Currently in big pharma going through interview process at another big pharma. Question about references: 1) who can I ask for references if I can’t tell anybody from my current company that I’m applying to external roles? 2) if I can’t get anyone to speak to my current role because I’m still keeping it quiet, how can can interviewers verify and appreciate the true complexity of the work I’m doing? Is it all about how I present myself in interviews? Thank you!

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Definitely it’s mostly about how you present during the interview. But references are still a common ask, just to ensure you’re actually who you say you are / you’re easy to work with. You can say you’re happy to provide references, but would like to disclose their contact information closer to the end of the interview process. That’s a fairly reasonable thing to say about the current company you’re at. If there’s any push back, you can offer references not from your current company. In my last job search, I just checked off “do not contact” for the company I was still employed, and when prompted, sent in my W-2s proving that I actually did work there. No issues.

Related Posts

I studied computer science in school but I didn’t do well due to life coming in the way. I got poor grades but ultimately finished my degree without any internship experience.

After three months of job search, I started for 45K at a construction company as a Jr App Support. After a year I shifted in to QA for 65k and now after a year of QA, I have finally gotten a position as a software engineer for 78K base.

The imposter syndrome is finally gone!

Hang in there, hard work pays off.

likeuplifting

Wondering what were the best traits from accounts people you’ve worked with? What makes a great account person?

like

Has anyone billed less than 1000 hrs as a first year?

like

After orientation till my training starts, what I will be assigned in ey gds?

Tonight's pour. Cheers everyone 🥃

Post Photo
like

Partner and I have been talking about marriage and discussed how lgbt people don’t really have the same “rules” as straight people when it comes to weddings...what kinds of ways did you change things up in your wedding? Trying to think of some ideas.

like

Reaching out to find good PD’s for Special Education teachers- resource and co-taught specifically (all about writing IEP’s and anything else)! FREE would be awesome!

like

Tyler Boyd or Michael Pitmann Jr. this week?

like

There is an affair brewing next to me at the airport bar literally as I type this...to be continued...

likefunny

Here's why more waves are coming, and un-avoidable. On an average, during 2007-08 recession, consulting companies had to let go 10-25% of their staff. look at the curve, it could be easily 15-40%

Post Photo
like

Do I have to learn software in order to continue being an engineer? Every time I do a job search for "Mechanical Engineer" - software, IT systems engineering positions pop up.

like

Hello,

Anyone with experience in Logistics & SCM, can guide me for future prospect of the field.

like

Anyone know what the heck is going on at Chicago Portfolio School? Instructors not being payed, the two long-time administrators leaving (quietly but suddenly)… anyone on the inside wanna shed some light?
(I have been an instructor there for 3 years but am taking a break this quarter and not sure if it’s worth going back, Jeff is a profiteer and I honestly think the gatekeeping for-profit model is on its way out, but I really love my students and the opportunity to mentor)

like

Anyone work at Veeva Crossix?

like

Anybody have any resources/tools/exercises they can suggest to help with understanding strategy (i.e., high level thinking)? Nowadays a lot of my day-to-day involves strategic thinking and I’m more of a “in the weeds” kind of dude. It’s been challenging to see the bigger picture. Need to start thinking outside the circle and not so much about what’s inside. I’m fact, I want to start thinking that it might not be a circle at all.

like

What do you do when you feel you can't speak honestly to your ceo/owner? They are not open to feedback when someone addresses something that they fall short on.

like

When a girl uses "🙃" emoticon, what does this mean? Fishbowlers -- please give me your analysis.

like

Hi,
Anyone recently gave IBM assessment , i gave last week and haven't heard back yet
How long does it usually take to get a call for further steps after online assessment?

Kindly suggest

What role did mentorship play in your path to the C-Suite?

like

Got invited to a wedding which took me by surprise because we haven’t kept in touch in over 4 years. Is it rude if I don’t go moreover don’t leave anything in the registry? :/

like

Additional Posts in Pharma and Biotech

Does anyone have recommendations for a biotech companies that provides services to start-ups like building out a prototype for a low-cost device, testing application and validation?

like

Hello everyone, I need advise on getting into a pharmaceutical company like Novartis. I have applied to many position but have gotten denied. I know with my experience, Dedication, hard work, and quick to learn new systems I would be a great fit for the company.

like

Are the recent economic troubles translating to slower hiring or lower salaries in life sciences industry? I want to transition to industry this year but am worried it may not be the best time to.

like

I have a degrees in biological science and public health, but I have mainly worked as a recruiter. I have always wanted to work for big Pharma companies or Biotechnology companies as a scientist. Any tips on entering the industry? Any companies hiring?

like

Pharma companies with great tuition reimbursement. Thanks!

like

If the ultimate goal is to move in pharma/biotech (bd / strategy type role), does prestige of consulting firm matter? Or would it be better to work for less known firm that may have more client facing opportunities?

like

What are some companies (big and small) working in interesting neuroscience/neurology related projects including pharma, med tech, ect.? How do you all keep up with neuroscience news to stay in the know?

like

Hello lovely people , anyone from AmerisourceBergen? I applied for the field reimbursement manager job in Chicago and praying I get an interview .

like

Process chemists/scientists! What was one interview question that you received when you interviewed with your current company? And what's one question you would ask a potential candidate during their interview?

likehelpful

Hi everyone! Question for my CRAs in clinical research. How did you progress your career after this role? Did anyone go somewhere other than the Clinical Trial Lead position?

like

Considering that the end of this year will probably signal the start of a recession, is this a bad time to jump into a new role in Pharma?

like

I am contemplating a new offer for Validation Lead role (non- managerial) at a Big pharma, with 4 years experience -post masters degree. Suggestions on what the compensation should look like ?

like

Any thoughts on Laronde?

like

Hi, does anyone know when an employee becomes eligible for maternity/paternity leave at either Gilead, BMS, or Merck? For NVS, it’s day 1 of employment but not sure if that’s common within the industry.

like

I’m a PV consultant, typically coming in as interim Heads of PV and helping clean up disasters. Considering going back into Pharma- what si the base salary of a Head of PV typically? I currently command $250-300 per hour

like

Anyone from Allied Benefits LLC know the salary for a Reimbursement Specialist?

like

GSK Uk employees, how long dies it usually take post interview for an RnD project management role to receive feedback? It has been two weeks...

like

Good day,

Is anyone able to provide a referral for Regeneron or another Pharma or Biotech Company? I am interested in PM/ Ops and Strategy Roles at the SM level and above. I have 13 years of experience, a MBA, PMP (since 2015), and I am a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

like
like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal