Interview Tips

The key to a successful interview is preparation. For just a few extra hours work, doing your research can make the difference between getting the position you want or leaving empty handed.

Preparation

There is nothing worse than starting an interview and discovering the candidate doesn't know anything about your company. Preparation should start with reviewing the company's web site. If they are listed on the stock exchange, then there will be an abundance of information about them on the web.

Review the latest trial results, see what studies have been published (Pub Med is good place to start, www.pubmed.gov). Review the financial state of the company, and any recent in or out licensing deals/mergers that have taken place. Knowing all this looks impressive to the interviewer and gives you that little extra confidence.

Find out who your interviewers are beforehand and what positions they hold. If you use Synapse we supply this as a matter of course.

Think about the common questions that are asked. "What are your strengths?", "What are your weaknesses?”, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?”

If you’re new to the industry “Why do you want to leave clinical practice”? At some point in the interview process the common questions are likely to be asked, in one form or another.

With regards your strengths; your interviewer is trying to put together a team, but they don’t have the luxury of watching you perform in advance, so relies on what they can assess from the interview.

This is also a good opportunity to “sell” yourself, but above all, be honest. Before the interview try to think of 3 key strengths that set you apart. It’s worth considering what your main achievements have been to date. Not only is this a frequently asked question in itself but can be brought into play when asked about your strengths.

With regards weaknesses; this question is much harder to answer and so often poorly thought out. Sit down for a few minutes and really think about what you can/should improve on.

Ask friends and family what they think (don’t get offended by their answers). Everybody has weaknesses so don’t be ashamed to mention them but there are right and wrong ways of doing this.

A way to answer the question is to present your weakness but follow this up with how you have addressed it. For example if delegation is something you find difficult discuss how you now go about this e.g. you may put 10-15 minutes aside to reflect on the task you wish to delegate, you may now delegate the whole task, early on, rather than in sections which you found counterproductive.

It’s not a bad idea to prepare a few questions for the end of the interview but make sure they are well thought out. It sometimes appears candidates ask questions because they think they should.

The interview

It goes without saying but leave your house in good time! You don’t need to get stressed before you start.

Dress conservatively, play it safe, your interviewer may not share the same fashion statements you’re so proud of.

Although preparing for an interview can be likened to preparing for an exam, the interview itself is far from it. Feel free to SMILE. This is not like the old viva voce you had at medical school or for membership. Your interviewer is assessing your personality as much as anything. Try to be enthusiastic, and positive, throughout making sure to be yourself. Try to be positive about your previous employer, whether this is a company or the NHS.

Interviewers like to see candidates who are flexible, are able to find solutions to problems, and like to see candidates who are able to think laterally when necessary. Try to show these qualities during the interview process and maybe bring examples into the conversation. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to prepare and give a presentation, or are given mock tasks to undertake before attending a second interview.

Synapse can offer tips and guidance on interview techniques, allowing you to present yourself as best as possible. This allows your interviewer to get the best out of you in the relatively short period of time.

We can go through the interview in more detail when we meet.