Interview Techniques

Preparation for interview (questions likely to be asked)

Competence based interviews are commonly used in the recruitment process for medical sales representatives. You will be required to give examples, displaying key transferable skills which then need to be converted to meet the needs of the interviewer. The content of these examples will be measured against other candidates in order to give the line manager the best possible chance of recruiting the right person for the role.

The following headings are regularly used

1. Drive for results
2. Relationship building
3. Customer focus
4. Organisation and planning
5. Teamwork
6. Decision making and judgement
7. Personal development

Some typical questions asked at interview include

1. What is your motivation to get into medical sales?
2. Demonstrate your ability to effectively plan and organise?
3. What skills and qualities will you bring to a team?
4. Show examples of your ability to sell and influence?
5. What are you strength and weaknesses?
6. Why do you wish to work for this company?
7. What have been your key achievements to date?
8. Demonstrate your ability to present to an audience

Assessment Centres

The final stage of the recruitment process can be in the form of a competence based interview and presentation or attending an assessment centre. Assessment centres are designed to identify a candidate's level of ability under pressure and involve being put through a series of exercises including the following;

1. A role play involving selling a product to a customer
2. A visual presentation prepared either on PowerPoint or acetates to an audience
3. Verbal and numerical reasoning or psychometric profile tests
4. A business planning exercise
5. A group task exercise designed to bring out your leadership and team playing skills
6. A competency based interview

You will be competing against other candidates for the same position in most cases so your ability to perform in a competitive situation is a key element to securing the role. You will need to be able to demonstrate good interpersonal and listening skills, positive body language and good eye contact.