Be honest and briefly outline your performance appraisal process. The interviewer is looking for two things. First, do you know (are you really working on) these things? Second, what are your areas of improvement?
You’re not the only one who dreads this question. Never fear, a bit of preparation will put your mind at ease. Do your best to avoid answers that seem trite or “canned.” Things like, “Well, I work too hard.” or “I’m just always happy and sometimes people don’t need that.” are way over the line.
Above all else, be positive. If you are currently employed, use this opportunity to focus on what kinds of things you’re looking for in your next job (not the things you hate about your current one). As you already know, pharmaceutical sales offers a highly competitive, cutting edge environment. If you dig science, say so. If it’s the marketing that gets you going, say that too. Finish by talking about how well you know you’ll do in the job that meets all of the demands you seek.
Pharmaceutical sales representatives do not have typical days. Like many sales jobs, every day depends on multiple external factors. Interviewers know that there is no such thing as a typical day in the field. What they are looking for is another example of how well you’ve done your homework.
Networking is an extremely [...]
If your first thought is about the company car, the travel, benefits, pay, and “high profile,” this is probably not the job for you.
The interviewer wants to make certain that you’ve thought about why you want this job and with his/her company. S/he wants to see how much research you’ve done and if your [...]
The number isn’t nearly as important as the example you give to back it up. 99% of the time, the question will be followed up with, “Tell me about a time when you showed this kind of competitiveness.” Consider yourself warned. Pharmaceutical companies like to hire competitive people.
Often times we make interview questions much harder than they should be. We try to interpret the question or ask ourselves, “What does s/he really want to know?” This question is a perfect example of the interviewer wanting to know exactly what s/he asked. “Tell me about your driving record” is a simple solicitation for simple information. Follow these steps to build a solid answer.
In most cases, your transcript will speak for itself and “Tell me about your GPA” is a nice way of saying, “Your GPA isn’t that great. What’s the deal?” OR “Nice work in college, pal. Take a moment to brag on yourself.”
If your grades were good, it’s a good idea to put a [...]
People who aren’t evil (and most people aren’t) have enemies for one reason, and one reason only. Because they are better at something than the enemy in question. Take Warren Buffett for instance. By all accounts, he’s an incredible guy. He’s modest, he’s kind, he’s humble. He does one thing really, really well. Invest. He’s filthy rich. He’s worth $42,000,000,000 (that’s 9 zero’s). But I’m sure he has enemies if for no other reason than he’s successful.
Pharmaceutical sales, or all sales for that matter, is about competition. Businesses that don’t compete don’t get to stay in business. It’s just that simple. The same goes for sales people and interviewees. Another invitation to sell yourself, the question “Why should we hire you?” is an outright effort to learn more about your ability to organize a presentation, articulate your message, deliver, handle objections, and close the interview.
