Preparing For An Interview

• Always answer your phone professionally. Ensure your voicemail is set up with a professional greeting. Confirm that your mailbox is also available to accept messages. 
• Utilize an email with a professional address
• Be positive throughout the process - don't speak negatively about previous companies and/or managers
• Consider creating a plan for how you will ramp up quickly in this role (ex. 30/60/90 business plan)
• Research the hiring manager on LinkedIn 
• Conduct research on Syneos Health, the company, product(s) or services, the hiring manager(s) and the opportunity itself
• Be able to explain why you want THIS job and not just ANY job. Be specific about what motivates you about the job.
• Plan to discuss what has specifically contributed to your successes (sales results, projects led, career progression)

Be preparaed to answer behavioral-based questions. These are short narratives describing times when you overcame a crisis, led a team, met a deadline, resurrected a failed project, etc. Your answers should be concise and provide specifics. Think about your work experiences and be prepared to share examples and outcomes.

We encourage you to to be prepared to deliver these examples using the STAR format:

• Situation: Set the stage - describe the specific situation or challenge you faced.
• Task: What needed to be done - where did you fit in?
• Action: Describe what steps you took to resolve the siuation.
• Results: What was the result? Impress with your achievements.

As part of the formal interview process, you may be asked to prepare a sales presentation about a specific product. Expect this to be a back-and-forth dialogue, with interviewers potentially making comments and asking questions. Make sure you have thoroughly researched the product or have picked one in which you have significant knowledge. Present features and benefits, ask follow-up questions, and close your interviewer(s) when appropriate. Plan to include any materials that will serve as visual aids and compliment your presentation.

Another component of the interview process may include a case study presentation. Typically, you will be provided with the case study requirements prior to your interview date, allowing ample time for preparation. The case study typically consists of an authentic business scenario where you'll be tasked with analyzing data and presenting it in a conversational manner using the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) format. You may also be asked to prepare a recommended action plan which may include suggested deliverables based on your analysis. The interviewer will typically assess your strategy and execution plans, along with your overall presentation skills.

It is critical that you close your interviewer(s) at the conclusion of the interview. This is your chance to express your strong interest in the job and why you should be chosen over other candidates. This might include closing for the job itself or closing for the next step in the interview process. Remember, if you don't successfully close the interviewer; how can you expect them to visualize you closing a customer on your product or service?

• Dress in business attire (virtual and in-person)
• Thoroughly research the company and product(s) or services
• Bring an updated copy of your resume
• Bring a pen and notebook to take notes as needed
• Have questions prepared to ask during the interview
• Be positive and confident in yourself. It is normal to feel a bit nervous, so take a deep breath - this is your chance to shine!
• Be thoroughly prepared - you will never get a second chance to make a first impression

• Demonstrate passion, enthusiasm and energy throughout the entire interview
• Be confident in yourself. Convince them that YOU are the kind of employee they need!
• Represent yourself with honesty and integrity at all times
• Maintain direct eye contact and smile or nod as appropriate
• Ask questions about the position, company and the interviewer(s)
• Remain professional throughout - don't get too comfortable (sharing personal details, inappropriate language, etc.)
• Remain positve throughout, especially when speaking about past and present employers or managers

• Take notes as needed to help you remember the highlights of the interview. This can help with preparation for possible next steps.
• Email a thank you note as soon as possible after your interview. If you don't have the manager's contact information, send it to your recruiter to forward.
• Try to be patient while awaiting feedback - it can sometimes take a while before decisions are made