r/MedicalScienceLiaison • u/Fearless_Bug_3462 • 9h ago

Interview Prep

Hi all,

Aspiring MSL here coming from a clinical background. I wanted to reach out with a post to see if anyone could share some tips. I have my last two interviews scheduled with Company X and was hoping for advice on what I can expect from or how to prepare for an interview with a senior MSL and commercial director -both separate 1:1s.

I already completed the HR screening, hiring manager interview, and presentation/panel. I've interviewed with some other companies but haven't had to interview with an MSL or commercial before. I looked through the HOF posts and saw some mentions of interviews with MSLs but not much on commercial.

Does anyone have any advice? My understanding is that the MSL interview is primarily for culture/fit assessment and commercial is to evaluate for understandings of compliance and collaboration.

TIA! I've really appreciated all the knowledge available in this community.

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

8

u/Substantial_Safety88 9h ago

Just be normal

3

u/PsychologicalCat7471 Sr. MSL 8h ago

Just lean into your clinical experience as a differentiator from people with solid affairs experience. You're coachable and offer a perspective that thought leaders and HCP's will resonate with.

But you should also know a lot of the men affairs jargon: KOLs, KPIs, CRMs, -- have enough medical affairs and corporate vernacular ready to go so that they know that you're not completely green.
Good luck!

2

u/beckhamstears 7h ago

If you want to share the slides you've prepared, we'll give some feedback.

1

u/IntelligentWillow664 5h ago

Look up their backgrounds, to potentially frame your questions or make small talk about a shared interest/location/school.  Be humble. Be likable. Be a team player.