This document provides tips for nailing a job interview. It is divided into four parts: preparation, what to bring, making a first impression, and dos and don'ts. For preparation, it suggests developing personal branding statements, being ready with examples of achievements, and researching the interviewer. For the interview, it recommends bringing copies of your resume, references, and materials related to your work. It stresses the importance of fully engaging with the interviewer, dressing appropriately, and arriving 15 minutes early to make a great first impression. Finally, it lists dos like asking questions and thank you notes, and don'ts like being late or badmouthing past employers.
5. TOP 8 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
1. What’s your greatest weakness/strength?
2. Who has impacted you most in your career
and why?
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
4. Why do you want to work for this company?
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6. 1. S
2. S
3. S
4. S
5. If selected for this position, what will your
strategy be for the next 6 months?
6. What did you like least/most about your last
job?
7. What’s your dream job?
8. Why should we choose
you for this position?
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7. Tip #1: Develop personal branding
statements that highlight your
education, work history, and major
accomplishments.
Tip #2: Be ready with tangible
examples of career achievements that
demonstrate your skills.
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9. PART 2: What to Bring
In addition to being prepared, you need to make sure you
bring the right materials to your interview. Every specialty
requires different materials, especially scientists & engineers.
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10. A thorough knowledge of the company
5 copies of your résumé
Copy of past research, publications,
presentations,
& patents
(if applicable)
List of references
Business cards
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11. PART 3: 1st Impression
In the age of emails, texts, and social media, it’s easy to
forget the art of face-to-face interaction. However, this is
the most important impact you have, especially when
making a first impression.
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12. Fully Engage With the
Interviewer
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I’m sorry, what did
you say?
I wasn’t
listening…
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Don’t be her:
16. PART 4: Dos & Don’ts
It is important to remember that every interview and every
company is different. However, there are some dos and
don’ts that apply to all interviews.
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17. DO:
Get a business card
Ask questions
Let them know
you’re interested
Send a Thank-You
Sell yourself
Be yourself
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18. DON’T:
Be late
Keep your phone on
Try to negotiate pay
Speak poorly of
past companies
Act overly confident
Lie
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Preparing for an interview takes time, especially if you are just starting the process. Advance preparation will make you less nervous and you will come across much more self confident. Most people do not interview very often and sometimes interviews are years apart so do not wait until the night before an interview to prepare. Give yourself at least 3 days in advance.
Practice your answers beforehand!
By doing your homework and being prepared to answer questions about yourself and your accomplishments, you’ll be one step closer to landing that next great career opportunity.
Review your resume in great detail. Many interviewers will use your resume as a guide for their questions. Be prepared to speak in detail about ALL of the information listed on your resume.
We also recommend that you try to get information about the people you will be interviewing with on the day of your interview. This will enable you to discuss topics that go beyond “the typical” interview questions. Research their name with Google or LinkedIn. You can also find additional names of employees at the company by entering the name of the company in LinkedIn.
Research the company website (including press releases) so that you are generally knowledgeable about the company’s products and/or services, markets, general business philosophy, plans for growth and expansion. Who are their competitors? Check other websites for additional corporate information –i.e. Yahoo Finance .com / Hoovers.com
Fully engage with the people you meet. That means maintaining eye contact and giving them your full attention. It’s easy to be distracted by other people at networking events or to be thinking ahead about what to say next during an interview. Really listen to what people are saying so you can respond appropriately. Also, show your interest by asking questions - people like to talk about themselves. Make it a point to use the person’s name in conversation, showing that you were paying attention during the introductions. And turn off your cell phone!
Dress for success. Familiarize yourself with the typical attire worn at a company or networking event, and dress accordingly. Since suits are mostly still the norm in the pharmaceutical industry, consider choosing a unique piece of jewelry or a distinctive tie to help you stand out among the sea of others. Of course, impeccable grooming from head to toe will also help make a positive impression.
Wear a business suit (even if the environment is business casual)
Less is better (i.e.: fragrances, makeup, jewelry, etc.)
It never hurts to have a mint prior to the interview. Be sure NOT to have any candy or gum in your mouth while waiting to start the interview
Be aware of your body language. What’s your handshake like? A firm and enthusiastic shake can go a long way in making a great first impression. Also, pay attention to your posture. Although you want to appear relaxed, be sure you stand and sit up straight. Face the people you’re speaking with.
Smile! A warm, genuine smile is the best way to make a great first impression on people you meet. Not only does your smile convey a positive attitude, but it also helps put the person you’re meeting with at ease.
Prepare 3-5 questions to ask each interviewer.
Always make sure you find out:
The specific job responsibilities of the position
The overall size and reporting structure of the department
Any special project work
It’s okay to ask when you’ll hear back if you are interested!
Follow up thank yous should be emailed to everyone you interviewed with within 24-48 hours of your interview. They should be brief: reiterating your interest and why you are a fit for the position/company.
Add a value statement – a brief statement of one or two key ways the organization will benefit from bringing you aboard in the position. (sell yourself!)
Show your personality: Employers hire people that they like!!!
Get directions from the company website (MapQuest may not be as direct). An advance test drive to the location is advised.
Cell Phone Protocol During an Interview: Cell phones should be out of sight and TURNED OFF. Having a cell phone ON in an interview sends the message of “poor decision making” to a prospective employer if you happen to receive a call. If you forget, and your cell phone does ring during an interview, you should apologize and quickly turn it off – WITHOUT checking to see who called.