Can you give an example of a time when you had to persuade and influence others?

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Can you give an example of a time when you had to persuade and influence others?
Sample answer to the question:
Sure, I can give you an example. In my previous role as a Medical Device Sales Representative, I had to persuade and influence healthcare professionals to adopt our innovative products. One specific time was when I had to convince a hospital to switch from their current supplier to our medical devices. I researched the hospital's needs, prepared a customized presentation highlighting the benefits of our products, and scheduled a meeting with the purchasing manager. During the meeting, I confidently demonstrated how our devices could improve patient outcomes and save costs in the long run. I also provided testimonials from other healthcare professionals who had successfully integrated our products into their practice. By addressing the hospital's concerns and showcasing the positive impact our products could have on their operations, I successfully persuaded them to make the switch. This resulted in a significant increase in sales revenue for our company.
Here is a more solid answer:
Certainly! Let me share with you a more comprehensive example. In my previous role as a Medical Device Sales Representative, I faced a situation where I had to persuade and influence a group of doctors to adopt our new surgical device. The doctors were initially hesitant and skeptical about its efficacy and cost-effectiveness. To address their concerns, I conducted in-depth research on the device, analyzing clinical studies and collecting data on successful outcomes. Armed with this knowledge, I scheduled a meeting with the doctors and prepared a tailored presentation that highlighted the specific benefits of our device for their specialty. I also brought along a sample device for them to evaluate and test. During the presentation, I engaged the doctors by showing them real-life case studies where our device had led to improved patient outcomes and reduced procedure times. I also addressed their financial concerns by demonstrating how our device could lead to cost savings in the long run. By the end of the meeting, I had successfully persuaded the doctors to try our device in a trial period. After a few weeks of using our device, they were convinced of its value and decided to incorporate it into their regular surgical procedures. This not only resulted in increased sales for our company but also strengthened our relationship with the doctors, leading to future collaboration opportunities.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides specific details and examples that showcase the candidate's ability to persuade and influence others effectively. It includes conducting research, preparing tailored presentations, addressing concerns, and providing real-life case studies to support the argument. The answer shows a deep understanding of the job requirements and the candidate's experience in meeting them. However, it could benefit from additional information on the candidate's approach to relationship building and the long-term impact of their persuasion efforts.
An example of a exceptional answer:
Absolutely! Let me walk you through a detailed example of a time when I had to use my persuasive skills to influence a team of healthcare professionals. In my previous role as a Medical Device Sales Representative, I was tasked with introducing a revolutionary medical device to a group of surgeons at a prestigious hospital. These surgeons were extremely skeptical and resistant to change, as they had been using a competing device for many years. I knew that a generic presentation wouldn't be enough to convince them, so I took a proactive approach to understand their specific needs and concerns. I spent weeks observing their surgeries, studying their workflows, and having one-on-one conversations to learn about their pain points. Armed with this knowledge, I developed a customized plan that addressed each surgeon's unique challenges and showcased how our device could improve their efficiency, patient outcomes, and overall satisfaction. Instead of conducting a traditional presentation, I organized a hands-on workshop where the surgeons could use our device in simulated surgeries. This allowed them to see firsthand the ease of use, precision, and benefits of our device. Additionally, I invited a renowned surgeon who had already adopted our device to speak at the workshop and share his success stories. The combination of a tailored approach, practical experience, and expert testimonial had a powerful impact on the surgeons. By the end of the workshop, I had successfully persuaded the majority of the surgeons to switch to our device. This not only resulted in a significant increase in sales but also positioned our company as a trusted partner in their journey towards innovation and improved patient care.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed and comprehensive example that demonstrates the candidate's exceptional skills in persuading and influencing others. It showcases their ability to take a proactive approach, deeply understand the audience's needs and pain points, and tailor their approach accordingly. The candidate's use of hands-on workshops, expert testimonials, and personalized solutions highlight their creativity and resourcefulness in achieving their goals. The answer also emphasizes the long-term impact of their persuasion efforts, positioning the candidate as a trusted partner in driving innovation and improved patient care. However, the answer could benefit from further explanation of the candidate's approach to relationship building and the specific outcomes achieved as a result of their persuasion efforts.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past experiences where you had to persuade or influence others, especially in a sales or professional setting.
  • Identify the key skills and qualities that helped you succeed in persuading and influencing others, such as strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
  • Research the company and familiarize yourself with their products or services. Understand their value proposition and unique selling points.
  • Practice delivering persuasive presentations tailored to different audiences. Focus on finding a balance between showcasing the benefits of the product and addressing the audience's concerns.
  • Be prepared to provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to persuade and influence others effectively. Use metrics or testimonials whenever possible to support your claims.
  • Demonstrate your willingness to collaborate and adapt your approach based on the needs and preferences of the individuals you are trying to influence.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to persuade and influence others
  • Capability to create and deliver presentations tailored to the audience needs

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