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!

The Pharmaceutical, Medical Equipment, Consumer and Generic companies use Recruitment Companies to recruit Medical Sales Representatives.

In ireland there are more than 40 Recruitment Companies that specialise in recruiting for the industry.

In the current economic climate it is advisable to be with at least four Recruitment Agencies.

You should arrange to meet with the Recruitment Consultant to discuss your CV and application in detail.

He or she will assess your chances of securing an interview and will appraise you of the vacancies they are currently dealing with.

You should be in regular contact with the consultant.  The rule of thumb would be to email or telephone them every two weeks.

During this time you should do everything possible to prepare for the interview.  The competition is fierce and you must do everything you can to help differentiate yourself from all the other candidates.

1. Prepare your CV properly and ensure that it is in the acceptable format

2. Take an Introduction to Medical Sales course

3. Join the Medical Representatives Institute of Ireland as a student member

4. Arrange to shadow a Medical Sales Representative

5. Read about Medical Sales

6. Research the role of Medical Sales Representative

7. Take a Preliminary Training for Medical Sales course

8. Speak to your own GP and Pharmacist

When you have a specific interview scheduled you could consider taking a Pre Interview Training Seminar.

Failure to prepare is to prepare to fail!

Securing an interview and preparing for it is the first part of your campaign.  The next part is the actual interview itself.