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!

Every interview is different but as said in an earlier post, there is a common structure to each interview.

The first section will relate to your CV

You will be asked to talk through your CV, starting at any point.

HINT: KNOW YOUR CV BACKWARDS

The second section will focus on what you know about the job

HINT: DO YOUR RESEARCH THOROUGHLY

This section will include the following three questions:

What so you think the most difficult aspect of the job of Medical Sales Representative is?

The simple answer is ACCESS

The Pharma Representative (calling on GPs and Retail Pharmacists) will have to contend with the receptionist

The Pharma Representative will also have to work with GPs who do not see representatves or who see only once a year by annual appointment.

The Medical Equipment Representative will have difficulties making sure that they are seeing the right person and are in front of the purchaser.

How would you reach a doctor who does not see representatives?

Liaise with and work with ancillary staff (receptionists, medical secretaries, Practice Nurses, Ward Nurses, Theatre Staff, and Practice Managers)

Ask if you could write to the Medical professional and send him product information and literature

Invite him to spreaker meetings

See him at CME meetings

Support his practice or team in other ways (always complying with Code of Practice 2008 (IPHA)

You have strong Nursing experince/Management experience – why should I hire you as a Representative?

You could answer: I bring a wealth of experience which I can apply to managing my territory as a small business.  I have managed and been managed and in adopting the best of all that experience I would be an active team player, a willing employee and an excellent Medical Sales Representative

The next section of the interview will focus on YOU and questions abot YOU, your qualities, personal attributes and skills