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Interview Tips

Being prepared for an interview is vital. Your FCG recruiter will help you prepare for your phone and face-to-face interviews. We know our clients and what they are looking for in their next hire.

Here are general Things to remember in advance of face-to-face interviews, whether working with a recruiter or not:

  • What to bring: Pack ample copies of your resume and any requested presentation materials based on the number of people you are scheduled to meet. Bring paper and pen so you can take notes. Bring contact information for recruiter, company admin, or members of the interview team in case you need directions or you need to communicate about an unforeseen event that delays your arrival – but always plan to be early. Don’t be late!

  • Conduct research on the employer, hiring manager, and job opportunity. This is available through your recruiter and on the internet. It is a fine idea to check out the profiles of the interview panel through LinkedIn so you can formulate questions about their career paths or common experience or interests.

  • Dress to make the best impression. Strive for the most professional appearance in keeping with the culture of the organization. Clothing should be conservative for the pharmaceutical/biotech/medical device industry, and be clean and pressed. Avoid ill-fitting clothing and distracting jewelry. Limit perfume and aftershave/cologne.

  • Arrive early. Allow enough time to arrive about 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time. The extra time will allow you to complete paperwork, observe the organization, make sure you are in the right place, allow for unexpected extra travel time, and compose yourself and be ready to shine.

  • Make a good impression: SMILE, make eye contact, stand up when introduced, give a firm handshake, and be a good listener. Treat everyone you meet in the organization with respect and kindness.
  • Rehearse. A few days before the interview prepare responses to typical interview questions you expect to be asked. Practice your answers to those questions out loud to yourself.

  • Market yourself. During interviews, delivery of answers to questions should be well-thought-out, concise, candid, confident, and sincere. Do not speak over the other person and listen carefully to questions to make sure you understand what is being asked. Avoid speaking negatively about current or former employers. Be prepared to provide examples of accomplishments or solutions to past challenges. Maintain eye contact and good posture.

  • You must have questions. During the course of interviews, refer to a list of questions you prepared in advance about the position and organization. Your FCG recruiter can provide some examples when you speak before the interview day. Questions to include:
    • What are the challenges of this role? Why is this position open?
    • What are the short and long term goals set for the person in this position?
    Be an active listener and ask questions that reflect your interest in the opportunity.

  • Avoid the topic of compensation and benefits for the first interview. Your FCG recruiter will review with you how to approach compensation. Focus on the opportunity.

  • At the conclusion of the interview, ask about next steps in their process. Should you follow-up with them or will they contact you? Express your interest in being considered for the role and why. If you desire the job, ask for it. Your FCG recruiter will review how to close at the end of your interviews.

  • Get business cards from the people with whom you have interviewed.

  • Leave them with a smile, firm handshake, good eye contact, and a sincere “thank you”.

  • Following the interview, either later in the day or the following day, send a formal thank you by email to each interviewer, thanking each for his/her time and reiterating why you believe you would be an asset to the organization. Your FCG recruiter can provide some samples. Double-check to avoid spelling, typos, and grammatical errors.