1. Explain me about a time when you made the wrong decision?
This is something that might be very difficult to answer. Whatever you choose to talk about, important to remember is to say what the outcome was and state what you learned from this experience. Don't say that you were fired!
2. Tell me what have you done to increase your margins?
Be specific. You should come prepared with at least three examples of ways you personally contributed to increased pharmaceutical sales. Back up your points. Before the interview, write three specific situations in your current or previous jobs when you attained goals. Example: "I increased the sales of X with my three-part strategy of…"
3. Tell me why are you leaving your current employer?
If you've been employed before, try to make this sound positive.
☛ You're looking for more of a challenge
☛ Your current role is too restricting or doesn't give you enough responsibility.
☛ etc
4. Tell me what in your opinion is the most difficult aspect in a sales boy role?
This interview question is negatively phrased and is designed to uncover a lack of confidence or weakness. When giving your answer the key is not to admit to inadequacies, but to focus on meeting, and surmounting challenges which form a regular part of the salesperson's job. An example of a skill, or lesson learned as a result of overcoming a difficulty is seen as indicative of a positive and determined attitude.
5. Tell me how do you cope under pressure?
Provide some examples of occasions where you were under pressure and you succeeded.
6. Tell me do you consistently meet sales quotas?
Over my career I've not only met all minimum quotas but I've set several sales records. Between 2013 and 2014, when many sales professionals in my industry were seeking non-sales related jobs due to the recession, I was able to increase my production by 10% over the previous year. Even though market conditions weren't ideal, I was able to find new sales strategies and techniques to help me maintain my momentum.
7. Explain how competitive are you on a scale of one to 10?
Everyone says they're an eight or nine, according to Scott Brent, author of the book Tactical Aggressiveness (due out in July 2011), which features job interview tips for pharma sales reps and other professionals. "But you also need to explain why you are that kind of person," he says. "Give some situations of how you're competitive both on and off the job."
8. How to show a confident salesperson?
Confidence and persistence are the most important qualities for a sales person, without which you can never hope to succeed. As well as confidence in yourself you need confidence in the product which should be palpable and obvious.
9. Tell us how do you deal with rejection?
I worked for four years as a door-to-door salemen selling pest control contracts in Atlanta, Georgia. Rejection was the name of the game in that industry. Salesmen that let the rejection get to them were ineffective, and often quit. Successful door-to-door salesmen recognized that rejection was just the nature of the job--it was nothing personal. Loosing a sale isn't fun. But I look at rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve my sales technique.
10. Tell me what are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this position?
Translates to: Do I fit the bill for the kind of person they are looking for? Maybe you'd know whether you are up to the job better than they.
