Hints and tips: Thinking of Changing Job?

Self Assessment
Think about how you and others see you - be honest about strengths and weaknesses
Define what you think you have to offer a prospective employer
Identify your achievements in your career to date

Set your Career and Life Goals
Think about where you want to be in the short, medium and long term
Plan the steps you need to take you closer to your goal
Don’t just concentrate only on career objectives but also your personal ones

Market Yourself
Update your CV and prepare a template covering letter as your personal advert
If you need help – ask a Recruitment Consultant
Start to apply for suitable roles


Advertisements / The Internet
Jobs are traditionally advertised in specific trade publications and Pharma press
The Internet is faster and you can search for what suits your skills
Register with the sites you use most frequently to receive email alerts for new jobs

Recruitment Agencies
Choose the recruitment organisation you want to work with carefully
Insist you are informed of suitable vacancies and have given permission for your CV to be submitted to the client
Find someone prepared to work closely with you, provide advice and help find your niche

Networking
Some vacancies are not advertised. Developing a professional network is important to gain exposure to potential employers
Start with a list of people you know within or linked to the pharmaceutical industry
If people on this first list can’t help they may put you in touch with a friend, colleague or ex-colleague who can


What exactly are you being interviewed for?
Ensure you fully research the role and the organisation
Ask your recruitment consultant to explain as much about the role/company as they can
Fail to prepare – prepare to fail !

What will the interviewer want to know?
Skills and Experience
Personality and Behavioural Styles
Strengths and weaknesses

Practical preparation
Gather any documents you need to take : certificates, driving licence, passport etc
Plan your route carefully and ensure you’ll have plenty of time to get there
Prepare the clothes you intend to wear. Iron shirts/blouses and polish shoes


It’s your marketing document, so important to spend time on it and get it right
It should have a strong professional visual impact; use clear headings and bullet points
Highlight your key achievements, responsibilities, outcomes and skills
Get some advice on layout if you’re not sure and ask trusted sources for feedback


Combating Nerves
You have the knowledge. You have the skills. So, there’s no need to feel nervous
A few deep breaths before you step into the reception area will work wonders
Present yourself exactly as you are and you won’t go far wrong

First Impressions
Like it or not, they really do count so make sure you get it right
Smile and shake hands firmly when you’re first introduced to interviewers
Be self-aware, think how you’re perceived and modify your behaviour if needed
Gentle eye contact, enthusiasm and an open, relaxed manner are the keys to success

Questions and Answers
The trick to answering well is to ‘listen’ not just hear the question
If at any time you don’t understand, ask for clarification
Don’t be afraid to pause while you consider your answer
If you really can’t answer a question, be honest and say so


Choosing Your Consultant
Choose wisely – take a recommendation from someone you trust
Find someone with good contacts, first hand experience and specialised knowledge
Don’t go for several. Your details will flood the market and make you appear desperate
It’s the relationship and rapport you establish that will work in your favour

Career Advice
Find out who the most respected advisers are
Work with someone who spend time with you to assure your specific needs are met
Face-to-face meetings are important. Telephone interviews don’t have the same depth
We are all busy but investing time in a first stage meeting is crucial to set the scene

Application Etiquette
Be clear about what types of positions you do and don’t want to be considered for
Always ask to be briefed on a vacancy before your details are submitted to a company
Tell your Consultant if you’ve contacted another agency and what jobs you’ve applied for
If you’ve been rejected by a company before, tell your Consultant when and why

See more of Elaine Ford's articles by clicking on the links below:

Hints and Tips: How to Survive in the Work Place
Hints and Tips: How to Survive in the Work Place Part Two
Hints and Tips: Thinking of Changing Job?