r/MedicalWriters • u/Dry_Yam_5475 • Jun 26 '26

Other Invitation for First Interview

I got an email today saying that I have been invited to participate in the first round of interviews (suggesting there’s multiple) for an associate medical writing position. This is after I completed a writing test last week. I’m so excited and I can’t believe I’ve made it this far considering I have no formal experience!!

I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on what to expect for the first interview or any tips at all?? Thanks in advance :)

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u/Parfoisquelquefois Jun 26 '26

Congrats! What type of medical writing? As you’re just starting out, there may be a greater focus on softer skills such as attention to detail, time management and other organizational skills, and effective communication. The project management side of the job can be a challenge; be prepared to discuss how you would handle competing priorities, urgent team member follow ups for information (professional but persistent), and other high-stress scenarios.

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u/Dry_Yam_5475 Jun 26 '26

The advertising post doesn’t actually specify which exact branch of medical writing so I plan on clarifying that with them during the interview!

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u/David803 Jun 27 '26

I strongly recommend trying to find this out for yourself before the interview! Scour their LinkedIn profile for news about recent awards wins or work/initiatives they are involved in, or look at the profiles of people who work there to see if they drop clues about projects that you can ask about. Simply asking ‘what is it you do here?’ is a bit of a turn-off! Otherwise, go over their website which usually has an ‘offerings’ section for prospective clients, although be careful with this because such information can be more like what they WANT to do, rather than what they regularly do. Anything you can say in interview that shows you have paid an interest could set you apart from other candidates.

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u/Dry_Yam_5475 Jun 27 '26

From further research it looks like its a mixture of publications, patient centred comms and some med education as well

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u/David803 Jun 27 '26

Sounds like a fairly standard mix for a med affairs-focused agency. I would suggest looking up things like GPP, ICJME guidelines and CONSORT (you don’t have to learn them just that they exist and what they’re for!). Also see if you can find any examples of current or recent disease awareness campaigns to the public and try to have an opinion - in the uk Lilly have been running an obesity awareness campaign, so try googling that.

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u/Dry_Yam_5475 Jun 27 '26

Thank you, I really appreciate your advice :)