The Very Best Way for a Non-Medical Sales Rep to Get a Medical Sales Job
One of the most perplexing mysteries for any individual wanting to enter the lucrative world of medical sales, is “how can I ever get a medical sales job when I have no experience in medical sales”?
During my many years as a medical sales recruiter, and in my current role as Founder/CEO of GorillaMed.com, a leading job board for medical sales opportunities, I have been asked this question more than any question I can recall. While there is no sure-fire method of preparing to secure a job in medical device sales or pharmaceutical sales, there is a very popular entry method which has proved successful for thousands of individuals over the years.
First, you will need a minimum of two years of outside sales experience, selling a tangible product or service, in which your success is measured by your performance versus your sales quota. In other words, how effective were you in achieving sales success versus the sales success expected by your employer?
The types of products/services which medical companies covet in their potential sales candidates are such tangible items as office equipment, copiers, and office supplies. Such companies as Xerox, Canon, Toshiba, IKON, Pitney Bowes, Wallace, etc., are examples of the type of sales background which medical companies find attractive.
In addition, such industries as credit-card processing and consumer products are also in demand as target backgrounds for medical companies. Companies such as Cintas, Paychex, Coke, Pepsi, Gallo Wine, Hersheys, etc. are also a great background for making the transition into medical sales.
However, to really increase your odds of being able to land a job in medical sales, you must have a history of documented success in exceeding your sales quota and performing in the top 20% of your respective sales force within your company. Medical companies want only the very best non-medical sales representatives, and your sales history in your current occupation will be critical to landing a medical sales job.
So, if you are serious about entering the world of medical sales, I suggest you consider making a two-year investment in your career by selling one of the product-types listed above. Consider this an “apprenticeship” towards achieving your ultimate goal of becoming a medical sales representative.
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I agree, the sales experience component of the equation is critical, but so is the science background. Once you get to the interview stage, the best thing candidates can do is to have a brag book and a 30/60/90-day sales plan. The brag book is a historical look at your performance and the 30/60/90 day sales plan is a forward look at what you can do for the employer. You can get more information about them both at http://www.career-confidential.com.
I agree, but do your homework on the position and the company you are interested in working for. As a former hiring manager in the medical industry, I always looked at my growh strategy to define exactly what knowledge, skills and abilities would be required to achieve specific outcomes that I wanted. Once that was done I looked for achievements that matched…check your resume.