Patterson Interview...

Hello everyone!

I was just informed that I passed the Voltera test I took for Patterson last week. They called to set up an interview. Anyone know of any questions branch managers like to ask? Any assistance is appreciated!

 

Congrats.... Patterson puts a lot of stock in that test. It's possible that you may be one of only a few candidates left. I was hired a couple years ago, so I don't remember anything specific on the questions. I do remember that it was pretty normal things like work history and some situational stuff like "tell me about a time when...." Nothing too crazy and they don't try and trip you up like many sales interviews do. Good luck.

 

You've made it past the hardest part of the hiring process. At this point the interview is fairly casual, and there are few if any canned, "corp" questions. The branch manager will just discuss the position, the company and your experience. Good luck. Patterson is a great company to work for.

 

Usually if you passed the Voltera and are asked back to an interview there is not very much other candidates. If they have you contravel with a rep to see about the job, you are doing well. Negotiate for a higher base if you can.

 

What did you guys take to the interview? 30/60/90 plan? any tips?

 

Why not try thinking for yourself ?

That's a BIG part of the retail life.

 

I didn't prepare anything specific for the interview as far as a plan- I wouldn't go to that trouble unless they ask you too. Plus the interview is also for you to learn about the job and its pretty tough to put together a realistic plan for this gig while you are in the interviewing stage. So I'd do your research on the company, competition, etc as you would for any job. Bring lots of questions. I talked to my personal dentist as well so you may want to consider doing that to get some background info.

 

You MUST ask specific questions about the "territory" you are taking over. Ask how much $ business is there now. I'm sure it will be below $400k which is terrible but what Patterson does to the "new guy". The max base they give is $62k and then their % of gross margin commission barely will pay for your lunch every day. You won't make over $70k no matter how hard you work. You are getting the dregs of the dentists in your branch that are either in bed with another distributor like Schein or they are so cheap they buy everything online.

How old are you? If you are over 28, don't even think about taking this job.

Ask who the main competition is. Ask about the branch manager's managerial style and his expectations for that territory.

 

You passed the tests. Very likely, you'll be offered the job.

At this point for the branch (and corporate) its a numbers game. Your sales approach / emotional IQ is similar to an 'ideal' rep. So, it makes sense for them to pay you around $60k and minimal comission for the first three years- then transition you to a growth plan where you take home the same money for another three years (since you pay your own expenses).

The great majority of reps will make progress during this time and 'pay' for their own salaries easily. If they choose to leave during this time the accounts they've converted will be given to current reps.

For those who stay the course and eventually hit the $2mm+ mark they have 'paid' Patterson a great deal for the opportunity (and hopefully will not get a new branch manager who 'manages them out', reallocates their accounts to existing reps, and hires new reps to continue the cycle).

There are as many good stories as bad. Close for a ride-along with a rep on the base plan. During the course of eight hours, ask specefic questions about the manager, turnover among new reps, the divide between the old / new reps, increase in avg daily sales over time, what they know now that they wish they had known before taking the position, etc.

Continue to take the time to really understand the opportunity.

 

The last two posts - pathetic.

 

Hope is not a strategy.