Tell me about a time when you had to overcome resistance from a healthcare professional and gain their trust.

SENIOR LEVEL
Tell me about a time when you had to overcome resistance from a healthcare professional and gain their trust.
Sample answer to the question:
In my previous role as a Clinical Sales Specialist, I encountered resistance from a healthcare professional when promoting our medical products. The healthcare professional was skeptical about the efficacy of our products and was hesitant to try them. To gain their trust, I scheduled a meeting with the professional to understand their concerns and address them. During the meeting, I presented scientific studies and clinical data that supported the effectiveness of our products. I also shared testimonials from other healthcare professionals who had positive experiences with our products. Additionally, I offered to provide a free trial of our products so that they could see the results for themselves. By taking the time to listen to their concerns and providing evidence-backed information, I was able to overcome their resistance and gain their trust. This experience taught me the importance of building relationships based on trust and providing data-driven solutions.
Here is a more solid answer:
In my previous role as a Clinical Sales Specialist, I encountered resistance from a healthcare professional when promoting our medical products. The healthcare professional expressed concerns about the effectiveness and safety of our products, which made it challenging to gain their trust. I knew that open and effective communication was key to overcoming this resistance, so I scheduled a meeting with the professional to address their concerns. During the meeting, I actively listened to their concerns and empathized with their reservations. I then presented scientific data and case studies that demonstrated the positive impact of our products on patient outcomes. I also highlighted the rigorous testing and regulatory approvals our products had undergone to ensure their safety. To further build trust, I offered to provide additional resources and references from other healthcare professionals who had used and recommended our products. By taking a collaborative approach and providing evidence-based information, I was able to overcome the healthcare professional's resistance and gain their trust. This experience reinforced the importance of effective communication, empathy, and building strong relationships based on trust.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides more specific details and examples of the candidate's communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills in action. It highlights the candidate's ability to actively listen, empathize, and address the concerns of the healthcare professional. The answer also mentions the candidate's use of scientific data, case studies, and references to provide evidence-based information and build trust. However, it can be further improved by including specific examples of how the candidate built and maintained a professional relationship with the healthcare professional.
An example of a exceptional answer:
In my previous role as a Clinical Sales Specialist, I encountered resistance from a healthcare professional when promoting our medical products. The healthcare professional expressed concerns about the effectiveness and safety of our products, which made it challenging to gain their trust. To overcome this resistance, I took a comprehensive approach that involved effective communication, negotiation, and building a strong professional relationship. Firstly, I scheduled a meeting with the professional to understand their specific concerns and reservations. During the meeting, I actively listened and empathized with their perspective, acknowledging the importance of patient safety and their duty of care. I then presented scientific data, case studies, and real-world examples that demonstrated the positive impact of our products on patient outcomes. I also addressed their concerns about safety by explaining the rigorous testing and regulatory approvals our products had undergone. To build trust and credibility, I offered to connect the healthcare professional with other practitioners who had successfully used and recommended our products. Additionally, I provided them with resources such as whitepapers, clinical guidelines, and educational materials to further support their decision-making process. Throughout the process, I maintained open lines of communication, regularly checking in with the healthcare professional to address any new concerns or questions that arose. By taking a collaborative and consultative approach, I was able to successfully overcome the resistance and gain the healthcare professional's trust. This experience not only enhanced my communication and negotiation skills but also reinforced the importance of building long-term professional relationships based on trust and credibility.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides comprehensive and specific details of how the candidate overcame resistance and gained the trust of the healthcare professional. It demonstrates the candidate's excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills by showcasing their ability to actively listen, empathize, and address concerns. The answer also highlights the candidate's proficiency in building and maintaining professional relationships through offering connections and valuable resources. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of trust and credibility in the healthcare industry. The exceptional answer is longer and more detailed, providing a well-rounded and impressive response to the question.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Research the products and services offered by the company thoroughly, including their scientific data and case studies.
  • Familiarize yourself with the common concerns and objections healthcare professionals may have regarding medical products.
  • Practice active listening and empathizing with others' perspectives to better understand and address their concerns.
  • Prepare examples of successful past experiences where you have effectively communicated and built trust with healthcare professionals.
  • Highlight your ability to provide evidence-based information and resources to support your claims.
  • Stress the importance of building and maintaining professional relationships based on trust and credibility.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Excellent communication
  • Negotiation skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Building and maintaining professional relationships

Want content like this in your inbox?
Sign Up for our Newsletter

By clicking "Sign up" you consent and agree to Jobya's Terms & Privacy policies

Related Interview Questions