Practice 40 Pharmaceutical Sales interview questions covering territory management, clinical knowledge, and relationship building.
Question 2 of 40
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
How to Answer
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As your interviewer will likely consider a strong pool of candidates, ensuring that their top candidate is motivated and committed to success will be vital. As they ask why you're looking to leave your current job, what they're hoping to hear is that you are solely motivated by the opportunity in front of you as their next pharmaceutical sales representative.
"Over the last few years, I've put a lot of thought into the future of my career using the skills I've developed over the course of my career. While I love my current job and the company I work for, I desire growth. Representing your organization as a pharmaceutical rep will put me in an environment of working with innovative and life-changing medications for people that need them the most and I look forward to making a difference in the lives of so many people. The sales skills I've crafted over the last six years will allow me to be up and running quickly and confidently working with the highest profile physicians in this territory."
Remember that the focus of your answer should be on why you want to become the next pharmaceutical sales rep at the company you are interviewing for. As you answer, show excitement for the product line you will be representing and the patients that will be positively impacted by them. Additionally, discussing the core values and mission of the organization will score points with your interviewer. Speak positively of your current employer while highlighting that a change to this role is your ultimate dream.

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Anonymous Answer
I am currently employed, but there's not a lot of stability. There have been many layoffs and furloughs and I'm looking for more stability that I have found in your company.

Stephanie's Feedback
Good response; I have suggested a way to slightly restate this, in order to improve detail and clarity. (See the "Revised Answer" section.)
While I am currently employed and enjoy my current role, there is not a lot of stability at my company, as there have been many layoffs and furloughs this year. I am a loyal, hardworking employee, and I am seeking a work environment that can provide more stability than I currently have, which has led me to ________company.
Anonymous Answer
As with many people, the pandemic changed the course of our lives. I have been working from home but I am ready to go back into the workforce and accept new challenges. I would like to interact with colleagues in person. Teaching much of the same material for the past 22 years has made the job less challenging. Pharmaceutical sales is a role that can provide that new challenge and a motivation to learn through research.

Amanda's Feedback
This is a great start, but I'm a bit unclear about whether or not you're currently employed. It's always easier to find another job when you already have one. If you're still employed, but tired of working remotely then consider sharing that you feel ready to interact with colleagues in person again. If your role is no longer as challenging as you'd like, talk about 1 or 2 ways you'd like to grow and how the role you're applying to would help you achieve that growth.
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Written by Ryan Brunner
40 Questions & Answers • Pharmaceutical Sales

By Ryan

By Ryan