25 Medical Devices Interview Questions & Answers
1. At Company ABC, we need outside the box thinkers to continue to innovate our company so we can stay competitive in the medical device industry. Tell me about a time you thought about something differently or proposed a new way of doing something.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to learn about your creativity and ability to come up with new ideas. Share with the interviewer your idea, but also if it was executed and how the situation turned out.
1st Answer Example
"I started at my company with a staff who had been there a long time. I'm a big believer in Lean Six Sigma principles and I saw a ton of waste in our process. I took some time to get to know the people and learn the current process fully, but then I suggested new ways to streamline our operations such as consolidation vendor agreements, leveraging some of the global contracts we have and have people 'own' more of their own process instead of handing it off to others. Because I had built relationships with the people in the department first, they were more open to the change. Within the first year, we were able to produce 30% more revenue with no added staff because of the changes I recommended."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "As a new grad, I was on a lot of project teams. There was an assignment in one of my marketing classes where we had to think about new solutions to generate leads for a real small business in our community. I did my homework on the company and researched the competitors and main demographic of the customers. I recommended doing a targeted re-targeting campaign on the largest competitor's website. They liked my idea and decided to give me a small budget to try out this campaign. I was able to increased traffic to their website and the number of people who subscribed, so they were really pleased."
2. What interests you about working in the medical device industry?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear your passion for the industry. Demonstrate that you feel value in the devices that could positively impact somebody's life.
1st Answer Example
"I have always wanted to work in an industry that is innovative and cutting edge. It has been really fun to see how medical technology has been able to save lives. It would be fun coming to work every day knowing you are doing something to better people's lives."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "As a new graduate, I have been exploring many different industries and the medical device industry is my number one choice. I considered going into medicine, but I love the business side of things and this way, I can utilize those skills to help people's quality of life."
User-Submitted Answer
"I have always wanted to work in an industry that is innovative and cutting edge. It has been fascinating to see how medical technology has been able to save lives. It would be great coming to work every day knowing you are doing something to better people's lives."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Good baseline! Next, I recommend adding in specifics related to your career experiences so far, and where you want your career to take you.
3. At Company ABC, our medical devices can truly change people's lives. Sometimes, though, a patient may have a question or concern about one of our devices. How have you handled a difficult customer interaction in a previous position?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know you can handle the stress of a difficult customer interaction. The customer could be a physician group who use the medical device or an actual patient who has a question or concern about your product. Show the interviewer that you can stay cool under pressure and resolve the concern.
1st Answer Example
"I am a lead in our department, so I take the calls that are escalated or too difficult for one of the other reps to handle. I had a customer who was yelling about how much money he spent on the device and it wasn't working. He was beyond the return date, so we couldn't give him a refund. I let him get all of his anger out and finish talking. I then asked him questions and always addressed him by first name to try and build some rapport. I learned that he hadn't been to see his physician to follow up. We have relationships with the care-givers at one of the local facilities, so I was able to put him on hold, and see when they had an appointment available. When I transferred him over to the scheduler, he had calmed down a bit. It wasn't a perfect scenario, but I tried to treat him with dignity and respect and not take it personal."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "I used to be a waitress in college and dealing with difficult customers was my specialty. My co-workers would always give me the regulars who were cranky because I had a way of working with them that made it look easy. One evening, I had a customer who was very upset with his food order. I listened to his concern and asked him if he would like me to bring him something else, but he kept going on and on and was getting quite loud at this point. I apologized again and asked told him I could give him a discount on his order or bring him another choice. He ended up taking the discount and leaving, but at least his volume went down and he left. Difficult customer interactions don't always end perfectly, but I feel I handled the situation appropriately."
4. At Company ABC, we have worked very hard to make sure our workforce is inclusive and represents our customer population. Tell me about your experience in working with diverse groups of people in a work setting.
How to Answer
Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you can handle an environment that offers diversity. Even better, give an example of being able to embrace diversity in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career, including my time in University. I value opinions that are different than my own and find this environment challenging. If everybody thinks alike, that is not only a boring environment, but it isn't a creative environment."
2nd Answer Example
"I am so glad you pointed out your need for diversity at Company ABC. I grew up in a small town that wasn't very diverse, so I specifically chose a college in a more diverse location so I could have exposure to other cultures. I have learned so much about the beliefs and values of others that I have brought to the workplace to have a higher level of EQ."
5. The technology in the medical device industry is changing rapidly. At Company ABC, we are investing in new technology to help patients and our teams do their jobs more effectively. How do you keep up to speed with changing technology?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for a candidate who is up to speed with the latest technology and can pick up new systems quickly.
Answer Example
"Our team is moving from JDE to Oracle. I was selected to be part of a project team to help with the implementation because I tend to be on the tech-savvy side. I have been building out the process for my function and incorporating feedback from my team so they feel a part of it. We are now in the testing phases before the go-live and everything is running smoothly. I'm excited for the new tools and features so we can do our jobs faster."
6. At Company ABC, we believe in finding the most efficient ways of doing things. How have you used technology to be more efficient?
How to Answer
Think about ways you have to utilize technology to the fullest but also how you have learned something new and added value with the new tool.
1st Answer Example
"We just implemented all of the Office 365 tools. There are more programs than I can imagine in that suite, so in my free time, I've been looking at as many as I can to see how we could incorporate these tools into our process. I found a scheduling app that I am testing right now to save some of the back and forth with clients as we try to schedule conversations. It has saved me at least 2 hours a week so far, so I'm planning on rolling it out to my team next month."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "I love finding any means of technology that helps me save time, both at work and at home. I recently began using an email application that uses machine learning to automatically reply to emails for me. Just with that quick implementation, the application has already saved me countless minutes every day."
7. At Company ABC, our medical device products touch lives throughout the world. We have offices in over 20 countries. Tell me about experience you have working with a global workforce.
How to Answer
In global companies, there are many nuances. The EQ and exposure to working with people in other countries is really important to create community and understanding. Highlight any experiences you've had and highlight your excitement about working in a global environment.
1st Answer Example
"I have learned so much from the global experiences I've had so far. One of the biggest learnings I have had is that words mean different things to different people. It is a good idea not to use expressions or slang terms when working with people in other countries because the translation doesn't come through. I try to speak slowly, clearly, and use simple words to make sure we are understanding one another."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "I haven't had the opportunity to work in a global organization yet, but this is one of the reasons I'm really excited to work at Company ABC. I went to a college with many international students and I learned a great deal about cultures and traditions in other countries. I learned a lot about listening to understand versus talking to be heard. Given the chance, I could represent Company ABC in a very positive light to global colleagues."
8. In the medical device industry, many of our sales relationships are with large hospital organizations. In previous roles, how have you made connections with the right people in large hospital organizations?
How to Answer
B2B sales is critical in the medical device industry, but often times, it is really hard to find the right person to talk to because of the size of these entities. Think about the persistent methods you have used to make a connection with the decision maker to increase sales.
1st Answer Example
"I have done B2B sales before and my first step is looking at the CRM platform to see who the contact is. I reach out and if that isn't the right person or that person has left, I do a LinkedIn search to see if I can figure out who is in that role now. I use many reach-out methods including phone calls, emails, LinkedIn messages, and even dropping by the facility. By covering all of my bases, I am usually able to find the right person and figure out a way our products can add value to their patients."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "I have a lot of industry contacts. In large hospital organizations, often times it is the chief supply chain officer versus the chief medical officer that you need to start with. I reach out to some of my colleagues who have products in other spaces to see if they know who I should start with. Because of the relationships I have built, people want to help me and they know I will help them. I think my connections could be really valuable to Company ABC."
9. In the medical device industry, a background in science is really helpful so you can learn how our products work and help save lives. Tell me more about your background in health sciences or anatomy.
How to Answer
At Company ABC, every employee has to have basic level knowledge of what the medical devices do but beyond that, if you don't understand basic anatomy and the medical conditions associated with the devices, you can't really see the big picture. Give the interviewer any background you have in human anatomy or science so they see you intellectual horse-power.
Answer Example
"I started my college career wanting to be a physical therapist. I took all of the basics in chemistry, biology, and anatomy. As I went on, though, I realized that my passion for business outweighed my passion for hand's on patient care."
10. In the medical device industry, we are highly regulated by the FDA and other entities. What experience do you have working with regulatory bodies?
How to Answer
The medical device industry is one of the most highly regulated spaces to be in. Tell the interviewer what exposure you have had in this space. If you haven't had this yet, be honest, but also acknowledge that you know what they are talking about.
1st Answer Example
"In my current company, I work on a team with those in government relations on the device that I manage. I work with our engineers and scientists to make sure we are proving and testing all the claims we are making about our product. The government relations team is actually the ones with the regular contact with FDA but I help to support their work to make sure we have approval."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "I have never worked in the medical device space, but my company has other regulatory bodies that have regulations we need to follow, so I am accustomed to reporting and adhering to certain standards. I'm confident I could quickly learn all the elements I need to regarding the FDA very quickly."
11. At Company ABC, we've been voted a best place to work. What kind of working environment do you thrive in?
How to Answer
Every work environment is different. The interviewer wants to get a sense of your preference for the atmosphere in which you'll be working. Be honest, but also demonstrate flexibility since you'd don't yet know what the environment is like.
1st Answer Example
"I can adapt to most work environments. I've been in very chaotic, noisy environments and can thrive with some strategies to help me focus, like my headphones. In other positions, it has been very quiet. I gravitate to environments that are collaborative and not too quiet so people feel like they can ask questions and interact with each other."
2nd Answer Example
"In my internships, I had exposure to many different settings. I prefer a busy, fast-paced environment to keep me on my toes. I also like when there are many people around so I can ask questions if I need."
12. Tell me about a time you took initiative on your own.
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that you are a go-getter and aren't going to wait to be asked what to do. Walk them through a scenario where you took it upon yourself to fix something and didn't run to your leader with a problem, but had multiple solutions.
1st Answer Example
"I noticed we were taking at least 2 hours a week on a manual report that seemed to be a big waste of time. I started playing around in our system at the different reporting features and was able to test and customize a report that could take the place of the manual report. After my testing, I brought the idea to my boss who made a few tweaks, but was thrilled I had discovered a more efficient way to give customers the same information."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "I noticed a huge skill gap in the team's use of Microsoft Excel & PPT. Because I come from a different industry, I had to utilize these tools a lot and volunteered to host a series of lunch & learns for anybody who wanted to brush up on them."
13. When starting a new job, what are steps you've taken to develop a 30, 60, 90 day plan for yourself?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to make sure you'll acclimate quickly and have concrete goals to set the path. Show them that you plan out your goals but also recognized you need your team to help.
Answer Example
"I like to take the first week to meet people and look at the data to see what the story is. also love to ask questions... many times, people within the department have thoughts and feedback that becomes really important. I then start carving out the 30/60/90 day plan and ask my leader for feedback to see if s/he agrees or has any other initiatives they believe are important that I've missed. Keeping the lines of communication open is very important at the beginning!"
14. At Company ABC, we believe in continuous feedback so we can all improve. When is a time you received constructive feedback?
How to Answer
All companies need people who can take criticism and give it without feeling weird or sensitive about it. Demonstrate to the interviewer how you have used a piece of constructive feedback to improve and get better.
1st Answer Example
"In one of my reviews, I received feedback that I didn't delegate enough and therefore, it made it seem like I didn't trust my colleagues. I really took that feedback to heart. I took a look at my work load, which was really high, and made some priority buckets. There was one bucket of work that was very low risk and I distributed it to my team. One team member did a really great job so I was able to give her some of the more complex projects."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "I received feedback that everybody knows what I am thinking from my non verbal expressions, especially in meetings. That was really tough feedback to hear. That entire next year, I worked very hard to ensure my facial expressions were positive and neutral versus worried or anxious, no matter what the content of the meetings were about. It was a tough exercise, but I'm glad I received the feedback or I would not have known this."
15. At Company ABC, we do a lot of cross functional team projects. Tell me about a project team you've been on and your role.
How to Answer
If you thought group projects ended in college, you were wrong! Most organizations have their share of project work as well as the day to day work. Walk the interviewer through a successful project where you played a big role and had large ownership.
1st Answer Example
"At my company, I was selected to represent my department in a larger project team to implement a new CRM system. We met weekly, sometimes twice a week for about 12 months, My role was to make sure our old CRM system data converted into the new one and that it was organized in a useful way. I collaborated with IT as well as the project manager for the new system to make sure the data was useful and organized. When the new system launched, our old and rich data was there and useable so that we could maintain relationships we our customers seamlessly."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "In college, we had to do a big project in my Marketing class where we created an advertising campaign for a local business. I was in a group with 4 people, none of which I knew very well. We started talking to figure out where people's strengths were and there was clearly a person who was more technical, one who was a really good presenter and communicator, a financial person, and me, the creative person. We all had our own lanes, but came together to help on the different pieces. We pitched our idea and the business we had modeled, actually wanted to implement the majority of our ideas."
16. How do you want to grow your career within the medical device industry?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to hear that you would like to stay with the company as you develop new skills. Tell the interviewer your long term goal, but make sure it aligns with where the company is going.
1st Answer Example
"I noticed at Company ABC, you have offices in over 20 countries. This is really exciting to me. I'd love to be in this role for several years, but then think about how I could use the skills I've learned to work in one of your global locations. I'd love to work overseas for a few years and then come back to a leadership role."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "One of the elements of Company ABC that I really love is the career growth opportunities. I'd love to take the knowledge I'll gain in this role and move to the sales organization to be the person in front of clinicians, showing them the great things our devices can do. When you are selling something you believe in, it doesn't really feel like selling, it just feels like helping people."
17. What is a work accomplishment you feel very proud about that you'd like to share?
How to Answer
Everybody has that shining moment in their career that they look back on and feel good about. Share a work accomplishment that is significant to you and let the interviewer hear the passion in your voice.
1st Answer Example
"I have been selected to the President's Club 3 years in a row. The first year I was selected, I am especially proud of because I was given a territory that was performing really terribly. I didn't know if I'd be able to turn it around. With focus, dedication, and a close eye on numbers, I was able to make really great strides in that region and it is still a high performing area for the company."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "I'm really proud of the fact that 3 of the people who reported to me have moved on to leadership roles within my company. Coaching and mentoring people is really important to me and I spent a lot of time with these individuals talking to them about what it would take to get to the next level. They were like sponges and listened, and then did exactly what I knew they could do. Teaching others is something I have a great passion for."
18. In the medical device industry, it is important our teams are cohesive so we can continue to drive excellence. Tell me about a time you gave feedback to a peer?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you aren't shy about giving feedback to your peers to help them succeed. True leaders show their true colors by mentoring and supporting colleagues, not just by supporting and training direct reports. Show the interviewer that you care about the development of others are aren't afraid to give feedback.
1st Answer Example
"I noticed my peer was really struggling with her communication with another leader. He would get very anxious and even out of breath when he was telling me about what was going on. One of the times that he was venting to me, I listened, but then asked a few more questions to probe deeper. Through my questions, my colleague was able to think of a few different strategies to try when working with this person in the future. The power of the question is very powerful."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "We had bi-weekly team meetings and we do a lot of brainstorming during that time. One of my colleagues came across really negative and would shoot down people's ideas really quickly. This really deflated the energy in the team. I asked him to go for a walk with me and I told him how his behavior was being perceived. He was caught off guard by this feedback. However, because we were walking and our bodies were moving, it helped him to calm down and hear me. At the end, he thanked me for pulling him aside and talking to him about it and I could tell at the next meeting that he came with an attitude that was different and more open."
19. At Company ABC, we value professional development and education. What is the last learning opportunity you have been able to participate in?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know if you seek to learn new information when given the chance. Many organizations offer continuing education but some people don't even take advantage of it. Show the interviewer that learning new information is important to you and how it could benefit the organization.
1st Answer Example
"I am so glad to learn that you are supportive of continuing education. The last opportunity I had was two months ago. It was a panel of speakers on how AI is and will continue to change our work. It was fascinating. I talked to a few of the speakers after and learned about the systems they are using so I can bring it back to my company for further discussion. This kind of technology would help us be more efficient in many areas."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "I was continuously relying on another colleague to do all of my design work. Her work load is very full and it would be so much faster to do it myself. I asked my leader if I could take a 2 day course to learn the design platform. She agreed so I attended and learned a lot. I did need to do some additional practicing during my own time, but I was really excited about it, so it didn't feel like work. Now, I can finish my work much more quickly since I can also do the design part."
20. Tell me about your related education and training that prepared you for this position.
How to Answer
Take a few minutes to walk the interviewer through your college work, graduate work or any skill development opportunities you have had. Make sure you put emphasis on how that experience will help you succeed in this position.
1st Answer Example
"I actually have a degree in music, but went back to graduate school for business. I think the musical part of my brain keeps me creative, but I have the finance, accounting, and consultancy skills you need to succeed in this role."
2nd Answer Example
"I have a degree in biology and thought I wanted to go on to medical school, but discovered I really like the business side of health care. I started taking classes in business and management and did an internship in the corporate office of a hospital system. These combination of experiences would give me a really good base for a position at Company ABC."
21. At Company ABC, giving back to the community is really important to us. What are you doing in your current position to give back?
How to Answer
Charitable giving is common in the medical device industry. The interviewer wants to see that you care about more than just a job but that you find joy and purpose in giving back to your community.
1st Answer Example
"At my company, we are close to an elementary school and volunteers are needed to read to the students each week. I volunteered immediately and have been part of this program for 2 years. Sometimes it is hard to leave the office each week because I'm so busy, but each time I go there, it is so rewarding. "
2nd Answer Example
For example: "My company didn't have a robust volunteerism program and we are pretty small, so I actually started a school supply drive to benefit schools in our community. This isn't something our teams were used to doing, so it took some promotion, but in the end, we ended up with a huge amount to donate. The schools were so pleased and it really boosted engagement at our office."
22. In the medical device industry, there is a lot of industry jargon and lingo and many acronyms to learn to understand the business. What are some strategies you've used to acclimate quickly when you've started a new job in the past?
How to Answer
The medical device industry is highly technical. Even if you aren't an engineer, you still need to know very specific information about the product so you understand the business. There is a learning curve for any new employee, but the ones who can pick up things quickly set themselves up for success faster.
1st Answer Example
"When I started my last job, I was hearing so much unfamiliar terminology my first week, so I started making a list and then when I had time to ask people or look things up, I'd add it to the list until I knew what everything was. My list became pretty extensive, so the HR person who does onboarding actually asked me if she could give it to new hires from now on because it was really helpful."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "I love Google. In almost any environment, when you don't know something, you can start on Google and go from there. I take the time to research outside of work the elements of the industry that I don't know to get up to speed faster. By week 2 and 3, I'm have impressed the people I work with as contributing to the business."
23. At Company ABC, we challenge ourselves to improve people's health. When is a time you've pushed and challenged yourself outside your comfort zone?
How to Answer
The medical device industry demands forward-thinking individuals who can continue to do MORE. The interviewer wants to hear an example of a time you've really stretched yourself for a project or initiative at work.
1st Answer Example
"I was working with clinics in my territory to promote our medical devices and kept hearing that our competitor was offering a better product that was more tech savvy. I brought this feedback back to our R & D team but also had an idea on how we could differentiate ourselves from our competitor's product. I did a bunch of research on how to engineer something like this, even though that is far out of my scope as a sales person. I was then put on a project team to explore actually developing this upgraded product. Our team was able to research, design and launch a product that my physicians were so excited about. It was the most challenging and rewarding experience!"
2nd Answer Example
For example: "In college, we were given an assignment to create a marketing proposal for a local business. I did a mix of traditional and digital. I had seen a new technology mentioned the day before on a blog I subscribe to and even though my project was due in 2 days, I decided to research everything I could find on this new automation technology. I didn't sleep the night before the project was due, but adding this new technology really made my project stand out."
24. At Company ABC, our organization is highly matrixed with US and global partners on our teams. How have you navigated this kind of environment in the past?
How to Answer
Working in a matrixed organization means you have multiple people you are accountable to, often with competing priorities. It can be complex to navigate in this space, so the interviewer wants to know you can handle working in this environment.
Answer Example
"Currently I report to a leader here in the US, but my functional leader is in the UK. With the time change, it can be difficult for us to reach each other, so I changed my hours slightly to be in the office earlier so I could talk more via Skype with this person. I felt like our emails weren't necessarily the most effective means of communication. With my leader in the US and I try very hard to keep her in the loop about what I'm doing and make her feel like I'm including her in my decisions. After a month or so of trial and error, I have a nice system down now."
25. Many of our projects have very strict timelines. Tell me about a time you missed a deadline or deliverable and how you handled it.
How to Answer
Everybody makes mistakes and it is best to pick a project where the missed deadline wasn't fatal and you were able to recover and learn from your mistake.
1st Answer Example
"We had a new leader start recently. To get her up to speed, she asked for a number of different reports in a 2 day turn around time. She needed them for an executive meeting she was going to. One of the reports was very manual and with my other responsibilities, I just wasn't able to get it done in time. I went to her office and told her that I could have this complete tomorrow, but I wasn't able to finish it for her meeting this morning. She asked what I was working on and I explained my competing priority. She recommended that I come check with her to get help prioritizing in the future. I learned a big lesson that day about using your leader as an advocate for you. I should have come to her first. I've kept this in mind in other scenarios when I've had competing deadlines."
2nd Answer Example
For example: "As a new grad, I remember in college, I had a huge project due in my economics class at the end of the semester. I made a schedule that would help me get all of the pieces of this project done in time, but part of my project required outside data that I needed from a different university. There was a delay in this data getting to me and it delayed some of the subsequent steps of my project. I ended up getting it just a few days before the deadline. As hard as I tried, I couldn't get it submitted on time. I was absolutely devastated. I called my professor who understood, but I got a reduced grade because it was late. I learned that I should have chosen a data source that was more readily available to me but also that I could have looped in my professor earlier who might have had another idea."