How to highlight your strengths in a pharmaceutical sales job interview

Importance of preparing for an interview

An interview serves as the gateway to your desired role. It demands a thorough understanding of:

• The industry, deep-diving into leading trends such as the growth of generative AI shaping the industry.
• The company and business model. For example how a contract sales organization (CSO) is different to a staffing agency understanding, and the best locations available.
• Responsibilities of the role, how your skills make you the right fit, where you are in your journey to becoming a pharmaceutical sales rep, and understanding clear differences between pharma sales jobs and medical device jobs.

While you can't predict every curveball an interviewer might throw, thorough preparation empowers you to confidently respond to common medical sales interview questions and competency-based questions. 

This groundwork not only fosters confidence but also enables you to leverage your knowledge, skills, and experiences to your advantage, underscoring your suitability for the role.

Understanding different question styles

Interview questions often fall into distinct categories, each demanding a unique approach. From behavioral inquiries probing past experiences to situational questions assessing problem-solving capabilities, it's crucial to grasp the intricacies of these styles to respond effectively. 

Moreover, questions about your greatest strengths can be phrased in diverse ways, such as addressing core competencies or specific skill sets essential for the role.

How to answer “what are your greatest strengths?”

When confronted with the quintessential "What are your greatest strengths?" interview question, employing the following strategies can distinguish you from other applicants:

Utilizing visual aids: 

Preparing and providing tangible evidence like positive customer feedback or graphical representations of your sales achievements can substantially reinforce your claims. 

Visual aids not only add credibility to your assertions but also make your accomplishments more tangible and persuasive.

Incorporating the STAR method: 

Illustrating your strengths through the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) framework not only lends structure to your responses but also substantiates your claims with concrete examples. 

This approach showcases your problem-solving abilities and emphasizes the impact of your actions in real-world scenarios.

Tailoring skills to the role: 

Reframing your competencies to align with the specific demands of a pharmaceutical sales role amplifies your suitability. 

Emphasizing communication skills as a tool for captivating presentations during sales conferences or workshops, for instance, underscores your adaptability and value to the organization.

Top skills to highlight in a pharmaceutical sales job interview

During a pharmaceutical sales job interview, highlighting the skills in sales, problem-solving and relationship management can significantly bolster your candidacy:

• Sales acumen: Showcasing a proven track record of successful sales, coupled with the ability to understand complex medical information, highlights your potential as a top-performing sales professional.

• Problem-solving expertise: Illustrating instances where your quick thinking and analytical skills resolved complex customer queries or improved operational efficiency demonstrates your value as a resourceful problem-solver.

• Relationship management: Emphasizing your ability to nurture client relationships through effective follow-ups and adding value through tailored solutions can underline your potential to foster long-term partnerships and drive sales growth.

Use these tips to nail your next pharmaceutical sales job interview

By showcasing your strengths effectively, you not only demonstrate your aptitude for the job but also leave a lasting impression on the interviewers, setting the stage for a promising career in the dynamic realm of pharmaceutical sales. 

Acing a pharmaceutical sales job interview requires a combination of thorough preparation, strategic communication, and a profound understanding of the role's demands. 

If you're passionate about pharmaceutical sales and ready to take the leap, apply for exciting pharma sales opportunities at IQVIA. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the healthcare landscape.