From Medzilla: an interview question

What do you think of this one? I get asked a lot to give examples of interview questions. Here's an usual one found on Medzilla. The most interesting answer was "I'd ask what the point spread was." Any takers?

Re: sell product at interview
Author: Anonymous Medzilla Reader
Date: 09-13-07 01:44pm
Reply to this Post


I used to be a DM for Pfizer. In the middle of interviews, I would ask which animal would win a fight-a grizzly bear or a male lion? The question was out of left field but I wanted to see if the candidates could think on their feet and come up with some logical argument. There was no right or wrong answer. But it put some candidates, especially young women in a huge fluster.

How to start your search (one in a series)

Hello Jobseekers (cause if you're not looking, you probably wouldn't have stumbled upon this website). I get many (MANY) questions about how to search for that elusive job, regardless of experience. I'm going to give tips (based on your level of experience in the industry or in sales). Understand that these are MY tips and not necessarily the best route for everyone. Once again, my advice is don't just listen (read) my tips. Do the research! Hell, this is your life here. You're selling the most important product of all: YOU. So, this is a starting point, but by no means the only things your should be doing to find your next job. OK, here we go:

For the person with some pharma experience interested in making a switch:

1. Update your resume and have some (trusted) friends look it over. Do a websearch to find some examples so you're not simply updating the resume you had in college. You're not in college anymore and it should be a different type of resume. The update also depends on your success in the business. The more successful, the easier it might be. But, even without lots of success, there are things you can do to make it look good. Figure it out.

2. Go to sites like medzilla.com, monster.com and indeed.com to set up search agents to help you find those jobs. You can also set up search agents at most of the major corporate web sites. Oh, and apply for the jobs you are interested in...

3. If you have some experience, I'd recommend getting your resume into the hands of recruiters. You can either find them through this site or others but recruiters seem to have more luck getting you interviews (than just submitting a resume yourself). I'd also recommend the resume blasts (like the one linked from this site). They may cost 30-50 bucks, but the people I know who've used them have received 10-20 phone calls in the first week and many emails, too. The cost is minimal if your resume gets to a recruiter who can help get you an interview. Even if you don't use the blast service, you should still use recruiters - they ONLY make money if you get hired...so they're quite motivated.

4. Network with other reps you already know. Also, if there's a company you are interested in working for, talk to your doctors to find a rep from that company and contact them directly. They might be helpful (especially if they get a referral fee for getting you hired).

5. Don't tell anyone you are looking for another job. And concentrate on maintaining your numbers/call average/attitude. You don't need the drama that comes from the gossip involved with not being discreet.

6. Put together a basic brag book - and then add a cover page, updated resume, mission statement, business plan (all one page each except the resume, which can be 2) that is specific to the company/interview you have. Make a few extra copies, bind them and bring them to the interview. This is easy once you have the first one done. This is your detail book to sell you. Very important to have good content, not just a fancy book.

7. Practice coming up with 4-6 stories to use to answer the basic questions you'll get. Be sure to stick to the STAR system so you'll have concise answers that prove your point (and worth) to the interviewer.

8. Be professional with attire, attitude, etc.

9. Close for the next interview or for the job.

I think that's the basic start, though I'm certain I've forgotten something. Let me know what I missed and I'll add it in...

Good Luck!

nicotine jones (yeah, like that's my real name)

Job Board updated

Hey all:

I finally fixed the Job Board so it has some jobs. You can also search for jobs once you get there. It's located on the side with the links. As I've mentioned, with some browsers, it's at the bottom of the page. With other browsers, it's on the right side. I've seen the traffic to this site increase (as well as the questions/emails). Keep them coming and with the best, I'll post them (with the writer's permission).

Here's an interview question that I'd be interested in some responses on how You'd answer this:

If you took over a territory ranked 80th out of 80 last year, what would be your goal for this sales year? The simple answer might be #1, but give me a real answer with reasons. You can post it anonymously and maybe we'll vote on the best answer (if I get any). I'll also tell you what I'd suggest as an answer...

nicotine

NOTE: this morning (friday, 4/6/07), the job board site was down. I'll update you later if it's working. Maybe it will work for you. Didn't work for me, though. Sorry...

Update: Looks like it's working. I've added jobs to the site. I can specify by location - so if anyone wants anyplace specific listed, let me know and I'll post the jobs I find for any location. Good Luck!

For recent college grads

Here some great info:

College Grad Info

3 Days to a Pharmaceutical Sales Job Interview

This is a great book for anyone trying to gain entry into the pharma/biotech industry OR anyone trying to switch companies. It has great advice, tips for everything from putting a resume together to what specific companies are looking for in an interview. It goes over a lot of the things that I usually mention to people who email me (and many of you do). I contacted Lisa Lane, the author, and she agreed to give the readers of PharmaJobsHelp a 10% discount on all products on her site. All you need to do is put PharmaJobsHelp in the comments section of your order. She has the book, interview CDs that answer key questions you will be asked, lists of companies and headhunters, examples of great cover letters and resumes, etc. Check out her site and remember to put PharmJobsHelp in the comments section of the order form for the discount. I've been in the industry for 15 years and it was still good to get the reminders. See the link below:

3 Days to a Pharmaceutical Sales Job Interview

Question

Update: after speaking with a few recruiters, it was suggested that (for the experienced rep looking to switch jobs), you probably should only apply directly to companies where you have a contact. The reason is that if you have already applied, then the recruiter most likely won't help you since they won't get a commission. I think that makes good sense. The recruiters are also more likely to get you an interview than if you just apply on your own...

Question from the mailbag:
You responded to a yahoo question that I had and I was curious if you know of any tips that can help me break into pharmaceuticals.  How do most people get in for the first time?

Thanks for the email. There's not just one way to get into the pharmaceutical industry...A lot of it is luck, timing, etc. Here are a few suggestions:

Network with any reps you already know. They usually will get $$$ for referring candidates who get hired so there's some incentive for them to help you.

Talk to your doctor and ask him/her for advice about getting in - he/she might have some contacts they can help you with. If not, they might let you see their rep card file so you can contact some of the reps to expand your network

Make sure your resume ties in with the industry. If you have sales experience, show stats/awards that allow the hiring manager to see that you've been successful. If you have no sales experience, be sure to draw a few parallels with your past success to the industry. For example, if you were a waitress/waiter, you can explain that you had the highest average bill/person (since you sold the client on getting more drinks/dessert). If you played college basketball, show how you were a leader on the team. Much of past success will translate into the new job, reducing the risk of the hiring manager.

Keep at it. Both drug companies I've worked for rejected me the first few times. I made contacts that helped me eventually get hired.

Attend job fairs where you can make contacts.

Prepare (in your mind) about 5 stories of your success that you can draw from during interviews. You will be asked for examples and it's best to have a situation you can use (and be concise).

These are just a few. Hope that helps,

nicotine jones

Anyone want to add some more...?

88 Interview Tips (How to Ace your job interview)

Many people interested in a pharma job are new to interviewing (or it's been awhile). Check out the link below for a great list of reminders on interviewing. Thanks to Jimmy Atkinson of Online Education Database for bringing this article to my attention.

How to Ace your Job Interview: 88 Surefire Tips and Tricks