Pharmaceutical Sales Mock Interview
Practice 40 Pharmaceutical Sales interview questions covering territory management, clinical knowledge, and relationship building.
Question 4 of 40
What is motivating you to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales?
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Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
Throughout the course of your interview, you may notice that there will be a theme to some questions that get at the internal motivations you will bring as their next pharmaceutical sales rep. Success in the job requires an internal drive that isn't required in most other professions and your interviewer needs to hear that you would join their team as an inspired person with a winning attitude.
"As I considered applying for this position based on feedback I got from a friend in the industry, it really felt like I've been working my entire career to become a pharmaceutical sales rep. I would have to say that my number one motivator in pursuing this career path in your organization is having the ability to build strong relationships and networks with providers in the region who will be caring for my friends, loved ones, and neighbors. I believe in your products and mission, especially your patient assistance program."
A career in pharmaceutical sales comes with many benefits, which include flexibility in making your own schedule, positively influencing the health and lives of people, travel, and substantial income opportunities. Prior to your interview, make sure to put some thought into a question like this and ensure that you speak from the heart in describing why this path is the best one for you. If this is a career change for you, your interviewer will pay extra close attention to make sure this move is the right one.
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Anonymous Answer
My current sales experience is connecting businesses with buyers they are after. I get to see small businesses expand and succeed based on the connections they receive from the shows I sell. I've been looking to get into pharmaceutical sales because I want to work with a higher purpose. Health is the most important thing in life and helping patients get the care they need through the medication I would be selling would be very rewarding.
Stephanie's Feedback
Great response; in the "Revised Answer" section, I have suggested a way to restate this response slightly, in order to pitch your skills more strongly.
I am seeking a role in pharmaceutical sales because I want the opportunity to pair my talent for sales with my passion for healthcare. Currently, my sales experience involves connecting businesses with the buyers they are after. While it has been fulfilling to see small businesses expand and succeed based on the connections they receive from the shows I sell, I am hoping to shift my career in a manner that works toward a higher purpose. Healthcare is critical and helping patients get the care they need through the medication I would be selling would be very rewarding.
Anonymous Answer
For the past 22 years, I have been working in the field of education but have always had an interest in pharmaceutical sales. I am eager to begin new challenges and with my educational background, I felt that this was a perfect career change.
Amanda's Feedback
Well done! You can make this answer even stronger by talking about the skills and experience you've gained across your career that make you an ideal candidate for working in pharmaceutical sales.
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