Blog

Preparing for an Interview

Welcome to the second Advance Recruitment blog installment, in which we shall begin to explore what basic preparation needs to be done prior to attending that important interview.

I think we are all familiar with the level of performance prior preparation prevents, are we not?  So what, as an interviewee, do we need to do to avoid it?

Well, for a starter, we need to know the exact time and place of the interview.  Basics, I know, but you would be amazed at the number of people who go to the wrong hotel because they didn't study the map that was sent to them properly, or who turn up an hour later than they should because despite writing the correct time in their diary, they had mixed up the time with that of another appointment.

So once we are in the right place at the right time, a winning combination if ever there was one, what else should we have done to ensure that we create a positive impression?

Research, research, research.  Believe me, you cannot do too much research.  When taking interview feedback, we are hearing more and more frequently from recruiting managers that they have either been very impressed by the candidate going the extra mile in the research they had executed, or conversely that the candidate had shown little interest in the role or the company, as highlighted by the fact that their levels of prior research had been "disappointing".

Make sure you know not only the range of products that you would be selling were you to secure the role that you are being interviewed for, but also what other products the company provide to the NHS.  A quick google search should reveal stats such as when the company was established, what growth they have experienced, what products are in the pipeline and how strong future growth prospects are. 

Get out into the field and have a chat with a potential user of the products.  So for example if you are going for an interview for a job selling wound care, go and talk to a Tissue Viability Nurse to gain a feel for the product area.  Find out what the customer looks for when evaluating a wound care product, what factors are taken into account when making a buying decision, which company's products have a good reputation (ie. where/who is the biggest competition), how much is cost an issue, etc.  By doing this, you will be demonstrating to the interviewer that you are taking the role seriously, that you want to find out as much as you can about the role - in other words, that you are serious about this opportunity.

Candidates who don't research the role for which they are being interviewed may well give the impression that the only reason they are in the interview seat is that they need a job.  Any job will do.  They just need one.  Don't let this be you.  Going that extra mile can and often does, make the world of difference. 

There is plenty more to say about interview preparation, but that's for next time.

In the meantime, if you are on the lookout for a new role within medical sales, do please give us a call, or for the latest news and information you can find us on Twitter (@advrec).

Speak to you soon...