Log InSign Up

14 Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various pharmaceutical sales representative interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Interview Questions

What experience do you have in pharmaceutical sales?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the candidate's experience in pharmaceutical sales in order to determine whether they would be a good fit for the position. It is important to have some experience in pharmaceutical sales in order to be successful in this role, as it requires knowledge of the products and the ability to sell them effectively.

Example: “I have been working in pharmaceutical sales for the past 5 years. I have experience in both primary care and specialty sales. I have a strong understanding of the products I sell and how they can benefit patients. I am also experienced in building relationships with physicians and other healthcare professionals.”

What territories have you been responsible for in the past?

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the geographical scope of the candidate's previous experience. They want to know if the candidate has experience managing a large territory or a small territory. This question is important because it helps the interviewer understand the candidate's level of experience and whether they would be a good fit for the open position.

Example: “I have been responsible for territories in the past including (list all territories).”

What products have you sold in the past?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the candidate's experience in sales, specifically in the pharmaceutical industry. It is important to know whether the candidate has sold similar products in the past because it will give the interviewer a better idea of whether the candidate is knowledgeable about the products and the industry, and whether the candidate will be able to sell the company's products effectively.

Example: “I have sold various pharmaceutical products in the past, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. I have also sold medical devices and equipment.”

How would you describe your successful selling style?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the candidate's understanding of what it takes to be successful in pharmaceutical sales. It is important for the candidate to be able to articulate a selling style that is consultative and solution-oriented. The candidate should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of building relationships with customers.

Example: “I am a very consultative seller who likes to build relationships with my customers. I take the time to understand their business and their needs, and then work with them to find the best solution for their needs. I am very patient and never pushy, and I always make sure that my customers are happy with their purchase before I move on to the next sale.”

What do you know about our company and our products?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the candidate's knowledge of the company and its products. It is important for a pharmaceutical sales representative to be knowledgeable about the company and its products so that they can sell them effectively.

Example: “I am familiar with your company and its products. I know that your company is a leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and that your products are used by healthcare professionals around the world. I also know that your company is committed to research and development, and that you have a strong focus on quality.”

Why are you interested in working for our company?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question. First, they want to see if you have done your research on the company and if you are truly interested in the company and not just any pharmaceutical sales job. Second, they want to see if your goals align with the company's goals. It is important to be interested in working for the company you are interviewing with because it shows that you are committed to the job and that you are willing to put in the work to be successful.

Example: “I am interested in working for your company because I believe that it is a leading organisation in the pharmaceutical industry. I would be able to learn a lot from working for your company, and contribute to its success.”

What do you think it takes to be successful in pharmaceutical sales?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Pharmaceutical Sales Representative's understanding of what it takes to be successful in their field. It is important for the interviewer to know if the Pharmaceutical Sales Representative has a realistic understanding of the skills and qualities needed to be successful in pharmaceutical sales. This question also allows the interviewer to gauge the Pharmaceutical Sales Representative's motivation and commitment to their career.

Example: “There are a few key skills and traits that are necessary for success in pharmaceutical sales. First, you must be able to develop relationships with potential customers and build trust. This requires excellent communication and people skills. You must also be knowledgeable about the products you are selling and be able to answer any questions that come up. Finally, you must be persistent and have a positive attitude, even when faced with rejection.”

Can you give me an example of a time when you successfully overcame an objection?

The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the candidate is able to think on their feet and come up with a quick, relevant answer. This question is important because it tests the candidate's ability to think on their feet and come up with a quick, relevant answer.

Example: “I was once selling a new type of heart medication to a cardiologist. The cardiologist was hesitant to prescribe the medication because it was new and unproven. I overcame this objection by explaining the clinical trial data to the cardiologist and showing how the medication could benefit his patients. The cardiologist was convinced and began prescribing the medication to his patients.”

Can you give me an example of a time when you successfully closed a sale?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the applicant's ability to successfully sell a product. This is important because the success of a pharmaceutical sales representative is largely dependent on their ability to sell products to customers.

Example: “I was recently working with a client who was interested in purchasing a new medication for their business. After discussing the options with them and answering any questions they had, I was able to successfully close the sale and have them purchase the medication.”

What do you consider to be your personal strengths and weaknesses when it comes to selling?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the self-awareness of the candidate and their ability to sell. It is important for a pharmaceutical sales representative to be aware of their personal strengths and weaknesses so that they can sell more effectively.

Example: “My personal strengths when it comes to selling are that I am very passionate about the products I am representing and I am very good at building relationships with customers. I am also very knowledgeable about the products I sell and the industry in general, which allows me to effectively communicate the benefits of the products to customers. My weaknesses include being too shy when it comes to cold-calling and not always being able to close a sale.”

How do you deal with rejection?

Rejection is a common occurrence in pharmaceutical sales, as representatives are often met with resistance when trying to sell products to doctors. It is important for representatives to be able to handle rejection in a professional manner in order to maintain relationships with potential customers and continue to make sales.

Example: “There are a few ways to deal with rejection when selling pharmaceuticals. The first is to understand that rejection is a part of the job. It’s important to not take it personally and to understand that not everyone is going to be interested in what you’re selling.

The second way to deal with rejection is to use it as motivation. Use each rejection as a way to push yourself harder and learn from your mistakes. If you can find out why someone rejected your product, you can use that information to improve your sales pitch and increase your chances of success in the future.

Finally, it’s important to remember that not every sale is going to be successful. Even the best salespeople have a certain percentage of rejections. The key is to keep trying and never give up.”

How do you stay motivated?

The interviewer is trying to gauge if the Pharmaceutical Sales Representative is someone who is self-motivated or if they need a lot of external motivation. This is important because a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative who is self-motivated is more likely to be successful in achieving their sales goals.

Example: “There are a few things that help me stay motivated in my role as a pharmaceutical sales representative. First, I love helping people and feel that I am making a difference in the lives of those I meet with. Second, I am very competitive by nature, so I enjoy the challenge of trying to beat my personal bests and goals. Finally, I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the results of my hard work in the form of happy customers and positive feedback.”

What do you do when you encounter a difficult customer or situation?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a pharmaceutical sales representative. First, they want to see if the sales representative has the ability to stay calm and professional in difficult situations. Second, they want to see if the sales representative has the skills to diffusing difficult customer or situations. Finally, they want to see if the sales representative is able to find creative solutions to difficult problems. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the sales representative's ability to handle difficult situations, which is an important skill for any sales representative to have.

Example: “When I encounter a difficult customer or situation, I first try to understand the root cause of the problem. Once I identify the problem, I work on finding a solution that will satisfy both the customer and the company. If a compromise cannot be reached, I follow company policy and procedure to resolve the issue.”

What are your thoughts on quotas?

There could be a number of reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a pharmaceutical sales representative. It could be to gauge the candidate's views on affirmative action or diversity initiatives, or to see if they would be open to working in a market where quotas are used to drive sales. Additionally, the interviewer may be curious to know the candidate's thoughts on quotas as a means of sales motivation, and whether they believe they are effective. Ultimately, it is important for the interviewer to understand the candidate's views on quotas as it could impact their ability to successfully sell products in a quota-driven environment.

Example: “I believe that quotas are an important part of any sales position. They help to ensure that representatives are meeting their goals and staying on track. Without quotas, it would be difficult to measure success and determine whether or not representatives are meeting their targets.”

Related Interview Questions