RE: Interview for a rep job

VetNurse Anon a/c — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:07:05 GMT

Hi Laura,

Firstly, try not to get stressed out - first interviews are normally fairly straightforward. Everyone has their own interview style, and the questions you will be asked will normally differ depending on the company and the role you are applying for. As someone who has been through a few interviews, and now interviews for Territory Managers, I would offer the following advice...

Company/Product Information: You wouldn't normally be expected to know every product inside out. However, you would be expected to have a bit of background knowledge on the company, and an understanding of the product areas the company works in. Try not to recite facts and figures from the company website - it's a personal pet hate of mine! If the company has a wide product portfolio, it helps to know what the important/focus products are - you don't want to spend your whole interview saying how enthusiastic you are about product X if that product is totally insignificant for the company. If your special interests relate to a product then definitely mention it (but only if it's genuine - i've seen people caught out when they have claimed a special interest in something they clearly didn't have).

Understand the Role: If someone is looking to move into industry from practice I will usually ask questions to check they understand the realities of the role they are applying for. Sometimes TM jobs can be perceived to be easier than they actually are: long hours, staying away from home regularly, working on your own and lots of travel are all things that need to be thought through so you can show you are able to commit to it.

Show your experience fits the job role: A TM role is obviously a commercial role, so if a candidate was coming from practice, I would ask questions to check they have commerical awareness around product sales. If you have implemented projects in practice to drive sales it would be worth mentioning. Also think about how you could use your experience to drive product sales in your practices. Basically, consider the commerical aspect of veterinary practices rather than just the clinical.

Be honest!: If you're moving into industry for the first time, you wouldn't be expected to have the same skills as an experienced TM, but they may check what you perceive your training needs to be. I usually ask a question like "What support would you need from us to help you be successful in this role?". If the candidate says "nothing" I would presume they didnt fully understand the job role. Showing that you are willing to learn and develop your skills and being honest about what training/help you would need would demonstrate that you have a good understanding of what is required of you.

Be yourself!: In a first interview I would be checking that your personality fits a TM job role. A TM will have to meet people they haven't met before and be able to adapt their communication style depending on their audience. I would be checking that you were fairly confident, able to build rapport quickly and could hold your own in a technical conversation, whilst also being comfortable with general chit chat. Stay genuine though - if it's OTT people can pick that up!

Avoid the common mistake! The biggest mistake I see from people moving straight from practice is a lack of understanding of value and return. Everything you do as a TM will be expected to have a return on investment for the company. In interviews, candidates normally bring up things like: product samples, lunch meetings, sponsorships, prizes, nights out...the list is endless. It's not to say these things don't have their place, but thinking about how you use them and the return you get would set you apart from someone dishing them out like free sweets.

Ask questions! It's your opportunity to check that the job is right for you! Jobs in industry vary so its worthwile making sure it's right for you. It can be very tempting to jump at the first job on the basis that you can make it work, when in reality you would be much better waiting for a role that's better suited to you.

I hope that helps! Good luck with your interview!

RE: Interview for a rep job

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:05:41 GMT

[quote user="laura1810"]I have an interview on thursday but I have been on maternity leave for the past year and feel like I have forgotten everything I know! I am stressing out thinking they will think I am completely useless!![/quote]

Good luck, and try not to worry. I'm not a rep myself, of course, but back in the day I used to work with Novartis and their reps. I should think the most important thing is that you present yourself as likeable; easy to get on with. In other words, someone who practices will want to see!

[quote user="PSA-David"]you need to research the items what the company sells and understand whom their competitors are. how the company has developed or changed over the past year or so.[/quote]

Yes, very good advice. That's what'll wow them: demonstrating that you know something about their products!

RE: Interview for a rep job

PSA-David — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 10:59:11 GMT

you need to research the items what the company sells and understand whom their competitors are. how the company has developed or changed over the past year or so.