You want to demonstrate to employers that you have a genuine interest in their organization or company. Always visit the company's website and become familiar with their mission and programs. Research the industry; understand trends and what sets this organization apart from the competition.

Identifying your transferable skills and communicating them to potential employers will greatly increase your success during a job search.

At the end of your interview, ask the hiring manager if you are lacking in the skills required for the position. This question gives you the opportunity to address any deficits, perceived or real, while at the interview. Go in with a 30-60-90 day plan for the position. It shows that you have done your homework and are invested in the position.

Consider crafting, original, genuine thank you notes the moment you get back to a computer, following the interview. The speed with which you send the notes, and the quality, will make an impact.

Eighty percent of all companies are using ATS (applicant tracking system that scans and digitizes). So when submitting your resume online, make sure to use solid keywords and a Word document format, not a PDF.

Have your CV and the JD in front of you as a point of reference. Do your research on the company. Know the therapeutic areas that they work in: marketed and pipeline products. Research recent news articles. Prior to the call, review your CV and compare it to the requirements of the job description. Highlight the skills on your CV that align with the position and be able to address your skills/strengths/experiences in a concise way. Always be honest.

Poor body language can be a distraction. Effective forms of body language: smiling, eye contact, solid posture, active listening, and nodding. Detrimental forms of body language: slouching, looking off in the distance, playing with a pen, fidgeting in a chair, brushing back hair, touching the face, chewing gum, and mumbling.

It is important to remember that a position is open because the company has a business need that needs to be met. Please be considerate and realistic when negotiating a start date. Yes, I think it is important to take some time off between career moves. The ideal scenario is to give your employer 2 weeks' notice and then take 1 week for yourself.

If you are seeking employment, update your LinkedIn profile with your personal e-mail and cell phone number. The most appropriate place to add this information is at the end of your profile. This ensures that recruiters can contact you directly and not go through your place of employment.

If you are privately searching for new career opportunities, remember to turn off your LinkedIn 'Notify Your Network' when you edit your profile. If you are connected to your boss and/or colleagues, they may get suspicious about your frequent changes.

Over 80% of companies use social media to recruit and many people are disqualified based on information found online. It is a good idea to periodically review your online presence and think twice about the pictures and information you are posting. For a different perspective, ask a friend to do a search as well.

As a candidate, keep all lines of communication open with your recruiter and the hiring manager. Be honest and open about your career goals. Be realistic about your salary expectations and know exactly what you are looking for to make a career move.

When searching for your next position, read the job description carefully and apply for those positions that only align with your skill set. As recruiters, we have applicants who apply to positions posted on our website that don't come close to what the client is seeking. Time is precious so it is best that you apply for positions that match your skill set.

Do not speak negatively of a past employer or former colleague. Make sure you shed light on what you gained from past employers or colleagues during the interview process. Always turn a negative into a positive.

In an SHRM magazine article called Metrics for Better Hires, author Lou Adler Lou states:
"Interviews per hire. If a manager needs to see more than four candidates to make a hiring decision, you have a major problem somewhere in your process. Most often the problem is that the recruiter and manager are not clear on the real job needs."

Please never feel you cannot pick up the phone or send an email to a recruiter at a respected Agency. Our firm, in particular, welcomes the opportunity to connect with and assist job seekers. We recently received an email that started with "Apologies for a "Cold email", I hope that you will be able to help me. I am currently actively looking for a new job".... There is no need for an apology.

When interviewing, do not act like an expert in everything. Everyone has strengths and you want to make sure you can provide good examples that demonstrate your strengths. When you act like you are an expert in many areas it takes away from the areas you are truly an expert in.

Prepare for a phone interview the same way you would for an in-person interview. Choose a location that is free from distraction. Check your phone reception or internet connection before the interview. Lastly, dress the part! Even though the employer cannot see you over the phone, dressing in a professional manner may help you feel more confident and prepared.

LinkedIn plays a big part for candidates who are actively seeking new career opportunities. This allows candidates to have a professional presence on the job market and to network with others in their field. The keywords on the candidate’s profile are very important and can help recruiters and hiring managers identify the proper skill sets. Recommendations and thorough career history are also important.

Professional courtesy goes a long way in the Recruiting Industry. The Bandish Group has always prided itself on communicating with both its clients and candidates alike.

Although this video is humorous please understand the message; behind each CV there is a person!