Help! "Meet the Team" Part of the Job Interview

[RX8]

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I interviewed for a pharmacy manager position (not with a chain) and received a call back from the hiring manager. I was told that two people made the final cut and now each of us is going to "meet the team" to make sure it was a good fit.

Does anyone have any experience in this type of interview?

How should I act? What should I expect?

Do I wear a suit?



Thanks for any replies/advice. I really REALLY want this job and am praying I get it!

 

[Dalteparin]

You said not with a chain - is this retail or hospital? Hospital, I'd wear a suit. Retail, I'll let somebody else answer - haven't worked retail since I was a student.

For both situations, I'd just be yourself. The team just wants ensure that you're not a dork, a tyrant, or wishy-washy. Good luck!

 

[xiphoid2010]

For both situations, I'd just be yourself. The team just wants ensure that you're not a dork, a tyrant, or wishy-washy. Good luck!

I recommend against this. You are absolutely being judged no matter how casual things look. Behave as your best at work, not yourself.

OP, you are probably the only candidate for that position at this moment, the said "2 people" is likely simple tactic. If you got balls, if the interview goes well and times comes when they make an offer...

 

[Wheresmyaricept]

I recommend against this. You are absolutely being judged no matter how casual things look. Behave as your best at work, not yourself.

OP, you are probably the only candidate for that position at this moment, the said "2 people" is likely simple tactic. If you got balls, if the interview goes well and times comes when they make an offer...

"Meet the team" is a common strategy used to see if the candidate can work well with the pharmacy staff. What's the point in being fake during this process if during actual work you don't get along well with the staff and eventually get fired? Be yourself, but be polite. Make light conversation and sociable. This interview has very little to do with your ability to work, but rather your ability to socialize with the staff and customers. You will be representing the pharmacy, so why would they hire someone fake if you're going to be nasty to customers and cause drama with the staff?


As for dress, shirt and tie should suffice if you're a guy. And pants. Don't forget pants. For women, just dress professional. Dress Pants and a nice shirt. Women's clothing obviously isn't my dept lol.

 

[RX8]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I'm a guy so definitely shirt and tie lol. I wore a suit to the original interview and I think it may be overkill this time around.

As for being in the driver's seat, I honestly don't even care about a couple of grand at this point, it would disappear after taxes anyway.

How long do you think I should linger there?

 

[xiphoid2010]

"Meet the team" is a common strategy used to see if the candidate can work well with the pharmacy staff. What's the point in being fake during this process if during actual work you don't get along well with the staff and eventually get fired? Be yourself, but be polite. Make light conversation and sociable. This interview has very little to do with your ability to work, but rather your ability to socialize with the staff and customers. You will be representing the pharmacy, so why would they hire someone fake if you're going to be nasty to customers and cause drama with the staff?

Calling an interview by any other name doesn't change the nature of the beast that the person is being judged. The chance of getting fired won't even be a luxury if you can't get hired. Be on your best behavior during every stage of the interview, pure and simple. Being yourself once you are in, not something you can afford when you want to be let in (unless you don't really need the job).

 

[xiphoid2010]

As for being in the driver's seat, I honestly don't even care about a couple of grand at this point, it would disappear after taxes anyway.

Don't be afraid to think a little bigger now and than. I countered at both jobs, extra $15K a year and worth more each year. Also there are other things such as bonus structure, vacation time, loan repayment, seniority, relocation, mortgage points, etc. I'm not nearly as skilled as others out there. Might not be real options if you are a new grad, but more practical with experience and skills under your belt.

 

[RX8]

I like your process, xyphoid

 

[RX8]

What would be a good way to counter? Let's say they throw out 135k and I'm used to making 140k, how would you word that?

 

[xiphoid2010]

What would be a good way to counter? Let's say they throw out 135k and I'm used to making 140k, how would you word that?

I researched compensation before hand (especially several local contacts that filled me in were invaluable). Personally, I want more fairness in life, I wouldn't have countered if the offers were above market rate. On countering, different people different strokes. I didn't counter right away, thanked them but deferred it by saying I'm excited to go home to review and discuss with my wife. Here is what some advice I got differed, some said to make an appointment to meet and negotiate in person. Being a logic driven person, I know that I don't really have that persuasive charm. So I prepared formal written response, start with with thanking, looking forward to it and why it's a good fit, shifting to I would like to address a few items of interest, then each item took an paragraph of pairing how my skill contribute in value and how it justify what I'm looking for. Summarized, thanked them, look forward, and other pleasantry. I didn't get everything I asked for, but a few items were "sacrificial" anyway so everyone can feel win-win. I didn't go for more than 1 round of counter either, just made a decision on their response.

Countering can be hairy if you don't have a job or at least few other backups, but risk and reward are correlated. 🙂

 

[Dalteparin]

I recommend against this. You are absolutely being judged no matter how casual things look. Behave as your best at work, not yourself.

Should've made this clearer: be the version of yourself that you'd take to meet your future in-laws or a head of state, not the version of yourself you'd take to a frat party. Those are both yourself, but only the first one will get you hired. 🙂

 

[RX8]

Well, that was a little more intense than I had anticipated! Thanks for the advice everyone, hopefully I'll land the gig!

 

[type b pharmD]

As for dress, shirt and tie should suffice if you're a guy. And pants. Don't forget pants.

I can understand where you got your username ! 😛

Seconded. I think wearing pants is a big part of being offered that key second interview