| Pharmaceutical companies are known for their | | | | be a "power" color). |
| conservative business appearance. Many reps who've | | | | * Shoes should be lace ups and they should be |
| been around since the 1980's will tell you that the | | | | polished brighter than Forrest Gump's. |
| dress code was once so strict, it was almost a | | | | * Fingernails are important for you too. Clipped, clean, |
| uniform! Well, times have changed somewhat but the | | | | manicured, cuticles pushed back, buffed, and ready |
| basics are the same. Ladies first - here's what's | | | | for action. |
| expected of you in an interview. | | | | * If you've had a beard or mustache for 20 years |
| Ladies | | | | and know how to take care of it, then it's probably |
| * Conservative suit (pantsuit OK) black, navy, | | | | OK to keep it. Otherwise, you should have a clean |
| charcoal gray or similar in color. Pinstripes are | | | | shave. You should have a fresh haircut too. |
| acceptable. A white or light-colored conservative | | | | * I don't care if you paid $6,000 for that bottle of |
| blouse is the most appropriate. | | | | cologne, save it for the afterparty (the party after |
| * Take it easy on the makeup and hair. Think church, | | | | you get hired, that is). |
| not date. | | | | A few things should be able to go unsaid - but they |
| * Nails should be well manicured and polished clear. | | | | can't. |
| Drug reps use their hands for demonstration and | | | | * No chewing gum or candy. I know you want to |
| pointing all the time. A good interviewer will notice. | | | | have fresh breath. Take a bottle of mouthwash and |
| * Stockings or none? It's the great debate. If you | | | | rinse before you go inside. Candy and gum can make |
| can pull of a professional, conservative look without | | | | you look unprofessional in an instant. Don't go there. |
| them . . . go for it. If not, or your not sure . . . play it | | | | * Leave the Viagra(R) necktie that you bought at |
| safe and wear them. | | | | the Niagara Falls Gift Shop at home. I know you think |
| * Shoes should be medium to low heel (and you | | | | it would be cute and catchy. Let your professionalism |
| should be comfortable enough in them to walk | | | | and knowledge of the industry do the talking instead. |
| normally). Many say closed toe is best. I say use | | | | * Don't carry a backpack or purse. Some say that |
| common sense and if an open toe looks professional, | | | | you shouldn't even carry a briefcase. I say that's up |
| you can pull it off. | | | | to you. If you have enough things to fill up a nice |
| * Skip the perfume. Remember, it's an interview not | | | | looking briefcase, carry it. If you can manage |
| a date. You want the interviewer to remember you | | | | everything without one, then a nice leather bound |
| for what you said and how you carried yourself, not | | | | folio will work just fine. |
| how good (or overpowering) you smelled. | | | | The bottom line is, you are a professional. If there is |
| Gentlemen | | | | any question whatsoever, err on the side of |
| * 100% wool conservative navy, black, or charcoal | | | | conservative. As I said to the ladies earlier, "think |
| gray suit. Again, pinstripes are acceptable. 100% | | | | church, not date." When you get to an interview, |
| cotton shirt with heavy starch will make you look like | | | | you'll be surprised at how many people didn't read an |
| a million bucks. | | | | article like this. You'll look like a superstar immediately |
| * Go for a tie that refuses to be dated. In other | | | | when the guy beside you in the waiting room (your |
| words, solid ties are always in. So are large alternating | | | | competition) is wearing his brand new suit with a pair |
| stripes in the deeper shades of primary colors. I'm a | | | | of Dr. Martens(R). |
| big fan of deep red ties for interviews (red is said to | | | | |