What is your communication style when working as a team and in sales?
Your interviewer is experienced enough to know that pharmaceutical sales reps join their team with many different communication styles. They'll want to get a sense of how you'll communicate with the providers you work closely with and the team that you'll be joining, so they give you the opportunity here to elaborate on the communication style that you use and how that will be beneficial to you in this role.
"I always focus my communication skills in the assertive style, where I clearly communicate my thoughts and opinions in a courteous and respectful manner. Honesty is always my policy and my customers really respect that about me. I know that the physicians I work with will expect a straightforward and honest approach and I'd bring that every day on the job as a pharmaceutical sales representative. With my team, my communication style really follows the same approach. I'm never hesitant to give feedback to others or receive it from them, and this has always gone over well with my teammates."
There are many ways to describe your communication style, no matter if you use formally defined styles or a self-description. To gauge your ability to be a top-performing pharmaceutical sales rep, your interviewer will be keying in on your ability to communicate clearly and directly, ask great questions, pay attention to non-verbal cues, and always keep your communications respectful and ethical in nature. If you are able to, don't hesitate to give an example or two of a time when your communication skills led you to a big sale or a big team win.
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 try to be clear and direct with my communication approach. I am very personable, but if someone prefers a more formal communication style, I can easily adjust. Communication is a two-way street, however. So, it is important to listen and be open to what is being said to me. If more information is requested, I need to be prepared to provide that information.
Amanda's Feedback
This question helps give the potential employer insight into your level of self-awareness and helps them determine how well you'd fit within a particular team or department. Remember their communication isn't just about information you send out, but also how you actively listen or take information in. As with many other interview questions, it's important to be able to provide an example or share the benefits or drawbacks of your particular style. This demonstrates you've taken the time to consider how you communicate with others as well as your own preferences around being communicated with.
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