Administration

Interview Guide

We are aware that the interview process can be daunting. Pharmaceutical & Medical Professionals have prepared for you some brief points to help you through the process to secure the right role. For more interview coaching contact your Consultant.

Preparing for your interview

Interviews generally take half an hour to one hour. This is your one chance of demonstrating why you are the best person for the role. Don’t forget to make the most of this time and prepare beforehand.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Read the job description and prepare any questions you have to ask at interview. After noting the skills and abilities the company is looking for think of examples from your career and qualities that you have to demonstrate these. Consider what questions may be asked of you and prepare some answers.
2. Research the company by reading through their website. Also use an internet search for any information and articles regarding the company.
3. Take copies of your resume, written references, skills test results, qualifications and certificates in a folder. Also have paper and pen with you so you can take notes.
4. Look up where the company is located and plan how you will get there, making sure you allow plenty of time for traffic and finding parking. Plan for the unexpected! If you do happen to run late, call your Consultant to advise.
5. What are you planning to wear? Are you suitably dressed for an interview situation? We recommend a dark suit, stockings if wearing a skirt, closed toe, polished shoes, hair tied back off the face and subtle make up.

Have prepared examples of the areas that could be targeted in your interview. Examples you should prepare for include: Planning and organising, team work, taking initiative, conflict resolution, customer service, dealing with difficult people and working under pressure.

When answering competency based questions set the scene and be specific using the STAR technique: describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalised description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.

Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did -- not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did.

What was the result? What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

Questions you may be asked in your interview…

• What job responsibilities do you feel most confident undertaking?
• What has been your greatest achievement in your current role?
• How would you describe yourself?
• Is there anything you want to improve upon in the future?
• Where do you see your career at in 5 years time?

Questions you could ask in your interview…

• Why is this position available?
• Can you explain your induction program and future training options?
• What are the company’s strengths compared to its competitors?
• Why do your current employees like working for this organisation?
• What would you like to see achieved in this role in the next 12 months?

Most importantly, be confident, be yourself and don’t forget to smile!

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