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!

Submitting your CV is the first step in the search for employment

A good CV should secure an interview

An interview is YOUR opportunity, over thirty or forty minutes, to sell YOURSELF and promote YOURSELF to the interviewer as the IDEAL candidate for the job

Preparation is the key to a successful interview

Preparation:

1. Consult the company website

2. Consult MIMS

3. Consult the IRISH MEDICAL DIRECTORY

4. Talk to your Recruitment Consultant

5. Consider doing a Pre Interview Training Seminar

PART ONE - BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

1.  Chose your clothes carefully

2. Make sure you know the way to the appointed venue

3. On the day leave home in plenty of time and aim to arrive 15 minutes early

4.  In the minutes before the interview read through your CV one last time and predict possible questions

5.  Drink a glass of water to keep your throat moist

6.  Practice deep breathing and relax

Remember the interviewer is not a firing squad!

This is your opportunity to shine so shine!