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