If given the opportunity to come aboard here as a pharmaceutical sales representative, what are your compensation expectations?
Your interviewer is well aware of the fact that many candidates are attracted to the fact that a pharmaceutical sales position comes with a healthy compensation package, but there is risk in most positions because of the fact that only a portion of the compensation includes a base salary. The rest is earned through some sort of commission and bonus package based on sales and performance. In part, your interviewer asks this question to ensure that what they offer will be a package you will expect. They also want to hear that you will be comfortable working under the specific compensation package that they will be offering in terms of base salary, commission, and bonus opportunities.
"No, I don't have any specific expectations and plan to work hard to prove myself through my hard work and sales abilities. I currently work in a commission and bonus based salary environment. Over the last three years, my average annual income has been at or around 95,000 annually."
To successfully prepare for a question regarding salary expectations, make sure to do your homework and find out what the overall structure looks like for the pharmaceutical sales position you are being considered for. As you answer, it's good to be open about your current compensation package so your interviewer knows what they'd be up against if you emerge as their top candidate. Remember this is just the first interview and you haven't been offered the job yet, so this is not the time to enter negotiations. It will also be good if you can discuss your ability to join with a variable compensation plan that includes salary, commission, and bonus opportunities.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I have a flexible salary range. I would like to be compensated appropriately based on my experience and performance on the job.
Amanda's Feedback
Good answer. You can also ask the interviewer to share what the range is for the role and then confirm if that range is acceptable to you.
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