Getting Started: Interviewing in Medical Sales
For over two decades our medical sales recruiters have worked with people just like you that are trying to get a job in medical sales. It can be frustrating at times, that’s for sure. Our firm receives calls every day from people looking to transition their career, change jobs, or learn more about medical sales. So today, we would like to discuss some basic information to help you get started.
There are often two requirements for most pharmaceutical and medical sales positions. If you have been searching job boards and applying for positions you might notice these because they are very common. The most common requirements are a four-year degree from an accredited university or college and a minimum of 1-2 years of successful business-to-business sales experience. Pay attention to the keyword I just used, “successful” that is very important. You might notice words like “proven track record” or “documented sales success” in advertisements for these types of jobs.
Let’s discuss this more:
Pharmaceutical and medical companies today are looking for self-motivated, driven, enthusiastic candidates with an eagerness to work as a team-player. They are looking for self-starters and independent thinkers. One way to show them you have these skills is to showcase your sales accomplishments on your resume. Within a few seconds your resume should show the reader you are successful.
How do you get a job in pharmaceutical or medical sales you do if you don’t have sales experience? How do you show the employer you can sell?
First, as you develop your cover letter and resume, make sure the information you include sells you and your past accomplishments. Try not to just list a bunch of duties on your resume like a job description. Duties are important, but of equal value are awards, a high GPA, leadership positions and other achievements. These are the attributes that will get you noticed.
The second way to show an employer you can sell is to learn how to sell your abilities to an employer during the interview process. Learning how to close an interview and ask for the job will show the employer you know how to close the deal. Just like a sales person does each and every day on a sales call.
The final way is to show enthusiasm. A person with enthusiasm and drive will go the extra mile during the interview process.
For more information on how to develop your resume or interview, visit our Career Center. These tips and many more are also included in our new book, Interview with Desire and Get Hired. Available on Amazon.