| Another one of those pharmaceutical sales interview | | | | in, along with 2 others. It was a difficult decision for the |
| questions that can take you into "deadly territory" are | | | | company; I hope they'll be able to get back on their |
| any questions that force you to respond to a negative | | | | feet again very soon. I'll be happy to provide you with |
| scenario, such as the following: | | | | the name and number of my manager, as she will |
| - 1. "Why were you fired?" | | | | attest to my qualifications and excellent performance |
| - 2. "Why did you receive such a poor performance | | | | on the job." This answer leaves no question in the mind |
| rating on your last review?" | | | | of the interviewer as to the true reason behind the lay |
| - 3. "Why were you laid off?" | | | | off. |
| - 4. "Why have you been out of work for so long?" | | | | In response to pharmaceutical sales interview question |
| These questions are actually called "stress questions" | | | | #4, "Why have you been out of work for so long?": |
| and are designed to make you feel "attacked" - to | | | | You must stay cool and calm, and never appear |
| elicit an emotional response. Don't fall into this trap! | | | | needy...even if it's your first interview in 7 months! |
| Practice answers to these types of negative | | | | Without a cool demeanor, you'll never pull the answer |
| questions before the interview, so you'll be able to | | | | off! If you've been out of work for more than 6 |
| answer in a confident and straight-forward manner, | | | | months, you certainly know that you have a difficult |
| without getting emotional. | | | | road before you; however, that doesn't mean it's |
| Employers also ask these types of pharmaceutical | | | | impossible! |
| sales interview questions to determine if you will "play | | | | In answering you might say the following: "My last |
| the blame game" and blame others for your | | | | position taught me the importance of a good fit |
| misfortunes. Showing an inability to take responsibility | | | | between myself and the company I work for. I'm being |
| for you actions or decisions will not endear you to the | | | | extremely picky in choosing my next job, because I |
| interviewer! | | | | want it to be the right company, with the right people, |
| Regarding pharmaceutical sales interview questions | | | | and the right values. Of course I've had offers, but |
| that relate to being fired or poor performance | | | | since I will spend most of my waking hours in this next |
| [Questions #1 and #2, above]: | | | | job, I want to be sure that it's the right move for me, |
| Please note that it is not dishonest to keep some of | | | | as well as the company. The next company I choose |
| the ghastly details out of your answer. Don't admit to | | | | to work for will be my last, because I want to stay |
| being fired, reprimanded, etc. If the interviewer knows | | | | with the company for many years, and work my way |
| any of these for a fact (fired, laid off, reprimanded, | | | | up the ladder. Therefore I'm taking my time, |
| poor performance review), then you may respond in | | | | researching companies and their pipelines, and |
| an objective manner, as follows: "My manager - while | | | | continuing to network for my dream job." The |
| good in a number of different areas - was taking the | | | | employer will not argue with you about this because |
| company in a different direction than I wanted my | | | | this is a very rational answer that places you in a |
| career to go." Next, provide a very simple example to | | | | positive light! |
| illustrate this - choose an example that showcases a | | | | Utilize these answers as a guide in crafting your own |
| skill or quality of yours that is necessary for success in | | | | answers, unique to your situation. And remember, |
| pharmaceutical sales jobs! Always remember to stay | | | | pharmaceutical sales interview questions such as |
| positive and objective. | | | | these are only deadly if you allow them to be deadly. |
| In response to questions regarding lay offs [Question | | | | Anticipate negative interview questions, craft positive |
| #3, above]: | | | | responses, and practice these responses over and |
| Lay off questions are often feared by candidates as | | | | over again BEFORE the interview for complete |
| well, although they are really quite simple to answer. | | | | success. |
| The key is to prove your positive performance, | | | | And remember, no pain...no gain..in the interviewing |
| separate from the layoff. For example you might say: | | | | world! |
| "Although my team was #2 of 50 in the region, the | | | | For more painful and deadly pharmaceutical sales |
| company had some financial difficulties and made the | | | | interview questions and answers, be sure to visit our |
| executive decision to terminate the entire division I was | | | | pharmaceutical sales interview coaching blog! |