In the third episode of our Your Job Search Series, Julia Day and Victoria Walker share essential insights for professionals navigating senior-level job interviews, particularly in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries.
With decades of combined recruitment experience, they dive into what truly matters at this stage of your career — from strategic storytelling to executive presence, and how to demonstrate that you’re not only qualified, but ready to lead.
Meet the Hosts
Julia Day, Client Partner at CK Group, specialises in senior and executive-level roles. With over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical recruitment, Julia focuses on Medical Affairs and Drug Safety, supporting hiring from Translational Medicine through to Commercialisation.
She’s joined by Victoria Walker, Sales Director at CK Group. Victoria has worked in scientific recruitment since 2010 and brings over a decade of experience in the STEM sector. An MChem graduate and multiple award-winning recruiter, she brings practical insight into what employers are looking for at every level — especially leadership.
Key Topics Discussed:
Strategic Focus at the Senior Level:
- How senior interviews differ from junior ones
- Demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, and influence on business outcomes
Tailoring Communication by Audience:
- Adapting your message for different stakeholders — HR, functional leaders, global heads
- Explaining complex career moves clearly and professionally
Company and Market Awareness:
- The importance of understanding the company’s pipeline, structure, and challenges
- Aligning your expertise with where the business is going
Impactful Storytelling:
- Structuring answers using the STAR method — with focus on strategic outcomes
- Sharing leadership examples that show measurable impact
- There is another end letter in the STAR technique that is essential
Panel Interviews and Executive Presence:
- How to prepare for multi-stakeholder interviews
- Engaging a panel and displaying confident, inclusive communication
Salary and Package Conversations:
- When and how to discuss salary at senior levels
- Using your recruiter to help navigate compensation expectations professionally
Cultural Fit and Emotional Intelligence
- Why emotional intelligence is just as important as experience
- Demonstrating self-awareness, adaptability, and team leadership
Following Up
- Sending a clear, professional follow-up message post-interview
- Reinforcing your enthusiasm and suitability for the role
Takeaway Tips:
- Research well — go beyond the job spec
- Tailor your communication to every audience
- Lead with strategic examples, not just tasks
- Prepare to engage in panel dynamics
- Don’t forget to follow up professionally and with purpose
This episode is part of our Your Job Search Series — guiding you through every step of your job hunt.
Other ways to listen:
Search Spotify for The Job Search Series
