SAS Technical Interview Preparation

Below is a collection of links to increase your knowledgebase and confidence in passing the SAS® technical interview. You should be able to find answers to any SAS® skills gaps you may have.

Technical Interview Tips

Do Your Research - Prior to your interview, research company history and profile. Also do some research on the industry, learning about past/current trends.

Know Your Career Path - Be prepared to discuss goals and what path you would like to see your career take.

Listen - Pay attention to the questions you are being asked. Stay on track and respond with more than a "yes" or "no" answer. Be detailed in your answer but avoid rambling.

Emphasize Your Skills - Discuss your strengths and be honest about skills that you may not have, follow up with how quickly you can learn.

References - Be prepared to present at least two professional references. Contact your references prior to the interview so that they can be prepared for a phone call from the prospective employer.

Follow up - Send a thank you after your interview. If you corresponded by email, it is acceptable to send your thank you electronically. If the company is more formal, you will want to send your note by mail. Be sure to recap the highlights of your conversation, send any information that you may have needed to check on, and finally express your enthusiasm about the opportunity and how your skills will benefit the company.

Technical Questions - Be ready to answer situational questions such as what programming technique can you apply to assign unscheduled visits?

SAS Papers (YouTube Videos)

1. Hire Winners! Tips for Finding Qualified Candidates and Great SAS Programmers, Kathy Doan

2. 10 Things Experienced SAS® Programmers Don’t Know – But Should, Doug Zirbel

3. Your Resume – Selling Yourself Using SAS®, Rebecca Ottesen, Susan Slaughter

4. Demystify "Ten years of pharma programming experience required" - What hiring
managers actually look for, Peng Yang

5. Recruiting for Retention for PharmaSUG 2014, Kathy Greer, John Reilly

6. Searching for a Diamond in the Rough: Finding and Integrating SAS® Programming Talent, John Hotaling, Lynn DiFinizio

7. A Pseudo-Interactive Approach to Teaching SAS® Programming, Hunter Glanz

8. Careers in Biostatistics and Clinical SAS® Programming An Overview for the Uninitiated, Justina Flavin

9. Tips for Effectively Interviewing SAS Programming Candidates, Kjersten Offenbecker

10. Assessing SAS® Skill Levels during Interviews, Jenine Milum [Questions Checklist]