So you get called up for a job interview. Now the question is, how can you look as good in person as you do on paper? How do you highlight your strengths?
A whopping 75% of employers globally are reporting talent shortages, so if you know how to ace a pharma sales interview, you'll be snapped right up. It all begins with preparation.
If you want the job, then put the time in, and it will show. After that, it's all about showing, not telling, the interviewer that you're the perfect candidate for the role.
With that in mind, here’s how you can present your best self in your next interview.
Tip 1: Know the company inside out
Before applying for the role, you probably scanned the employer's website.
You might know a little about their values, goals, and leadership team but that's not enough to impress.
These are the golden nuggets of information that you need:
- Search Google News for recent company developments
- Scan the social media accounts to find out more about their employee value proposition (EVP)
- Find the interviewers on LinkedIn and learn more about their role at the company
If there's any information that you can't glean from your research, ask in the interview.
Tip 2: Prepare your own questions
Hiring managers will always leave time at the end of the interview for you to ask questions of your own.
The most common answer to, "Have you got any questions for us?", is "No, you've answered all the questions I had".
This tells an interviewer that you didn't prepare any, or enough, questions.
Don't turn up to a pharma sales interview underprepared. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- What are the biggest challenges for your sales team?
- How is your company adjusting to overcome regulatory restraints?
- Other than hitting my sales targets, what would I need to do in the first three months to add value to the team?
- If I hit my sales targets, what's the next step for me?
Tip 3: Talk yourself up
If there's one place to brag about your skills, it's an interview.
If you're just getting your pharmaceutical sales rep career off the ground and you don't have a long list of achievements, that's okay.
There's a whole list of skills that are transferable to sales.
Just think back to a time when you displayed those skills and how that has given you the confidence to succeed as a pharma sales rep.
Tip 4: Make it a two-way conversation
Remember that an interview is not only a chance for employers to dig a little deeper into your sales skills and find out if you really are as good as you sound.
They want to get a feel for how you would gel with the team.
Another way to make the interview more conversational is to let them know some things about you on a personal level, all the while keeping it professional.
Don't be afraid to tell them what drives you, what hobbies you are passionate about, and what your long-term career goals are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for a pharmaceutical sales interview?
Research the company and its products, study the pharmaceutical industry, practice common interview questions, and showcase your sales skills and enthusiasm for the role.
What questions are asked in a pharmaceutical interview?
Questions cover your sales experience, industry knowledge, teamwork, handling objections, and ethical practices.
Read our guide on 30 Pharma interview questions for more tips.
Why are you interested in pharmaceutical sales?
A solid answer to this question could be: “I am passionate about the medical field, enjoy building relationships, and want to contribute to improving patients' lives through pharmaceutical products.”
What makes a great pharmaceutical sales rep?
A great pharmaceutical sales rep possesses strong communication skills, product knowledge, adaptability, and a customer-focused approach to meeting sales targets and building lasting relationships with clients.
Take IQVIA’s guidance on board in your next Pharmaceutical Sales interview
Now you know how to ace your pharmaceutical sales interviews, it’s time to take our advice and put it to practice.
If you’re still on the search for a career where you can make a meaningful impact on the healthcare landscape, browse our pharmaceutical sales rep jobs today.
