follow up the interview with a thank you letter to confirm your interest in the role. If you have been given a timescale for feedback, don’t pester people before then, however interested you are! If the deadline has passed and you have not heard the outcome, telephone the HR department or the interviewer direct to enquire. If you have secured your interview via an agency, call to let them know how you got on. But more on that next month……when we tell you “How to get the best from your recruitment consultant”