Most of the employed population have had to endure the interview process at one time or another and it can be a fairly intimidating prospect.

However, it needn’t be.

If you follow these trusty steps, you are likely to feel more confident and calm – which is key to portraying yourself well to the prospective boss.

And remember, you have been asked to the interview because the company have seen something they liked in your CV – so you are already starting on the forward foot.

Before the interview

• Ensure you know the exact location, how to get there and how long it will take. Even do a ‘dummy run’ of the commute. Prompt arrival on the day means less last minute stress for you, which will distract from your focus.
• Decide on your outfit and ensure it is cleaned and ironed in advance. No-one wants to be hurriedly de-linting their suit when they could be prepping interview notes.
• Research the pharma company thoroughly, read through their annual report and any mentions they have in the trade press to gain an understanding of their position in the industry and the competitor marketplace.
• Revisit the pharmaceutical job spec and ensure a good understanding of what the role entails, and what makes you perfect to fill the position.
• Read through your CV and mentally establish any particularly relevant aspects to the job spec. Also evaluate which elements may come under scrutiny and mentally practise answers.
• Attain a clear idea of the form the interview will take. They can range from a 10 minute informal chat to 10 hour evaluations including psychometric testing. Go prepared!
• Put together some practical examples which demonstrate your ‘key skills’.
• Loosely prepare answers to ‘stock’ interview questions i.e.
  • Why a career in pharma?
  • What are your key strengths/ weaknesses?
  • Where do you see yourself in 5yrs?

During the interview

• Enter the room with confidence. According to the site Career Advice (http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk) 93% of an interviewer’s opinion is based on how you look and behave, and only 7% on what you say. Remember- confident sincerity is very different to arrogant swagger.
• Make sure your mobile is switched off.
• LISTEN to questions asked and answer in a clear, structured manner. 3 to 4 points should be sufficient to demonstrate your understanding of the question. Avoid the urge to rush answers or waffle.
• Take your time thinking about your answer, keeping your response relevant to the question.
• If you don’t know the answer to something then be honest. Bluffing is often very obvious and demonstrates insecurity. Interviewers are more impressed by a less knowledgeable person with a keen willingness to learn, than a highly knowledgeable candidate unwilling to admit they don’t have all the answers.
• Be positive about yourself and your experience. Make sure all of the great potential you have for the company is evident.
• Prepare some questions for the end which show a keen interest in the organisation, such as enquiring about future plans of the company, opportunities for career development within your department and broader organisation.
• If conversation turns to salary/ benefits and your expectations, make sure you have an idea of the market rate and try for a little more.
• Establish a timeline for hearing back.
• Thank the interviewer for their time. Try not to look relieved and run for the door.

After the interview

• Review the interview and mentally make note of areas you felt confident discussing and those where you were uncomfortable or underprepared. Learn from any mistakes, don’t beat yourself up about them!
• If successful, celebrate and then prepare to live up to your interview promise.
• If unsuccessful gather as much feedback as possible from your interviewer to compare with your own evaluation and build on in future.
• Don’t let a knock back destroy your confidence. See each interview as a learning curve and an opportunity to hone your skills, leading you to the perfect pharmaceutical job.

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