Do you have an upcoming interview for a biotech sales job? Whether you're actively preparing or just getting started in your job search, interviewing is one of the most important skills to master in the corporate world.
Whether you're targeting a role in biotech, medical devices, or pharmaceutical sales, the core principles of interviewing remain the same. This article will walk you through the key strategies to help you stand out and land your next job in the life sciences industry.
1. Know the Company and Product Inside Out
Before your interview, spend time researching the company’s products, services, pipeline, and market position. You should be able to explain what the company does, who their customers are, and how their products impact patients or researchers.
Understanding the science behind their product—even at a high level—shows that you’re serious, prepared, and technically competent. In biotech sales, technical understanding builds credibility, especially when you’ll be speaking with clinicians, researchers, or lab managers.
2. Know the Job Description
Read the job description closely. Be ready to speak to each requirement and responsibility, and match them with your own experience—even if you’re coming from a different industry. For example, if they’re looking for experience in cold calling, highlight the outbound sales efforts you’ve done. If they mention lab knowledge, talk about the techniques or instruments you're familiar with.
Tailoring your responses to the company’s needs shows that you’re not just applying randomly—you’re applying thoughtfully.
3. Practice Your Story
Every interview will include some variation of: “Tell me about yourself.”
This is your chance to give a confident, structured response that ties your background into your interest in biotech sales. A strong answer might touch on your education, relevant experience, transferable skills, and why this particular company or industry excites you.
Keep it clear and concise—aim for about 1–2 minutes—and practice out loud until it feels natural.
4. Show That You Can Sell
Sales interviews are often as much about how you communicate as what you say. Be enthusiastic, persuasive, and structured in your answers. If possible, bring specific examples of how you met or exceeded quotas, won over difficult customers, or handled objections.
Expect scenario-based questions like:
- “How would you handle a client who is loyal to a competitor?”
- “Tell me about a time you turned around a tough sale.”
Prepare responses that show your resilience, strategy, and ability to build relationships.
5. Prepare Questions to Ask
When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”—you always want to say yes.
Good questions might include:
- “What does success look like in the first six months of this role?”
- “How does the company support reps with training and development?”
- “What’s the team culture like?”
This part of the interview gives you a chance to show genuine interest, while also learning more about whether the role is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Interviewing is a skill—and like any skill, it improves with preparation and practice. By doing your research, knowing your story, and confidently demonstrating your ability to sell, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next biotech sales job.
Want help writing your resume? Check out our resume guide for biotech sales roles, or browse open positions on our biotech job board.
Good luck—you’ve got this!