Interview preparation for a Career in Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance

When preparing for an interview in the field of Pharmacovigilance we must keep in mind our goals and qualifications relative to the position or role we are applying for in the said company or organisation. To accomplish this, there are few pointers to invest in before the interview.

1. Having a Mentor 

A mentor will help you in researching the company and carefully review the job description to understand why you would be a good fit. The mentor from the field of drug safety would have had years of experience – both as a working professional and as a hiring manager who would understand the roles and responsibilities required of a drug safety associate and other titles in the field. Also, since the mentor would have absolute knowledge with the work-flow states and multiple day-to-day challenges of the job, they would be able to guide you through the arduous questions expected in an interview. 

2. No FAQs – Stress on BASICS

One google search and we will get pages answered with frequently asked questions in an interview. This is advised against, however. As students or working professionals in Drug Safety it’s pertinent to brush up the basics and be thorough with the working of  case scenarios. How each case is processed, what are the types, what all regulatory bodies one reports to – all and everything in between is important not just for the interview but to be an efficient genuine employee. While a You-tube tutorial may feel informative but getting back to the books, modules and deciphering the workings in Pharmacovigilance will take you farther. No doubt on this.

3. CONFIDENCE

How much ever you have prepped, no matter how many times you have gone through your notes or discussed with your mentor – the real deal is to be confident on the day of the interview. Believe in your knowledge, everything you have learnt in Drug Safety and your years of strenuous education in Medicine, dentistry or Pharmacy. You have the skills to deliver results and that’s important to remember at the crucial moment. The confidence in your answers and demeanour will build trust with the employer undoubtedly. Appear and be confident – the job is yours!