No one likes rejection. During your search for the perfect pharma role, there’s a good chance you’ll have numerous interviews from a range of companies. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance at least some of your applications will be rejected.
Though the demand for medical talent is high in the current hiring market, pharma companies still can’t afford to settle for anything less than the best for their teams. If you don’t seem like the most productive, dedicated, and talented person for the role, you’ll miss out.
Fortunately, knowing some of the most common reasons you might be rejected from a pharma role can help you avoid future issues. Here are just 7 of the reasons why you might not have walked away with that new job opportunity.
1. The Culture Match is Off
Toady’s pharma companies aren’t just looking for the right skills, they’re also on the hunt for professionals who share the values of your team. If your hiring manager doesn’t feel like you’re going to fit well with the rest of the staff at your new job, they’ll look elsewhere.
To avoid this problem, do your research about the company before you apply. Find out what things are important to the business and demonstrate your commitment to those values during the interview. For instance, if the business values structure and organisation, show those qualities by providing a well-written CV and carefully following instructions in the interview.
Working with a specialist pharma recruitment company can also help, as these professionals can help match your mindset and strengths to the right potential roles.
2. Your Image is All Wrong
Pharma professionals don’t have to be fashion icons to earn a good job, but they do need to present an air of care and professionalism in everything they do. Whether you’re attending a video interview or interacting with a hiring manager in person, make sure you consider what you look like. Put effort into your appearance and aim to leave a lasting impression.
Even if the company you’re applying for has a relatively laidback vibe, it’s best to dress up in a semi-formal outfit for the interview to show you’re taking the opportunity seriously. Remember, your body language is important too.
Think about how you hold yourself during the interview. Are you sitting up straight and maintaining eye contact? Are you constantly fidgeting and looking at your watch, making the interviewer feel like you don’t want to be there?
3. You Weren’t Prepared
Lack of preparation is extremely dangerous in any job interview situation. When hiring pharma candidates, most healthcare leaders will be looking for evidence the people they’re choosing are well-organised and have impeccable attention to detail. You can demonstrate your commitment to getting the role by doing your research in advance and being properly prepared.
Learn as much as you can about the company so that you can demonstrate an alignment between the company’s values and your own. Practice interview questions with a mentor or friend to ensure you know what to say when tackling difficult questions. When the interview day arrives, get there on time, and don’t spend the first five minutes of the interview shuffling through pages and checking notes on your phone. Be confident and informed, ready to discuss your accomplishments.
4. You Didn’t Seem Excited About the Job
Pharma leaders want to hire employees they know will stick around. If you make it seem like you’re not passionate about the role by giving bland answers to questions or appearing too laid-back during the interview, you won’t make the right impression.
To help counteract this issue, be ready to ask insightful questions about the company and discuss how you believe you can help the organisation achieve its goals. When hiring managers ask what you know about the company and why you want to work there, be specific.
Talk about the recent pharma breakthroughs the business has had and why you’re excited about them, or discuss your appreciation of their company culture.
5. You Forgot to Leverage Your Network
Networking is more important than most people realise in today’s health and pharma industry. Sometimes, when you have all the same qualifications and soft skills as other applicants, it’s the people you know who give you the extra boost you need.
Networking with people in the companies you want to work with, either online or through events, will help you stand out when hiring managers are struggling to determine who they should hire. Join groups on LinkedIn and speak to a specialist recruitment agency about what you can do to improve your personal brand to attract more connections.
6. You Didn’t Follow Directions
Applying for an exciting new role in healthcare can be a thrilling experience, but it’s important to make sure you’re paying attention to the details of what you’re being asked for if you want a good chance of getting the job. Some interviewers will have skills tests and practical assignments which ask you to follow directions and do things a certain way.
Forgetting to do something, like bringing a copy of your resume to an interview, can make you look absent-minded and unprofessional. Although small mistakes here and there might not seem too problematic at first, they can be a crucial part of what convinces a hiring manager whether you’re right for the job.
7. Other Applicants Have More Qualifications
Finally, sometimes no matter how great the interviewing portion of your application is or how well you fit with company culture, there may just be other applicants out there with stronger resumes. If someone else has a wider selection of certifications or experience in a specific area important to your potential employer, they’re probably going to beat you to the job.
The best way to avoid being disappointed by this issue in the future is to keep working on your education and qualifications. The Pharma landscape is incredibly competitive. The more qualifications you have, the more appealing you become.
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