In April 2014 I applied to a position posted by Pfizer, Oncology Field Medical Director.
Two months after applying online, I received an email from the hiring manager's assistant that he was interested in an interview. Two weeks later I had a 30 minute phone interview with the hiring manager.
This interview consisted of questions that would determine if I had the basic requirements to meet the demands of the job. For example, he asked about my therapeutic expertise, my experience communicating with various audiences, my clinical trial knowledge. He also informed me that they had over 200 applicants and he would be spending the next week on the 1st round of 30 minute phone interviews. And, would get back to me for the 2nd round.
A month later I received an email to call the hiring manager's assistant to schedule interviews for the 2nd round. The second round would be 45 minute telepresence interviews, phone calls, with 6 different interviewers. My interviews started at 8am and with short breaks in between lasting until 11:00am. I interviewed with my hiring manager who is responsible for the West Coast, his East Coast counterpart, someone from Oncology Communications, Oncology Marketing, a current Field Medical Director, and a Headquarters Medical personnel.
These interview questions were 90% behavioral. They gave me different scenarios and asked how I responded in the past. It was during these interviews that I tried to communicate a clear story and to paint a picture of who I was. The questions were similiar to, "Have you been in a situation where you were blamed for a negative consequence that was not your fault? How did you respond, and how did you treat the person that accused you?" "How do you respond when you are to lead a group and the group members are questioning your competency?" I also had 1 interviewer ask if I knew about any new promising oncology drugs by Pfizer. And, I did research on Pfizer and read the CEO's latest announcement and I knew what he thought was exciting in his annual report. I was able to speak about the most exciting drugs as stated by the CEO.
After that round, 1 month later I was invited to interview with the Oncology Engagement Director. She is over the managers of the Field Medical Directors. This was a 30 minute interview and very matter of fact. She was quick with her questions and wanted information on my industry experience, if any, and why I wanted the position and what were my goals for the position and future.
A few weeks later, HR contacted me with an offer. And, the jumping for joy began. The entire process took 5 months.