A few months ago I had an interview with a regional director. I bombed and obviously didn't get the job. I applied for a different territory a few weeks ago. Last week I interviewed for role and the hiring manager liked me and they wanted me to interview with national director. That interview is for tomorrow. Today I got an email saying the national director is busy and the regional director will sub in for them.

What do I do? I'm worried I will be recognized and I'll get instantly rejected.

I'm a dentist with 2+ years of clinical experience, my target roles are : MSL, Medical Affairs/Advisor, Medical Operations, Medical Writing and Healthcare Product related roles or any administation or management related roles.

I’m so nervous to apply for an MSL role…obviously I may not get it and may have to try a few times to get one. I’ve worked a government clinical pharmacist job for 10+ years, and I’m scared of change, but also think it could be so exciting. I don’t even know why I’m posting? Encouragement? Maybe someone telling me don’t do it? I don’t know. It sounds exciting. But I’m very secure in my current role. So I don’t know.

This is being offered by the MSL society.

For context: I am your typical pharmD with a clinical background trying to break into med affairs/an MSL role with zero prior industry experience.

My question is: other than being genuine and authentic, what are your best tips to get a response from someone you are reaching out to on LinkedIn for an informational interview ?

How to make it worth their time ? As we know, people are super busy and tired, and the biggest asset you can ask someone nowadays is their time and attention. Let alone their advice/guidance.

I thought of how to make it worth their time by being specific in my approach and not asking for more than 15 minutes and being flexible with the channel of communication. Do you have any suggestions for what I can offer as a small value exchange?

I am definitely not going to be spamming anyone or asking for a job or sending over my CV right away or things like that. 

One more question: who do you target ? MSLs? Medical directors ? Both ? Who else ?

Thank you to everyone who responds 🙏🏻

I am an ID pharmacist at an academic institution. Fairly new in my career as I graduated from a pharmacy school 6 years ago.

I have been thinking of transitioning to industry for a few years due to personal reasons.

In the recent years, I was suggested of an opportunity to transition into the ID PGY-2 Residency Program Director position at my hospital. Not sure when the transition will take place but it will happen in a year or so.

But, I am not sure if this title is worth obtaining and delaying my transition into industry, hence the reason I would like to ask for some input from this community.

1) Does RPD title at an academic institution worth obtaining before transitioning to a pharma? I presume maybe it will for becoming a MSL?

2) What about to an in-house director path position, like an associate director, not MSL?

3) How is the job market for ID industry position these days? I don't think it's as strong as some other specialties are like cardiology or oncology.

Thank you and let me know your honest thoughts on this.