Patterson Companies, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading distributor in the dental and animal health markets. Patterson Companies has built a reputation for excellence in the medical supply industry by focusing on customer service and new ideas all the time. This article will go into detail about the interview process at Patterson Companies, so people who want to work there will know exactly what to expect. Patterson Companies has a history that goes back more than 140 years. It is full of interesting facts and stories that make it a unique business to learn about.
Interviewing at Patterson Companies can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience As one of the largest distributors of dental and animal health supplies in the United States, Patterson Companies is a desirable place to work for many job seekers. Being prepared by researching common interview questions can help calm those pre-interview jitters In this article, we’ll explore example Patterson Companies interview questions, tips for preparing your answers, and advice for making a great impression during your interview.
What to Expect in a Patterson Companies Interview
The interview process at Patterson Companies varies slightly depending on the role However, most candidates can expect
- A phone screening with a recruiter
- An interview with the hiring manager
- A second round interview with various team members
- For senior roles, additional rounds of interviews may be required
During the interview, you’ll likely be asked questions about your past experience, skills, work style and interest in the company Both behavioral questions and situational questions are commonly asked. Technical skills and knowledge may also be assessed for roles like sales representatives.
Patterson Companies looks for candidates that are motivated, reliable and demonstrate strong communication skills. Being familiar with the company’s values and mission is also key.
When preparing, research the role requirements and align your answers to showcase how you are qualified for the job.
12 Common Patterson Companies Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Here are some of the most frequently asked interview questions at Patterson Companies to help you prepare:
1. Why are you interested in working at Patterson Companies?
This question allows you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. In your answer, reference Patterson Companies’ mission, values, growth and company culture. Share why those details appeal to you specifically.
Example response: I’m excited to have the opportunity to work for a large, reputable company like Patterson. After learning about Patterson’s commitment to customer service, community engagement and promoting from within, I knew I wanted to be part of the team. This role appeals to me because I’ll have the chance to build relationships with customers while growing my technical knowledge and skills. Patterson’s investment in employees is evident, especially the training programs and advancement opportunities available. Overall, my personal values align very well with Patterson’s values and culture.
2. What do you know about Patterson Companies?
Hiring managers want to see that you’ve taken the time to research Patterson Companies. In your answer, demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s history, services/products, values, goals and company structure. Share 2-3 details that interest you specifically.
Example response: Patterson Companies has a long history dating back to 1877 when it started as a small dental supply business. Over 140 years later, Patterson has grown to become one of the largest distributors in the dental and animal health markets. Patterson supplies over 120,000 products to customers through its three main business units: Patterson Dental, Patterson Animal Health and Patterson Medical. I’m impressed by Patterson’s reach serving customers in over 30 countries. And I appreciate the company’s commitment to giving back through The Patterson Foundation. Overall, it’s clear Patterson values integrity, customer relationships, community impact and supporting employees which all resonate with me.
3. Why do you want to work in our industry?
This question gauges your passion for the distribution industry. Convey your enthusiasm for the work and why you’re interested specifically in dental, animal health or medical distribution. Share how you believe your skills and interests align with the role.
Example response: The dental distribution industry appeals to me because I’m passionate about applying my sales experience to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. Knowing I’ll help dental practices get the supplies they need to provide quality care is very rewarding. I’m also excited to build partnerships with customers through consultative sales. My interest in healthcare and experience driving sales growth makes me confident I’ll thrive in this role.
4. What are your greatest strengths?
When discussing your strengths, focus on those most relevant to the role. Provide specific examples of when you successfully applied those strengths in past experiences.
Example response: I’m very dedicated when it comes to meeting sales goals. In my last role, I set an ambitious revenue target, then systematically identified potential customers and executed tailored outreach campaigns for key accounts. That discipline and persistence allowed me to consistently exceed monthly quotas. I also have strong relationship building skills, which I leveraged to secure repeat business and loyal customers at my past company. Those strengths would help me develop partnerships and drive sales in this role.
5. What is your greatest weakness?
When sharing a weakness, choose one that is not central to the job and discuss the steps you’ve taken to improve. Demonstrating self-awareness and a commitment to growth are key.
Example response: In the past, I’ve struggled with time management and prioritization when juggling multiple projects with pressing deadlines. Recognizing this was hindering my performance, I implemented a few strategies that have helped tremendously. I started planning my week in advance and creating daily task lists to stay focused each day. Bringing better structure to my work has allowed me to successfully take on more responsibility. I’m continuing to fine tune these time management practices so they become second nature.
6. Why are you leaving your current job?
Be thoughtful with how you frame your reason for leaving to avoid seeming negative. Focus on seeking growth opportunities, not fleeing an unpleasant situation. If you were laid off or fired, keep the explanation brief.
Example response: I’ve enjoyed my time at my current company, however there is not a clear path to advancement in my role without relocating. While I value the experience I’ve gained, I’m looking for a company where I can continue growing my skills and take on more responsibility. Patterson Companies appeals to me because of the career development opportunities and training programs available.
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Show you’re focused on growing within Patterson Companies for the long-term. Convey your career ambitions and desire to take on additional responsibilities over time.
Example response: In 5 years, I see myself in a management role where I can mentor others while also taking my sales skills to the next level. I plan to leverage the training programs and mentorship opportunities at Patterson Companies to continue developing. My goal is to deepen relationships with customers and become known as a trusted advisor. I’m excited by the career paths available within Patterson and look forward to contributing for years to come.
8. How would your previous manager describe you?
Focus on positives here! Share 2-3 strengths your manager would highlight, like strong work ethic, teamwork abilities, quick learning skills or positivity. Have examples ready to illustrate those qualities.
Example response: My previous manager would describe me as extremely motivated and persistent. I take pride in consistently exceeding expectations. For example, on my last performance review, my manager praised my work ethic as I took on extra projects and worked evenings and weekends to develop a new marketing strategy that significantly improved client retention. She also highlighted my positive attitude and ability to encourage others on my team.
9. How do you handle stress?
Remain calm and confident when discussing stress. Focus on the healthy coping strategies and professionalism you maintain even during high pressure situations. If relevant, refer to stressful roles you’ve held in the past.
Example response: I handle stressful situations head on while maintaining composure and focus. For example, when we suddenly lost a major client due to a corporate merger, I rallied my team to brainstorm creative customer outreach campaigns that helped us replace the lost business quickly. In difficult times, I stay solutions-focused while providing reassurance and support to my team. My calm demeanor has helped stabilize challenging situations.
10. How do you prioritize tasks when everything is a priority?
Demonstrate your time management abilities. Share tools and strategies you use for prioritizing, like creating task lists, sticking to schedules, focusing on the most urgent tasks first or getting clarification from your manager.
Example response: When faced with multiple urgent tasks, I focus on clarifying expectations and deadlines with my manager to align on priorities. I find making to-do lists and tackling items based on urgency is helpful. For very large projects, I break tasks down into smaller steps so the work is less overwhelming. While it can be challenging balancing competing priorities, I have strong time management skills. My ability to logically assess situations, plan my time and provide clear communication helps ensure critical tasks get accomplished efficiently.
11. Describe a time you had a conflict with a coworker. How did you handle it?
Share a specific example focused on resolving conflicts constructively by communicating directly to understand the other perspective. Emphasize teamwork, composure and professionalism.
Example response: *While working on a team project for a large client, a teammate and I had differing opinions on the direction of the campaign. I could tell we were getting frustrated, so I suggested we take a break and revisit with fresh eyes later. When we reconvened, I asked my colleague to walk me through his vision and provide examples supporting his approach. I shared my perspective as well and we had an open, productive discussion to align on direction. This ensured we delivered an exceptional final product without damaging our working relationship.
Patterson Companies Hiring Process
Patterson Companies usually starts the hiring process with a phone interview with a recruiter. This is followed by one or more interviews in person with the hiring manager and other team members. Some candidates may also be asked to complete online assessments or personality tests. The process can last from a few weeks to a few months, and there are different ways to communicate during that time. Overall, candidates say the interview process was clear, professional, and aimed at finding a good match between the candidate and the company.
Careers at Patterson Companies
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