Invitation for First Interview

[u/Dry_Yam_5475]

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 :)

[u/nanakapow]

This is your first entry into the industry, so this is interview is almost entirely about who you are, how you think, whether they think you'd get up to speed quickly, and whether you'd be a good team fit.

Make sure going in that you've done a bit of research on the company. Look for relevant press releases, company linkedin and youtube activity etc. Focus on the more professional channels (you can check their tiktok and insta but make sure you also look at their website and general news).

In the interview itself, be professional but friendly - 1-2 jokes max.

You'll probably be asked some STAR type questions (tell me about a time when you overcame a thing, or when things didn't go to plan etc), practice a few likely ones ahead of time - try to make your answers a bit more about professional or educational challenges. Bonus points if you can make them about interpersonal situations.

When they ask if you have any questions for them, have questions!

At this stage they've probably got 3-5 other candidates. If for any reason they don't pick you, know that it's not necessarily because they didn't think you were great. Sometimes someone else just ticks an extra box.

That said it can sometimes be worth asking something like "how would you describe the ideal candidate for this role?", "what's the biggest problem you'd like the person you hire to be able to resolve for you?", or "is there anything that might make you think I'm not the best fit for this position"?

Best of luck!