If you want to impress your future employer from the outset, you need to sell yourself via your CV and covering letter. Each application should be tailored to the specific job and company that you are targeting. Mass mailing your CV may be tempting due to its speed and ease, but the content is likely to be too general to make you stand out. Take the time and effort to demonstrate why you have applied to each company and, if your application is speculative, be specific about your preferred choice of role. Employers will like candidates who have singled them out and then have taken the time to explain why.

The first impression - your CV…
Your CV is one of the most important parts of your job application because it is the filter that employers will use to make the first 'yes' or 'no' decision. It should act as an easy-to-read marketing tool that demonstrates your suitability for a role. Once you have read the advert and ensured that you have all the necessary experience and/or qualifications required, spend time structuring your CV to your best advantage.

There is no set layout for a CV, how you display the information depends on your education and work history and the role that you are applying for. "Always include a personal profile," says Daniel Clifton, a director at Paramount Recruitment. "This is a short description of your relevant skills, the type of role you�re looking for and your qualities."

Graduates may be tempted to prioritise their academic qualifications as this has been their prime focus in recent years, but, if your work experience is more relevant to the vacancy, list this first. For example, if you're applying for an advertising job, your time spent shadowing an account manager is likely to be more relevant than your degree in geography. On the other hand, if you are an IT consultant and are looking to move into regulatory affairs, your degree in politics and public policy may be of more interest.

But, if you don't have any relevant work experience, it is a good rule of thumb to list your degree and qualifications first. "Structure them in reverse chronological order - with the most recent at the top," advises Huw Nicholas, operations director at Star Medical. "Outline any modules that might be relevant to the position."

It is also worth drawing attention to any transferable skills you may have obtained through extra curricula activities. For example, if you are a keen sportsperson think hard about how this has developed you. Stating that you play netball discloses little to the reader so broaden on the experience: 'I play in my local netball team, which demonstrates my teamwork skills and dedication. This is important for a sales representative role where I would need to be a pro-active team player.'

Face to face…
When you are invited to an interview, you should see it as a big achievement - you've been short-listed from the crowd due to the written word alone. Now is the time to impress in person. Interviewers are desperate to find the right candidate. They are not looking to catch you out, it is simply their mission to find the 'right' person. Work hard to show that your face fits.

There are many different types of interviews and questions, and unfortunately, you can never be sure of which to expect. "Interview styles vary, but quite often the first will be competency-based with questions such as 'can you give me an example of a time when you led a team to achieve a common objective?' or 'you convinced someone to come round to your way of thinking?'" says Huw Nicholas.

You may feel more comfortable in an informal/biographical interview, but you should still take the process seriously. Your interviewer will read through your CV with you and ask questions about your life, experience, schooling, interests etc. Try to expand on what you have written and talk about your future ambitions.

A panel interview can seem scary, but it is actually a blessing in disguise, because the company is assessing your abilities from different perspectives. Direct your answers at the person who asks the questions, but include the others with brief eye contact. Group interviews allow employers to meet several candidates at once and see how you interact. Remember, the other candidates are allies, not competitors.

The one thing you can do for any type of interview is prepare your answers for possible questions. This is easy, as long as you know about the pharma company, their products, the role and what you have to offer. Draw up a list of skills and abilities that are relevant to the job and find out what the essential attributes are - refer back to the original advertisement/spec if you need to. Good preparation will not only put you at an advantage above other candidates, but it can also imply that you will be well prepared for meetings at work.

When compiling your CV, ask the following questions…

• Does it demonstrate evidence of the skills and qualities the job is looking for?
• Would it stand out from other applicants?
• Have I prioritised my experience/grades/skills/interests?
• Are all my points relevant to the job/company in question?
• Is it concise and easy-to-read?
• Is each section clearly defined?
• Have I made an impression on paper?

"Understand what the company does and what the role involves," says Daniel Clifton. "It might help to talk to someone in the industry who can give you some tips."

In interviews, use eye contact, engage with the interviewer, smile, be positive, sell yourself and listen to questions carefully. It's okay to think before answering questions and to ask for clarification if you're unsure what they mean. Try not to let nerves get the better of you.

Questions you might be asked…

• What makes you different from the other candidates?
• What do you think about (a current event) in pharma/NHS etc?
• What did you find interesting about your course at university?
• What did you gain from your work experience?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Give an example of a time when you handled a major crisis
• What attracts you to a career in pharma?
• Where do you expect to be in five years?
• Why do you want this job?
• Why do you want to work for this company?
• What do you know about this company and what can you contribute to us?
• What would you do if..?
   

Ask questions because it will demonstrate that you are keen and interested in the company. Surprise them with originality - generic questions will show lack of thought and preparation. The best questions are those that are tailored to the organisation. If you know anything interesting about its infrastructure or its future plans, bring it up. "Know about the role and the company, because knowledge is power," says Huw Nicholas. Enquire about career progression and training and show that you are eager to develop and take on responsibility.

Assessment Centres are equally important as interviews and they can be an indicator of your future performance. They are usually the final part of the selection process and can involve psychometric tests, written, group and analysis exercises, individual interviews and presentations.

"The day may include an introduction to the company, a role play and a presentation by you on a pre-set topic, such as 'what I plan to achieve in my first six months' or 'what I can give to the company,'" says Huw Nicholas.

"Remember you're being assessed at all times," warns Huw. "Even during lunchtime, someone might be watching your behaviour." Assessment Centres are designed to see how well you work with others and it's important to not act a part - be yourself and be positive. "Some of the questions at my assessment days were very random and I'd try to come up with 'smart' answers, but it backfired," warns Craig Dixon, the group project manager at Baxter. "It's best to answer on impulse - you're either right for the job or you're not." Paul Hetherington, who manages a global commercial strategy for respiratory at GSK agrees: "The only way to truly succeed is to be yourself and go with your gut instinct."

Your first job…
After what may have seemed like a giant headache, you are finally offered the job you want. Congratulations! But now is not the time to sit back and rest on your laurels. Once you have settled in and learnt the ropes, it's important to continue 'selling yourself' to your employer to help secure a steady level of career progression and job satisfaction.

Job satisfaction can be influenced by new experiences and training, your work/life balance, an adequate benefits package, a good chance for promotion and a feeling that you make a mark in the company. If you are not happy, explain why and suggest a mutually beneficial solution. Pharma companies are open to new suggestions, especially if it means they can retain high-quality staff.

If you were promised a development programme at your interview, make sure that this is delivered. If you feel ready to take a new challenge, make it known if you want to work internationally, change roles or be put on a training scheme. If you know that you want to take on more responsibility or take advantage of the opportunities the company offers, tell your manager. As Peter Dommett, managing director of mXm suggests: "Make a reputation for yourself within the company and express your desires. Companies can create new roles for the right people - they will see it as an opportunity to develop you."

Make your dreams reality…
Too often we blame external factors for the fact that we didn't get a particular job or promotion but, unless we make a good impression, how can we expect others to notice us? The process of 'selling' yourself starts with the CV then continues throughout your working life. Think hard about what you want and work out how best to communicate it. You alone have more influence than anyone else when it comes to securing a successful and fulfilling career so do the legwork and get yourself out there!

The Author:
Kate Pain is editor of Breakthrough
To comment on this article, contact the editorial team

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