A new year has dawned, bringing with it fresh hope, great expectations and dreams.

The Pharmaceutical and Medical Sales Industries were not recruiting in great numbers between August 2009 and December 2009.

In the main only experienced candidates were being hired as Medical Sales Representatives.

Has the situation changed in 2010?

In reality it is too early to say.

What can the novice Medical Sales Representative do to secure an interview and ultimately secure a job?

1. Prepare a good CV. 

It must read well, be well laid out and reflect your strengths and abilities.  It must stand out from the other 25 the Regional Sales Manager is going to receive.

2. Work with the Recruitment Consultants.  You should be with at least five agencies.

The Recruitment Consultant knows the Client company very well and knows what they are looking for.  Listen to their advice.  Ask for their help in preparing for an interview.  Be guided by them.

3. Research the Company, their products and their competitors very well.

Consult their website, MIMS and the Irish Medical Directory.

4. Take an Introduction to Medical Sales course.

Such a course will help you decide if you are suited to a career in Medical Sales.  Taking such a course will also show terrific commitment and dedication to the cause.

5.  Shadow a Medical Sales Representative.

Spending time with a Medical Sales Representative will show you how the job is done, what the job entails and why the industry employs Medical Sales Representatives.

Finally a word of caution:

Two years ago it was realistic to register with a Recruitment Agency and have a first round interview within 4 -5 weeks.  Now it is possible to wait 3 months for an interview.

Use the time to read and research all you can about Medical Sales.

It really is a battle to obtain employment now.  The competition is fierce so arm yourself, prepare yourself and GOOD LUCK!

I was once interviewed for a job on my birthday.  As the interview went on the questions were getting harder and harder.  In total exasperation I jumped to me feet, banged the table and shrieked that it was my birthday and that it was unfair to be asking me all these difficult questions!! The interviewers roared laughing but carried on asking the difficult questions……moral? Be prepared for the difficult questions and do not offer excuses.

Would you say you are underqualified or overqualified for this job?

The answer you give should reflect that you are both.  You are underqualified but willing to learn and your overqualification brings a maturity, understanding and confidence to the job.

What are your strengths?

This is not the time to brag about drinking seven pints and still being capable of discussing the finer points of Ulysses.

List your strengths and relate them to the position you are interviewing for.

What are your weaknesses?

Weaknesses can sometimes be strengths so list your weaknesses, relate them to the position and turn them into positive strengths.

Oh by the way I was offered that job on my birthday and accepted! Always be yourself at interview.

To those readers doing interviews today or sometime soon..GOOD LUCK! KNOCK ‘EM DEAD!!

Gather round people!  Sales Training for Medical Sales Representatives has become more important than ever now that the country is in deep recession.

Candidates wishing to become Medical Sales Representatives need extra Sales Training before they go for interview.

Sales Training for Medical Sales Representatives is essential if candidates are to excel at interview and then excel at the new job of Medical Sales Representative.

Sales Training for Medical Sales Representatives as provided by MEDrep, comprises three main elements: Sales Training, Territory Management and Basic Physiology & Pharmacology.

The candidate trained by MEDrep will stand out from the crowd.

Sales Training by MEDrep is unique in Ireland.

Sales Training by MEDrep is much sought after.

Don’t attempt to apply for a job without first consulting MEDrep