The next sction of the interview will focus on YOU

The questions will focus on YOU as a person and will be asked to ascertain your personal qualities, skill set and attributes.

This is your opportunity to really shine

The first question will be fairly general: Tell me about yourself

You should outline your background, educational achievements, goals and aspirations.  Be as clear, succinct and articulate as you can.

Personal attributes of

• Ability to sell
• Good raport building skills
• Highly organized
• Good planning skills
• Good communicator
• Highly self motivated
• Highly driven
• Thrive on a challenge
• Enthusiastic
• Friendly
• Fast learner

These are the attributes the interviewer is looking for.

How would your friends describe you?

This is a common question which allows the interviewer to see what you think of yourself through someone else’s eyes.  It is a clever question.

The ideal answers are:

• Friendly
• Outgoing
• Charming
• Loyal
• Highly organized
• Practical
• Team player

What do you think of your present boss?

Always be POSITIVE!  A typical answer might be: I am very lucky in my present boss.  He/she is firm but fair, demanding but realistic, and above all encouraging and supportive.  He/she is a great leader.

Name three things you like doing

• Interacting with people
• Organizing my day myself
• Achieving targets on a daily basis

Always remember the golden rule of interviews: Never say anything that is not documented on your CV and cannot be substantiated.

Good luck with those intervews!

Every interview is different but as said in an earlier post, there is a common structure to each interview.

The first section will relate to your CV

You will be asked to talk through your CV, starting at any point.

HINT: KNOW YOUR CV BACKWARDS

The second section will focus on what you know about the job

HINT: DO YOUR RESEARCH THOROUGHLY

This section will include the following three questions:

What so you think the most difficult aspect of the job of Medical Sales Representative is?

The simple answer is ACCESS

The Pharma Representative (calling on GPs and Retail Pharmacists) will have to contend with the receptionist

The Pharma Representative will also have to work with GPs who do not see representatves or who see only once a year by annual appointment.

The Medical Equipment Representative will have difficulties making sure that they are seeing the right person and are in front of the purchaser.

How would you reach a doctor who does not see representatives?

Liaise with and work with ancillary staff (receptionists, medical secretaries, Practice Nurses, Ward Nurses, Theatre Staff, and Practice Managers)

Ask if you could write to the Medical professional and send him product information and literature

Invite him to spreaker meetings

See him at CME meetings

Support his practice or team in other ways (always complying with Code of Practice 2008 (IPHA)

You have strong Nursing experince/Management experience – why should I hire you as a Representative?

You could answer: I bring a wealth of experience which I can apply to managing my territory as a small business.  I have managed and been managed and in adopting the best of all that experience I would be an active team player, a willing employee and an excellent Medical Sales Representative

The next section of the interview will focus on YOU and questions abot YOU, your qualities, personal attributes and skills

WHY do you  want to be a Medical Saless Representative?

Do you know?

Are you able to articulate your answer?

Is it for the Challenge of the role?

Do you Love Selling?

Would it be a Good utilization of your skill set and experience?

Would it be a Good Career Move?

Is it because the industry is so Professional?

You have Shadowed a Medcal Sales Representative and were mpressed with what you saw?

You will also be asked WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO RESEARCH THE ROLE?

• You should have shadowed a Medical Sales Representative
• Talked to your own GP and Retail Pharmacist to get their opinion on Medical Sales Representatives
• If possible talk to Hospital based Medical Professionals and hear their opinion
• You should join the MRII as a student member
• Consult the company website
• Consult the Irish Medical Directory
• You may have trained with MEDrep

In the next part we will look at questions which may be asked – focussing on the actual job itself.