Tricky Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions – Question #2 of 7, How to Identify and Answer
another one of those pharmaceutical sales interview questions that can lead you into “deadly territory” are the questions that force you to answer a negative scenario, such as the following:
- 1. “Why did you get fired?”
- 2. “Why did you receive such a low performance rating in your last review?”
- 3. “Why did they fire you?”
- 4. “Why have you been out of work for so long?”
These questions are actually called “stress questions” and are designed to make you feel “attacked”, to provoke an emotional response. Don’t fall into this trap! Practice responding to these types of negative questions before the interview so that you can answer confidently and directly without getting emotional.
Employers also ask these types of pharmaceutical sales interview questions to determine if you will “play the blame game” and blame others for your misfortunes. Showing an inability to take responsibility for your actions or decisions will not endear you to the interviewer!
Regarding Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Questions That Relate to Layoff or Poor Performance [Questions #1 and #2, above]:
Note that it’s not dishonest to keep some of the gruesome details out of your answer. Do not admit to being fired, reprimanded, etc. If the interviewer knows any of these for a fact (fired, fired, reprimanded, poor performance review), then you can answer objectively, as follows: “My manager, although he was good in several different areas, was taking the company in a different direction than I wanted my career to go.” Provide a very simple example below to illustrate this: Pick an example that shows a skill or quality of yours that is necessary to be successful in pharmaceutical sales jobs. Always remember to stay positive and objective.
In response to questions about layoffs [Question #3, above]:
Questions about layoffs are also often dreaded by candidates, although they are actually quite simple to answer. The key is to demonstrate your positive performance, aside from being fired. For example, you could say: “Although my team was #2 of 50 in the region, the company had some financial difficulties and made the executive decision to terminate the entire division that I was in, along with 2 others. It was a difficult decision for the company; I hope that “I’ll be able to get back on my feet very soon. I will be happy to provide you with my manager’s name and number as she will attest to my qualifications and excellent job performance.” This answer leaves no doubt in the interviewer’s mind about the real reason behind the dismissal.
In response to Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Question #4, “Why have you been out of a job for so long?”:
You must remain cool and collected, and never seem needy…even if it’s your first interview in 7 months! Without a calm demeanor, you will never get the answer! If you have been without a job for more than 6 months, surely you know that you have a difficult road ahead of you; however, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible!
When responding you could say the following: “My last position taught me the importance of a good fit between myself and the company I work for. I am being extremely picky when choosing my next job, because I want it to be the right company, with the right people and the right values. Of course I have had offers, but since I will be spending most of my waking hours at this next job, I want to be sure it is the right move for me as well as the company.The next company I choose to work for will be my last, because I want to stay in the company for many years and work my way up the ladder. So I take my time, research companies and their projects, and keep networking to get my dream job.” The employer will not argue with you about this because this is a very rational response that puts you in a positive light!
Use these responses as a guide to craft your own responses unique to your situation. And remember, pharmaceutical sales interview questions like these are only deadly if you let them be. Anticipate negative interview questions, craft positive responses, and practice these responses over and over BEFORE the interview for complete success.
And remember, there is no pain… no gain… in the world of interviews!
For the most painful and deadly pharmaceutical sales interview questions and answers, be sure to visit our pharmaceutical sales interview blog training!
