Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) plays a key role in healthcare decision making, and it has become especially vital as the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical landscape keeps evolving. A recent ISPOR report identified a growing complexity of healthcare decision-making with the trajectory of health spending increasing and more innovative treatments getting introduced.
So, as a HEOR professional working during this important time for the sector, how do you navigate the job application process and step into a suitable role? In this guide, our specialist consultants share their insights into what to expect and how to prepare for an interview within the HEOR sector from the moment you receive the invitation.
Preparing for The Interview
Generally, an interview for a HEOR job lasts between one to two hours. So, how do you make the best of it and impress your interviewer?
When it comes to preparing for an interview, your recruitment consultant can be of great help before you even dive into the research on your own. Ask for documents or materials with interview tips and guidance. Your consultant will know best about the role and the interview process, therefore, it’s a good idea to talk to them regularly about any questions you may have before attending the interview.
Know Your Stuff
Your recruiter can provide details of the role and guidance and techniques for the interview. But it’s crucial to check your knowledge and cover necessary research to ensure the requirements of the role you’re going for are met. This may vary by position, but here is a list of expertise that’s common within HEOR jobs:
- Health Economics
- Budget Impact Models
- Cost-Effectiveness Models
- Survival Analysis
- Network Meta-analysis
- HEOR
- Pharmaceuticals
Ace the Task
In many cases, you may be given a task as part of your HEOR job application process. What could this entail? We have seen our candidates being asked to present a model that they have worked on before. It’s also likely that you’ll be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of a model by editing one with the information provided during your interview. Written exercises are also a common type of task to be asked to complete.
Be Ready for Questions
An integral part of your preparation is anticipating the questions you’ll be asked as it’s an important way for the company to assess a candidate’s competency and where they may need development within your new HEOR role.
Questions around experience and contributions throughout projects would be expected. These questions are also a good way for the interviewer to gauge where a candidate sits within their team, so ideas of salary level will develop here. It is important for the candidate to show all they have at this step.
Your interviewer will want to know your key attributes and competencies that are important to them. These may include how you are working in a team, your ability to develop juniors if you’re applying for an experienced manager role, and your contribution to projects you’ve worked on and within your group. Prepare to show these qualities by giving examples from your experience, as facts are the best testimonials of your capabilities.
Equally Important to Ask the Right Questions
It’s always good to show your interest and initiative by asking questions about the company and development/progression opportunities that are available.
Company cultures have been getting more attention from both employers and job seekers, and chances are, the interviewer would expect you to ask them about it. It is also in your interest to know about the culture and team that you may be working with if you succeed in getting the role. It’s a good way to see if you will fit in and whether it’s the right place for you.
Final Thoughts
Prepare examples of situations where you have gone above and beyond your role. These can be training, presenting, meetings with clients, extra work, collaborating with colleagues and anything that’s relevant. It’s always good to show you are ready for more responsibility and to push yourself further.
Take a look at all our live Market Access jobs here.
Get in touch:
If you're looking for opportunities within Market Access, or you're looking for support with your recruitment, get in touch with our specialist consultant Ben Laskey on:
