Authored by Angel-Rose Weber, PharmD, BS of the Member Engagement & Communication Committees. Dr. Weber is a PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident at Albany Medical Center and alum of University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy

Interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn them into opportunities to showcase your skills and personality. Whether you’re a pharmacy student applying for your first position or a seasoned pharmacist looking to advance your career, mastering the art of interviewing is essential. Here are some tips and tricks I have learned that have helped me master the art of interviewing:

Research and Preparation

The foundation of a successful interview lies in thorough research and preparation. Before the big day, it is important to familiarize yourself with not only the position itself, but the organization’s missions and goals. Be sure to understand the role you’re applying for and be ready to discuss how your skills align with the organization’s needs. Practice common interview questions, and don’t forget to prepare insightful questions of your own to demonstrate your genuine interest.

Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the organization’s needs.

Before interviews, programs or large organizations will often provide an itinerary with the names of your interviewers. Familiarizing yourself with these people using the organization’s website or helpful platforms like LinkedIn. Learning about their roles can not only help anticipate interview questions but may help ease your nerves before the interview.

Showcase Your Achievements

An interview is your chance to shine and showcase your accomplishments. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your work, highlighting your contributions and the impact you’ve made in previous roles relevant to the position in question.

If you don’t have relevant work experience yet, you can highlight other applicable experiences including research, leadership, APPE rotations, or volunteer services.

Pharmacy is a very small world; if you can, talk about your work that can be corroborated by a supervisor mentioned in your curriculum vitae. While this isn’t necessary, it can truly strengthen your example and can lead to a larger conversation regarding you if your interviewer reaches out to said supervisor.

Tailor Your Responses

While it’s important to have prepared answers, it’s equally crucial to tailor your responses to the specific needs of the role and company. Use the job description and any additional information you’ve gathered to understand the key competencies the employer is looking for. Be prepare to answer this key question: How can you help achieve the goals and missions of this specific organization? Craft your responses to emphasize how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate for the position.

Be prepare to answer this key question: How can you help achieve the goals and missions of this specific organization?

Master the Basics

Appearances matter, and the basics of interviewing etiquette should not be overlooked. Dress professionally, arrive on time, and make eye contact. If your interview is virtual, make sure you’re in a professional, quiet environment with good lighting and a stable internet question.

Remember that the first impression you make is often a lasting one.

If your interview is onsite, make sure to add a buffer into your travel time in case of traffic, difficulty parking or troubles finding the physical site location. Additionally, be sure to practice a firm handshake and maintain good posture to convey confidence and professionalism. Remember that the first impression you make is often a lasting one.

Develop Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is a fundamental aspect of any successful interview. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Avoid filler words such as “um” and “uh” to project confidence. Practicing can help nip this bad habit! Listen actively to the interviewer, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.

Your ability to express yourself is just as important as your technical skills.

It is important to not only be in control of your verbal communication but also your non-verbal communication. Make sure to use open body language and to be mindful of your facial expressions. Remember that communication is a two-way street, and your ability to express yourself is just as important as your technical skills.

Handle Behavioral Questions

Many interviews include behavioral questions designed to assess how you’ve handled situations in the past. Be ready to discuss challenges you’ve faced, how you overcame them, and the lessons you learned.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses to behavioral questions.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, providing a clear and concise picture of your skills and achievements. These questions are an opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience.

Manage Stress and Stay Calm

Interviews can be stressful, but it’s essential to manage your nerves and stay calm. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, before the interview. Remember that it’s okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding to a question. Maintaining composure under pressure demonstrates your ability to handle challenging situations in the workplace.

Maintaining composure under pressure demonstrates your ability to handle challenging situations in the workplace.

Mastering the art of interviewing is a skill that can be honed with practice and preparation. By utilizing the strategies above, you can approach interviews with confidence and increase your chances of success. Remember, each interview is a learning opportunity, and with each experience, you’ll become more adept at presenting your best self to potential employers.

Good luck!

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