When working with a recruiter, forward your CV in a Word document. We need to put our company stamp on the CV when we forward it to the client and a Word document allows us to do that.

The value you bring to a company is a very important aspect as to why you might be hired. Understanding this value that you bring to the table can make all the difference in getting the position, rather than someone else. 

When preparing for an interview it is important that you are ready to answer questions in the following four categories: personal, experience, education and career goals.

It is vital to represent yourself in a professional manner during a phone screen. Eliminate all background noise, have a clear signal, and use correct grammar with no slang. Be prepared with your CV in front of you and have a list of questions to ask the interviewee. Only asking 2-3 questions though. Always end the call by thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration.

Even though you have had the seventh interview in a week for seven similar roles, it's essential to treat each one as an individual event, and to prepare accordingly.

When you are looking for a new position, contact your references, so that they know to expect a call from the client or executive search firm that you are working with.

Questions and answers with a recruiter should really go both ways. Understand the recruiter is trying to qualify you IN, not knock you out of consideration for the position. Recruiters need to know specifics and will ask hard questions. Our best advice is to just be truthful!

Your CV should state the month and year of employment. For example, 3/2010 - 6/2015, not 2010 - 2015.

Please be open and honest with the recruiter that is representing you. Having someone on your side who knows what is important to you will ultimately help you find the best position.

I recently worked with a candidate that was not interested in moving forward with the interview process after an initial phone screen with a member of the medical affairs team. The hiring manager was stunned. 

Preparation is the difference between the top candidate who gets an offer and the one who does not. Take the time to make sure your resume represents you well. Have a plan; listen to advice, and research the market and industry news.

When sending your resume to a recruiter or place of business make sure to save the file with your name listed first. Example: John Smith Resume or John Smith Medical Director. 

There are usually three top qualifiers; type of industry experience, location, and their specific background. If all three are present, then we start a dialogue with the candidate on their general background and personality match with the hiring manager and/or company.

When preparing for the phone interview, please take the time to do your homework. Research the company website and most importantly read the recent press releases.

When calling into a search firm, state your name and the reason for your call. For example, my name is Sarah Smith and I am looking to speak with the recruiter that works in Medical Affairs.

Have your LinkedIn profile up-to-date with your email and a contact number where you can be reached or at the very least have your account set up so that your linked in messages are forwarded to an email address you check frequently.

Here's a resume tip for recent graduates. Do not list your college email address as a contact on your resume. This email address will soon expire and make it more difficult for a potential employer to contact you. 

If you feel as if you are looking, looking, looking and not getting anywhere, keep networking, stay motivated, and reach out to as many people as you can. 

Bobo declined your InMail ("Re: Entrepreneurial Specialty Sales Opportunity") for the following reason:
"Thanks for thinking of me, but I'm not interested."

OR

Bobo declined your InMail ("Re: Entrepreneurial Specialty Account Manager") for the following reason:
"I'm not interested right now, but let's keep in touch."

Think long term: The best time to network is when things are going well. Remember the best results come from long-term investments. Do not wait until you find yourself out of a job to start networking.