Are professional references really THAT important in ultimately getting a job offer? The nutshell answer is YES.❗❗❗
This week, our team at The Carolan Group was tasked with checking professional references for two finalist Medical Science Liaison candidates on behalf of our clients – one in Oncology, the other in Rare Diseases.
(P.S. This is a very normal “ask” and part of the process – it does not mean that the hiring team does not have faith in you; it is a very routine part of a team’s hiring requirements that we see often!).
Sarah Snyder and George Riedel completed the 3 references for each MSL candidate, and we were so collectively impressed. They were EXCELLENT.
Here is why:
✳ The candidates picked references who were very knowledgeable about their work history. They could speak in-depth to specific situations and offer granular examples of how these candidates operated in their prior positions. They could answer and illustrate all behavioral-style questions with ease, thoroughness, and depth – i.e. how they worked in a team, how they managed problems/adversity, and how they always put patients first. 👏
✳ Every reference was highly relevant to the positions the candidates were interviewing for. One provided connections from her prior industry position in a very similar therapeutic area; the other provided references from a key Oncology institution where she has worked for 5 years. ALSO, both provided prior Directors they reported into, which is key. 👏
✳ Every reference was extremely enthusiastic in their recommendation of the candidate and expressed how much they would love the opportunity to work with them again – “Yes, without question!” & “Absolutely, in a heart-beat!” 👏
👉 The key take-away: It is important not to snooze on this part of the interview process. The two MSL candidates – exceptional and excellent in their own right – had their candidacies further bolstered and highlighted because they chose the RIGHT individuals to speak on their behalf.
If you are asked for professional references, be thoughtful in your choices. It can make all the difference in further highlighting your talent, fit, and ability for the job!
Good luck, and wishing you utmost positivity, career success, and happy interviewing from each one of us at The Carolan Group!!! 🤗 Tom Caravela, Sarah Snyder, Rachel Strauss, Arielle Perrusio, George Riedel, Danielle Bartsch
#TCG #InterviewTips #MedicalAffairsHiring #MSLHiring