The Marathon Interview
Marathon interviews are becoming more common especially in the pharmaceutical industry. A marathon interview typically lasts all day and require a tremendous amount of preparation and energy. Much like a typical marathon you must train and plan ahead.
Check out these tips on how to master the marathon interview:
Do your research. A list of who you will be meeting will definitely help with preparations and to ease your mind. Once you compile this list you can do research on their backgrounds, interests, etc. Background information will allow you to connect with the interviewer, leaving a lasting impression.
Make sure travel preparations are in order. Any change or cancelation in travel plans can derail the entire interview process. Double check hotels, flights, rental cars, and make sure you know where you are going for the interview.
Prepare for the marathon format. The interview will likely last all day and require you to stay alert and focused the entire time. It’s important to get enough rest to ensure that you’re mentally prepared and also eat a hearty, protein enriched breakfast to prepare your body.
Prevent grogginess. The last thing you need while running into the last leg of the marathon is to feel groggy. To prevent any grogginess take advantage of any break times to eat a snack and relax. Remember: drinking more coffee than your body is used to is not a good idea as it will make you jittery and distracted.
Bring the proper materials. Bring a padfolio or briefcase that contains paper and pens, copies of your CV or resume, and your business cards.
Shape your answers. You will be asked similar questions by each interviewer and it is important to shape each answer to the person sitting across from you. A hiring manager will likely dig into your skill-set and personality traits, while human resources will focus on how you would fit into the company as a whole.
Prepare for the follow-up. Make sure to collect business cards for each person you speak with so you can send a thank you letter. Make important notes on the back of each person’s card, such as specific topics discussed so you can reference this in your follow up.
Check out the article Interview Body Language.
