Number 1 Interview Tip for Getting Jobs in Pharmaceutical Sales & Medical Device
As pharmaceutical sales recruiters, we are asked everyday what the secret is to getting a job in pharmaceutical sales or medical device sales.
Our general advice is to:
- Have at least two years of outside sales experience selling business-to-business (B2B) products or services; such as copiers, telecommunications or other business related products.
- Most companies typically require a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. However, there is one more important tip that must be discussed.
- Along with a strong desire to get into the industry, you may need to invest in interviewing for these types of positions. What do we mean by invest?
Interviewing for Jobs in Pharmaceutical Sales or Medical Sales Takes an Investment
We often talk about creating and polishing your resume, but there’s much more to your job search and interviewing than simply having your resume ready. Of course, your resume is critically important and if you’re in the job market it needs to be ready at a moment’s notice, but you’ll need to think more broadly about your future steps beyond the creation of your resume.
What to Do Next:
Now that your resume is proofed and complete, consider the additional investments in your time, money and resources for the actual interview. A face-to-face interview for a job in pharmaceutical sales or medical device sales may require significant travel to get to an interview, along with time away from your current job. Both of these requirements can have an actual cost to you in time and money.
Additionally, your interview preparation may include a website review of the organization, research on your interviewer(s), a market analysis of the prospective market, and potentially other items that will help assure that you are fully prepared. Being offered an interview is an exciting opportunity to showcase your accomplishments and abilities. That’s why preparation is key.
Why Should You Spend So Much Time with Job Interview Preparation?
Well, you’re interested, so you want to give it your best shot. That takes effort, particularly when the job market in pharmaceutical or medical sales is now very competitive and there could be many others interested in the same position.
Also, you know that since you’ve been offered an interview, the potential employer is interested in you and will be deciding if you are a fit for their team. You want to be the top candidate so make sure that you are thoroughly prepared to show them your best. Be on time by arriving 15 minutes early to your interview and be well-dressed, polished and professional.
Additionally, a part of your investment in the interview may include purchasing a new professional attaché case or purchasing a new suit or outfit? Maybe planning a trip to your hairstylist or nail salon is in order? Once you’ve made those additional investments, you will feel confident and ready for your next interview.
Cashing in on Your Investment
You’ve spent time, money and thought preparing for your interview. You’ve made the investment, so now practice the delivery of your material by going through a dry run of your presentation.
You can’t control everything in your interview, but making the investment and being prepared will allow you to walk away knowing you gave it your very best. Your interviewer will respect you for your effort and you will walk away a more confident candidate.
For more tips on job interviewing, visit our Career Center.