Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coaching Blog
Pharmaceutical Sales, Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs, Pharmaceutical Rep, Career Site! : Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coaching-News Blog Home : November 2005
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions: Why do you wish to work in pharmaceutical sales? November 1, 2005 22:58 |
Provide a 4-prong response to this pharmaceutical sales interview question:
1. Most important: You love to sell and you've been very successful in sales. (Even if you do not have typical sales experience, you can provide examples of times in which you've utilized your sales skills to negotiate, persuade, influence, etc.) Provide specific, concrete examples of sales success.
2. The pharmaceutical sales industry offers both challenge and reward. The technical aspect of learning the science behind the products is very appealing to you. (Cite examples of how well you've performed in technical courses or environments). Also, you like the fact that you're responsible and rewarded for your own success, but there's also a team environment in which you work to sell your product. (Give examples of situations in which you thrived on your own, and then examples of being a team player and achieving a goal). Also, to effectively answer this question, you must know exactly what a pharmaceutical sales rep does on a daily, weekly and monthly basis..we've got all the juicy details, right here!
3. Show your knowledge of the industry - it's a growing industry due to the fact that the baby boomers are reaching retirement. This will result in an increasing need for pharmaceuticals to enrich and extend lives. Provide some industry statistics to back up your statements - most hiring managers love statistics! Find info. here: PhRMA - for Everything Pertaining the the Pharmaceutical Industry!
4. Show your knowledge of the pharmaceutical company (you better have done some research!) and state that you will be very selective about the company you choose to work with. Obviously there needs to be a good fit between the company and candidate in order for both to be successful. Then provide specific reasons about why their company is a good fit for you!
Badda Bing, Badda Boom! Is this easy or what?
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions: The Infamous...."Tell me about your biggest weakness?" Question... November 2, 2005 17:10 |
This question has stumped many a pharmaceutical sales candidate, or any candidate for that matter! Basically, the hiring manager is trying to uncover any "red flags" - negative behaviors or attitudes that would deter him/her from hiring you.
Please...do not say something like, "Well, I'm not a paperwork person..." This isn't a good response. Even though your primary duty will be sales, you will still "push papers" to some degree. This response basically screams, "Hey, I'm not a 'detail person', so get over it!" Guess what? Organizational skills are a key component of pharmaceutical sales jobs, so the above answer will not get you hired.
In crafting your response, think of a "weakness" that is fairly harmless; one that may possibly be considered a positive trait. For example, "I'm a bit of a workaholic; I'm often so focused on my goals that I develop tunnel vision..."
Next, tell how you've fixed the "problem", so that it's no longer a problem! Continuing on from the response above you might say, "But, I've learned how to better organize my time, as well as create more realistic short and long term goals."
Finally, provide an example of how you've experienced more professional success as a result of "fixing" your problem. "As a result, I've become much more efficient and effective in reaching my goals. For example, I recently…..blah, blah, blah." This shows that you are a creative, problem-solver. You've turned a negative into a positive!
In summary, the general formula for answering a weakness question should be:
1. Think of a "weakness" or "problem" that is not a big deal, and could even be considered a positive. Please be honest, though; good hiring managers can spot a fib a mile away!
2. Next, tell how you've "fixed" this problem, so that it is no longer a problem.
3. Give an example of how you've grown professionally as a result of this.
Piece of cake, right?
Hey, if you've got any brain-numbing, pharmaceutical sales interview questions you'd like to throw my way, just click on the "comment" below this entry and fire away!
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Pharmaceutical Selling : E-Detailing... What It Is and Its Implications. November 3, 2005 23:15 |
There's a new marketing strategy within the Pharmaceutical Selling Industry...Electronic Detailing.
But what is it?
E-detailing is a "blanket" term for the manner in which pharmaceutical, or medical device, companies utilize an internet-based program to inform prescribers about products or diseases. This may be through self-guided online informational programs, online seminars, web conferences, etc.
Here's the reasoning behind this new marketing strategy...Although the number of pharmaceutical sales reps in the field has dramatically increased in the last 10 years, (some say it's doubled in the last eight years) the time physicians spend engaged in meaningful conversations with pharmaceutical reps has drastically decreased.
Not good for the pharmaceutical companies! They fork out all that money (it costs approximately $80K to hire a new rep) and their return on investment is minimal. OUCH!
Why is this happening? Well, first of all (in my unscientific opinion), "Big Pharma" is to blame. Big Pharma has the money to hire large sales forces - which means many reps in the same territory, with overlapping products. This increased "reach and frequency model" has resulted in over saturation within the market. The result is that a prescriber is often called on by a rep within the same company, detailing the same product, several times a week. Can you say....ANNOYING?
Is E-Detailing the Answer?
That remains to be seen. Although quite widely adopted in Europe, the United States is slower to add this feature to their marketing efforts. Why? It could be due to a number of reasons - one of which may include hesitancy to reduce sales forces. Big Pharma is watching to see who will reduce their sales force first, and add e-detailing as a large-scale marketing strategy. No one wants to be the first, for fear of making a few too many mistakes! Industry analysts' offer mixed opinions: some contend that e-detailing will grow significantly in the next few years, others believe it will stay at the current level - due to Big Pharma's reservations.
If e-detailing becomes a more widely used pharmaceutical-selling strategy, does this mean drastic layoffs for pharmaceutical sales reps?
Not necessarily! Most industry analysts conclude that e-detailing plus traditional office visits will be increasingly utilized by pharma companies as an overall marketing strategy. There may be somewhat of a reduction in sales force if this method is more widely adopted. But pharmaceutical companies can't and won't discount the value of "relationship selling", right?
One last important point to make about utilizing technology in pharmaceutical selling (as if they were all important points): physicians increasingly utilize the internet at work, and after, to gain information about treatment methods. According to an American Medical Association Study, there's been a 50% spike in usage of internet technology by physicians in the last few years. The same study also reported that 87% of physicians utilize the internet as a critical resource in finding prescription drug information and other treatment options. Base upon that information, it would seem that e-detailing fits right in! But, only time will tell if this pharmaceutical selling strategy will become increasingly utilized by pharma companies.
And now you know...the rest of the story...
Why am I reporting this? I'm just a Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach, right?
Here's why...every nugget of information learned within this blog can be utilized in your pharmaceutical sales interview. The more you learn about this industry, the better! I often coach candidates to take what you know and use it to form intelligent questions....this shows the hiring manager that you've done your research!
Now...go sell yourself!
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FAQ About the Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Process: How long does it take and what is the usual progression? November 4, 2005 22:28 |
The length of time and progression of a pharmaceutical sales interview will depend upon a number of factors: specific company guidelines, the urgency of the particular situation, whether the hiring manager or human resource person conducts the initial and subsequent interviews, the availability of the "decision maker", etc. In my pharmaceutical sales recruiting experience, I've found that no two pharmaceutical companies conduct the interview process in exactly the same manner. I've seen the interview process last anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months!
Boy...I'm a big help, aren't I?
A pharmaceutical sales interview will GENERALLY follow in this pattern:
Congrats, you've just landed a Pharmaceutical Sales Job! Let the games begin...
Hey, want to ask a question that's stumped you in a previous pharmaceutical sales interview? Just click on the "comment" button below and "let 'er rip"!
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Pharmaceutical Sales Careers: Positive and Negatives... November 6, 2005 00:07 |
As I promised when I began this blog, we will look at pharmaceutical sales careers from both sides - in order to help you decide if this is the career for you. As you read through this blog entry, please remember...there's no such thing as "the perfect job"!
Questions asked of a pharma rep in the midwest - 2.5 years pharmaceutical sales experience:
Positives of a pharmaceutical sales career? Definitely the people you work with on a daily basis. My colleagues, the physicians and nurses - everyone is very professional. I can't imagine working in any other career! A pharmaceutical sales career offers you the opportunity to learn and delve deeply into all facets of selling...I feel like there's no sales job out there that I couldn't succeed in - as a result of working in pharmaceutical sales.
Negatives of a pharmaceutical sales career? The number one issue I face on a daily basis is the increasing problem of "no-see" clinics and doctors. It can be difficult to penetrate many of these offices, so creativity is essential. Also, developing relationships with the gatekeepers (front office staff) is essential for gaining "face-time" with the physicians. And one more thing...never underestimate the power of doing what you've promised. In many offices I have gained access because they've come to know me as a trustworthy rep...one who always keeps his promises.
Great information from a real pharmaceutical sales rep, plus good "pharma lingo"! Take Note...the more you learn about pharmaceutical sales, the better prepared you'll be for that all-important pharmaceutical sales interview!
~Now...go sell yourself!
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interviews: Preparation is the Key! November 7, 2005 21:13 |
If you are one of the fortunate that get called for a Pharmaceutical Sales Interview, there is simply no excuse for failing to prepare.
~Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success~Henry Ford
Here's what to do...
As I'm sure you've heard before...there's no second chance to make a first impression!
The best thing I can tell you about a pharmaceutical sales interview? Put yourself in the "shoes" of the hiring manager and ask yourself..."What would I be looking for?" Remember, the success of the hiring manager is due - in large part - to the success of the pharmaceutical reps whom he/she manages. This is why a hiring manager must find a candidate that is thoroughly organized and prepared to do the job! Your interview is the first sign of how you'll work in the field!
If you make some mistakes in your pharmaceutical sales interview and are not asked back for a 2nd interview, ask yourself what went wrong? Vow to fix the problems you had and begin networking like crazy for the next interview. There's no time for pity or self-doubt; you've got to view it as a learning experience. Next time, you'll interview smarter! And remember, He who never made a mistake never made a discovery~Samuel Smiles.
~To your success,
Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interviewing Coach!
Check out the "cool link" to find out what pharmaceutical sales managers are REALLY looking for, when choosing candidates to hire!
Got a crazy question that's stumped you in a previous interview? Respond via the "comment" button and we'll get back to you in a flash!
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Pharmaceutical Sales Resumes - Which Format is Preferred? November 8, 2005 23:14 |
Pharmaceutical sales resumes - or any resumes for that matter- fall mainly into 2 distinct formats: chronological or functional. Enough resume lingo...what do these terms mean? Read on...
Chronological resumes offer a historic time-line of your work experience. What you did and when you did it - are all grouped together under the employer information. Therefore, the bulk of the resume is contained in the "experience" or "employment history" section.
Conversely, functional resumes rely on categorical, skills-based sections to demonstrate your qualifications for a particular job. Company names, employment dates and position titles are deemphasized.
But, which format should you use in creating your pharmaceutical sales resumes? It depends upon your work experience. If you have had a stable, progressive career in the same industry - choose the functional format. If you have changed jobs a little too often, have employment gaps, if you're a new college graduate with no previous experience in the career you're seeking, or if you're changing careers - the functional format is the way to go.
As a pharmaceutical sales resume writer, the majority of resumes I've created have been the functional resume format, although chronological resumes are more popular among many resume writers. Why? Because many of the candidates who sought my help were experiencing difficulties in gaining interviews due to a "not-so-glorious" employment history. The functional format forces the recruiter/human resource pro/hiring manager to focus on a candidate's skills, abilities, and achievements - rather than dates of employment and job titles.
In creating a functional format, focus on the essential skills and abilities required in pharmaceutical sales jobs. Choose 3-4 essential skill groups and organize your previous achievements under each section, accordingly.
For a great example of a functional format that was quite a challenge (frequent job-changer, varied careers) please click on the "cool link" below! NOTE: It Got the Interview…and the Pharmaceutical Sales Job!
If you have questions about which format is best for you, reply via the "comment" link, below!
~To your success,
Your Pharmaceutical Sales Career Coach
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interviews: Catastrophy #1 - "I forgot to bring my brag book to my pharmaceutical sales interview!" November 9, 2005 23:12 |
Surprisingly, I've heard this one a number of times. Now, had the candidate been crafty enough to find our blog, he/she would have prepared adequately by placing a file of "essentials" (resume, reference page and brag book) in his/her briefcase well ahead of time - just as we advised a few days ago. Therefore, this would've never happened...and the brag book would safely be in the arms of the interviewer, right about now!
But, since the candidate failed to prepare, it may have just cost him/her the job. Lucky for that candidate (and you!), we've got the answers. Here's how to fix a common "flub" that happens often in pharmaceutical sales interviews:
1. Grab your brag book (make sure it's a copy and you still have the original) - you know, the one you FORGOT to bring to your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview?
2. Reflect on the interview. What's memorable from it? Did the manager state a problem, give hints as to what skills he/she is looking for, disclose a hobby or interest, or make a positive comment about you?
3. Choose just one memorable moment or idea from the interview, and utilize it in your "marketing arsenal". For example, maybe the manager commented that you "sparked her interest" with your incredible resume. Send her a small candle and a lighter. Create a label or send a note with it, stating what she said in the interview, and how you look forward to "sparking prescribers' interest and igniting sales for (her company name)".
4. Send both the gift/note and brag book together, utilizing an overnight mail service. (Who cares if it costs you $15-25 dollars...how much is your pharmaceutical sales job worth? A LOT MORE!)
5. Follow up with a phone call or e-mail to the hiring manager in a few days to inquire whether she received your package. Again, reiterate your interest in working for the company.
6. Relax! Your ingenuity will make the hiring manager forget about you and "the missing brag book incident"!
Now go prepare and don't let this happen to you!
~To your success,
Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach
Hey, want to know how to prepare for a phone interview with a hiring manager or pharmaceutical sales recruiter? Just click on the "cool link" below!
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Pharmaceutical Sales Resumes: How to Capture Attention and Interest... Don't Just Tell It...Sell It! November 11, 2005 19:19 |
Do you know what the biggest mistake candidates make in writing a resume? Candidates seem to think that "telling" or describing previous job duties will make employers want to hire them. WRONG!
Employers want to know what you achieved in your previous positions: how you saved the company money, streamlined processes, built a team, met a difficult goal, drafted support and changed a policy, sold a creative idea, won-over a difficult client, etc. They want to know what happened as a result of your previous company hiring you. This is the best way to sell yourself.
By the way, in your pharmaceutical sales resumes, try to use numerical data as much as possible...this lends greater credibility to your resumes. For example, which sounds more powerful: "streamlined loan processing system" or "streamlined loan processing system; decreased processing time by over 25% per loan"? The latter example, right? That's because in the latter example, you're telling it and selling it...which makes you "interview material".
If you're a previous sales rep, you have it a little easier; sales reps typically have numerical data to back up their "I'm a sales wiz" claims. If you have quarterly or yearly numbers that show growth, if you've won a regional or national award, if you've increased market share in the product you've been selling, if you've grown a new territory into a profit center, if you've blown out your projected bonus numbers...write it all down! By the way, be prepared to back up the numbers on your pharmaceutical sales resumes by bringing along a pharmaceutical sales brag book/interview portfolio with supporting documentation.
In summary, want to know the Best Tips for Pharmaceutical Sales Resumes? (1) Don't tell it (describe the job duties), but Sell IT (describe what you achieved in your role), and (2) quantify your achievements as much as possible.
Hey...if you're stuck with a resume question and it's holding you back...just click on the "comment" below and "let 'er rip"! Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview (and resumes!) Coach is only a click away!
Check out the "cool link" below for OUTSTANDING pharmaceutical sales resume tips and samples!
~To your success, The Coach
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions: Another Difficult Question for Many Candidates: "What are Your Salary Expectations?" November 12, 2005 21:48 |
This is simply one of many pharmaceutical sales interview questions that frequently stump candidates. Many candidates are afraid of answering the salary question too high and disqualifying themselves from the position, or answering too low and robbing themselves of a higher salary, once hired.
First of all, you truly don't want to say anything that could ruin your chances of landing this job. You don't want the manager to think he/she can't afford you, nor do you want the manager to think you're desperate by answering the question with a lower than expected salary.
However, you may be surprised that there is a very simple answer to this pharmaceutical sales interview question. Here's what to say..."That's a great question that I will be able to answer much later in the interview process. Once I know more about the position and its challenges, I should be able to more accurately answer your question. However, I've done quite a bit of research on beginning pharmaceutical sales salaries within this geographic area; so I'd be looking for an opportunity to be within the $45k-$62k base range (whatever range you found on salary.com or other related research). Obviously, I'm sure you'll want to be confident that I'm the right fit for you, as well, before discussing salary and benefit information with me...am I correct in assuming that?"
This is a very smart answer. You'll get "points" from the hiring manager with this savvy reply! You've artfully evaded the answer, but made a very practical reason as to why you couldn't yet answer.
Just remember...the best way to answer any question is to put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes and ask yourself what answer you'd like to hear.
Click on the "cool link" below for answers to other salary issues you may face…our examples include how to handle salary issues when working with pharmaceutical sales recruiters.
As always, feel free to ask pharmaceutical sales interview questions by clicking on the "comment", below!
~To your success,
Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach
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Pharmaceutical Sales Careers: Great Opportunities for Advancement! November 13, 2005 22:44 |
Pharmaceutical sales careers offer great advancement possibilities. Many of the senior management and marketing positions - with high visibility and compensation - are filled by those who were once winners in the field.
If you are successful in field sales, there are many opportunities that will be presented to you by management. Field management, account management, marketing, product management, and training - all are exciting career paths that will be open to you! All pharmaceutical companies have different requirements for advancement - usually based upon years of experience and specific performance standards. However, in general, most pharmaceutical sales reps can move into management positions after 5 years of field experience.
Sales Training seems to be a growing area in the last few years. Most companies have their own training departments for training all field sales representatives. If you have a teaching or coaching background, along with successful pharmaceutical sales experience, you may be considered. Take note...only the best and brightest are hired for these highly-sought after positions!
District/Field Management is another growing area, as many companies are breaking up large districts into smaller territories with separate managers. Again, successful field sales experience is required, along with great leadership skills.
For a more specific explanation of pharmaceutical sales careers - including job titles and descriptions - please click on the "cool link" below.
~To your success, Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach
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Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs: What do Hiring Managers Look for? November 15, 2005 22:18 |
Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs...a closer look at the selection criteria...You've got a powerful resume, an incredible brag book, and you're off to the interview...but do you know what hiring managers are looking for?
After researching hiring criteria for pharmaceutical sales jobs, I've found that pharmaceutical sales managers are similar to most managers in terms of what they are looking for. Here are the criteria that not only fit pharmaceutical sales jobs, but most other jobs as well!
Now that you know what pharmaceutical sales managers are looking for and you've completed your research, how can you make sure you give 'em what they want?
Rehearse, Rehearse, and Rehearse! Even if you've done an excellent job of researching the industry, uncovering the company's needs, and creating an outstanding resume and proof source...it's all moot if you are unable to answer interview questions in a smooth, coherent, conversational manner. Rehearse over and over again until it's so natural that your answers no longer feel like a script, but a conversation!
Rehearse your answers to common interview questions, rehearse using your brag book to back-up claims, rehearse asking questions to the hiring manager that showcase your knowledge of the company and its products and rehearse your closing strategies. Do not forget this vitally important step in interview preparation! And, make sure you rehearse with a friend - the feedback will help you hone-in on areas that are unclear or not conversational in nature.
Now Go...you've got work to do!
Click on the "cool link" below for more information about the skills and experience required in pharmaceutical sales jobs!
~To your success, Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interviews: Common Catastrophes...How to Prevent! November 16, 2005 21:31 |
Pharmaceutical Sales Interviews are not exempt from many of the common mishaps that can occur in interviews. Although you can't keep all interview catastrophes at bay, what steps can you take to lessen their probability?
Steps to prevent pharmaceutical sales interviews from becoming Interviews from Hell:
- The day prior to your interview, take a "test run" and find the interview location. Try to figure out the best route in order to minimize potential traffic issues that could delay your arrival the next day.
- The night before make sure your resume, reference page, brag book/interview portfolio, and any other supporting documents are tucked securely into your briefcase. If you happen to forget any of these documents, you will have a difficult time convincing the hiring manager that organization (a prime requirement of pharmaceutical sales jobs) is your forte!
- Plan to wear another layer of some sort over your interview clothes. This will protect you from any food/beverage mishaps that could mess up your spiffy interview clothes! Nothing is worse than having to go into an interview with a big, embarrassing coffee stain in the middle of your shirt/blouse. Remember, the manager doesn't personally know you, so he/she has no reference point from which to realize that you normally aren't a slob! First impressions are everything!
- Make sure you have at least 2-3 hours blocked out of your schedule for your pharmaceutical sales interview. One never knows how long the interview may last, but it would be horrible to tell the interviewer, "I have to go" before the interview has concluded! Do ya think you'll be asked back if that happens? Not a chance!
- Plan to arrive at your location at least 1 hour early. Stay in your car, review your notes, repeat some positive affirmations to yourself, and head into the building 20 minutes before the start of the interview. Find a bathroom and check your appearance (Appearance IS important, too!) When you plan to arrive 1 hour early, this takes away the stress of unforeseen traffic difficulties. Even if you are unable to find the building and it puts you 30 minutes behind schedule, you'll still be in good shape with 30 minutes to spare!
- Absolutely do not mention anything controversial when making small talk with the receptionist, interviewer, or any other company representative you may run into! This is not the time to talk religion, sports, or politics! If your opinions conflict with the interviewer's, you just may lose the opportunity to proceed in the interview process! Let's be real here...although most interviewers try to act objectively, subjectivity will play a role, regardless.
Hey, if you don't think all this interview preparation is worth it, then just take a look at this! Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs are extremely lucrative! Check out the "cool link" for all the glorious details!
~To your success,
Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interviews: Damage Control Tips for Interview Catastrophes! November 17, 2005 23:16 |
Pharmaceutical Sales Interviews are what you've been working for. From the time you've decided on your career path and readied your resume...pharmaceutical sales interviews have been your goal. If you have the unfortunate experience of an interview catastrophe, you must act quickly and confidently as you employ damage-control techniques.
Throughout my career I've seen numerous interview mishaps - many of which could have been avoided with adequate preparation. However, most catastrophes can be lumped into 4 distinct areas:
So what's the best way to handle any of the above issues?
Honesty and humor will prevail above all other strategies. When you're honest and upfront about an unfortunate situation, it quickly minimizes the negative effects of your mishap. And, providing humor in a situation such as this is all about showing that you are adaptable. This is a great quality that any manager would love to see in a candidate.
Think of it in this way: the pharmaceutical sales interview process provides the interviewer only a very sterilized view of the candidate. No matter how an interviewer may try to replicate the real world with behavioral/situational questions, the interviewer will still see only a very artificial version of the candidate. Managers need to know that candidates can take whatever life throws at them and still remain positive, upbeat and determined. In this manner, interviewers get to see how a candidate genuinely reacts to unfortunate circumstances. This is truly a BONUS for the hiring manager! I've actually seen candidates get hired because of the manner in which they responded to an interview catastrophe! And remember, in using humor - make sure it's tasteful and appropriate to the situation!
A third strategy is to consider how you would react to this mishap if you were actually working out in the field as a pharmaceutical sales rep. How could you use it to your advantage with gatekeepers or prescribers? Basically, what you will be doing is capitalizing on your mishap and using it to sell yourself. Painting a picture of you in the field, responding to the mishap in a capable manner...this is exactly what you need to do! In effect, you are removing the negatives and accentuating the positives!
In summary, I recommend a combination of all three for best results. Pease note: hiring managers will know which catastrophes were due to inadequate preparation, and which were truly unavoidable. Make sure you're not at fault, by covering all your bases beforehand! Remember...catastrophes usually occur because of inadequate preparation. Utilize many of the "how to prepare" tips and techniques within this blog to lessen the probability of catastrophes happening to you! Preparation is the key to successful pharmaceutical sales interviews, and thus jobs!
~To your success,
Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach
By the way, be sure to visit the "cool link" below to sign up for our newsletter - Fast Track to Pharma. It's chock-full of great insight regarding pharmaceutical sales interviews!
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions - What's the Most Challenging Aspect of Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs? November 19, 2005 20:11 |
Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions such as this are common in that the manager is basically trying to determine how much you know about pharmaceutical sales jobs. The manager needs to know that you understand the inherent challenges of the job. Pharmaceutical sales interview questions that test your knowledge of the job will be asked over and over again until the manager feels quite confident that you know exactly what you're getting yourself into!
The last thing the manager wants is for you to work for 30 days and then quit because you didn't realize what this job was all about! Did you know that each new hire in pharmaceutical sales costs the company anywhere from $80,000 to $95,000? This is why hiring managers drill you with these types of pharmaceutical sales interview questions!
An appropriate answer to this question would be....Based upon my research and previous ride-along experience with a pharmaceutical rep, I believe one of the most difficult aspects is gaining access to those "no-see" or "rep-unfriendly" clinics. Obviously it takes a creative salesperson to find a way to gain access to those facilities. I'll be happy to share with you in a couple of minutes the creative sales strategies I have successfully employed in... Another difficult aspect of the job is gaining significant "face time" with physicians, especially since this "face time" has rapidly decreased in the last 10 years. According to some of my internet research, between 1995 and 2000 the amount of time spent with sales reps by the average US physician decreased from 12 minutes to seven minutes per day. And, each detail with a doctor lasts an average of only 2.5 minutes. Obviously it's a little difficult to get your product messaging across in such a small amount of time. That's why I will always pre-plan every physician call. Knowing my goals and how I plan to reach them will help me utilize that face-time with the physician in the best possible manner.
Let's reflect on what you've just accomplished in answering the question in this manner.
The pharmaceutical sales hiring manager will be impressed with this answer...every time!
Hey there...want to know exactly what a pharma rep does? What's this job all about, anyways? Just click on the "cool link" below.
~To your success,
Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach
Need help? Click on the "comment" below and fire-away with your most difficult pharmaceutical sales interview questions!
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions: If You Had One Word to Describe Yourself or What is Your Greatest Strength? November 21, 2005 21:40 |
Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions such as these may be answered in virtually the same manner. The greatest tip for answering these types of "tell me about yourself" questions is to think of skills and qualities required in Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs and then provide proof of those skills/qualities.
But wait, that's not all...here's a few examples of appropriate terms you may use - but only if the term really fits you and can be backed-up with proofsources!
Great Words that link your skills/qualities to pharmaceutical sales jobs are as follows:
Basically for these types of Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions, you may utilize any of the pharmaceutical sales keywords within your resume (it DOES contain keywords, right? If not, please go to our Resume Center, Now).
Again, you MUST BE prepared to prove how and where you've been tenacious, driven to succeed, a team player, etc. Utilize examples to paint a picture of yourself, and if you have proof contained within your bragbook that illustrates the skill/quality...by all means use it!
PLEASE NOTE: The best advice I can give is to fully prepare for your pharmaceutical sales interviews. Utilize the information provided in our website, pharmaceutical-rep.com and within this pharmaceutical sales interview coaching blog! There's simply no excuse for failing to prepare!
~To your success,
Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach
P.S. If you've been stymied by Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions, please contact your coach by clicking on the "comment " section, below!
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions: "Why do You Wish to Leave Your Current Job?" and "Tell Me About Your Current Manager?" November 25, 2005 10:26 |
Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions such as these are designed to bring out any negative opinions you may have of your current manager and job situation. Under no circumstances should you speak negatively about your current manager or profession. If you do, it's a major red flag to the hiring manager/hr professional/recruiter, and it will prevent you from advancing in the interview process.
As a pharmaceutical sales recruiter, I've personally witnessed that fact over and over again! Regardless of how perfectly you may answer all other interview questions, one negative comment and your chances of making it to the next interview will be reduced to zero, zilch, nada! Don't make that mistake!
Now, let's answer the first question: Why do you want to leave your current job?
Moving on to another of those pharmaceutical sales interview questions intended to provoke negativity..."Tell me about your current manager?"
Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions, like those listed above, are designed to force you to "let your hair down" and disclose negative attitudes. It's up to you to show the interviewer that you are a positive person; that you constantly look for ways to turn negatives into positives. It's this type of "can-do" attitude that managers want to see !
Want to know the incredible careers available to pharmaceutical reps? Click on the "cool link" below!
~To your success,
Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach
For more answers to pharmaceutical sales interview questions, respond via the "comment" button, below!
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Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions - How do You Respond to Inappropriate Interview Questions? November 28, 2005 22:29 |
Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions, depending on the interviewer, could include inappropriate questions. How should you handle these inquiries? Obviously you don't want to offend the interviewer, but you do want to adequately protect yourself against possible discrimination. How can you accomplish this? Read on....
This may surprise you, but there's really no such thing as illegal interview questions. It's the act of discriminating based upon the answer one provides that is illegal. Therefore, employers usually try to avoid questions that show an intent to discriminate. If you're asked any of these inappropriate interview questions in a pharmaceutical sales interview, be careful how you respond:
Now, how do you answer these types of inappropriate questions? You've got 3 choices:
In summary, it's best to not jump to conclusions; you just may be dealing with an inexperienced interviewer. So, cut him/her some slack and tactfully sidestep the question. You never know; you just may win the job if all other candidates have responded in a negative manner! Always, always, keep your cool!
~To your success,
Your Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coach
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