Skip to main content
SEARCH

5 unexpected skills you need to work in medical sales

Medical Sales is a popular career choice. The pharmaceutical market is valued at around $1.3 billion, and with growth showing no signs of slowing down, there are ample career opportunities for ambitious sales reps. Plus, with a wide range of products and drugs to specialise in, it also gives you the chance to help bring pioneering, life-saving drugs and equipment to hospitals and surgeries around the country.

However, a career in medical sales can also be challenging and work-intensive. The demands of the role are varied, involving everything from researching new drugs to managing the budget for the product you’re selling. Though of course it is essential to be a good salesperson, the job requires a varied set of skills for you to thrive, some of which might take you by surprise. 

If you’re considering making the leap and applying for a career in medical sales, here are the skills you need to succeed. 



Be a good researcher 

Medical sales isn’t just about selling the newest and best medical products to medical centres. It’s also about being aware of what’s happening within the growing healthcare market. As a medical sales representative, you’ll need to take into account the business and scientific needs of healthcare professionals. You’ll likely specialise in selling one particular drug or device and if you want to hold your own with the doctors you’ll be talking with you’ll need to do your research and learn about what it is, the effects it has and how it’s performing in the market. 

That’s not all: as a salesperson, some your responsibilities will involve identifying and establishing new business opportunities for your company, or for your product. It’s worth taking your time and doing your research to establish an awareness of how business is conducted within the market; this commercial awareness will be invaluable when negotiating contracts or analysing the competition.

Be sociable

One of the main things medical sales representatives quote when asked why they love their job is that they have the chance to make a difference to other people’s lives. A large part of being a sales rep revolves around being able to talk to others and build a rapport with them. In fact, around two-thirds of a rep's time is spent on non-sales activities, including interacting with customers. This is one of the reasons why the future of medical sales reps is being a consultant.

Many sales representatives come to enjoy the relationship they have with their customers, and the sense of satisfaction that comes with being able to make a difference. If you’re planning on becoming a medical sales representative, being able to connect with people makes all the difference when it comes to clinching sales deals, opening up new client markets and being able to gain an edge over your competitors.

Be conscientious 

Being a successful medical salesperson is all about grit. You need to be persistent when it comes to selling your products, because not everybody will want to buy them, but the feeling you get when you do is worth it. If you put the hard work in, and do your research properly, chances are your effort will pay off with a good sale, and therefore with a bonus. 

In addition, your job as a medical sales representative will involve a lot of paperwork: you’ll be required to keep meticulous records, manage your spending budgets and even review the sales performances of your product- or your team, if you’re a manager. Not only does this require an excellent attention to detail, but you need to be organised to avoid potentially embarrassing mix-ups; as a result, putting in the hard work really does pay off!

Be open to new experiences

If you’re thinking about making the transfer from another industry, medical sales has a precedent for hiring people from a diverse range of industries and roles. 

Why? One of the greatest strengths anybody can have, especially a salesperson, is an ability to learn quickly and have a wide set of transferrable skills that can be used to make the best of every situation. Working in medical sales is a great chance to get stuck into a role that will let you operate across several different areas, from talking to customers and connecting with patients’ families to doing in-depth, medical research on the latest drugs that are being released. The best way you can make the most of it is being open to new experiences; as a medical sales rep, the constant variety in your job will certainly ensure you get them! 

Are you ready to make your next career move?

Whether you’re planning on becoming a medical sales representatives or still deciding, we at IQVIA always invest the time and effort into connecting the best talent to the best medical sales roles. Browse our latest medical sales rep jobs and see where a career with IQVIA could take you.

List #1

IQVIA Related insights

Corinne Scott, Client Services Manager at IQVIA
Client Services Manager Corinne Scott shares her career change advice

Teaser

General

Content Type

Article

Published

08/10/2024

Summary

Recently, we interviewed Corinne Scott, Client Services Manager at IQVIA for her insight into how to decide a career change.  Corinne shared her own journey and valuable advice with us to help answer

Teaser

We interviewed Corinne Scott, Client Services Manager, for her insight on changing careers.

Read more
Corinne  Scott

by

Corinne Scott

Corinne  Scott

by

Corinne Scott

man typing at a laptop with a coffee next to his laptop.
What is a Virtual Sales Representative and how can you become one?

Teaser

Sales

Content Type

Article

Published

04/10/2024

Summary

Virtual Sales has a growing presence in the healthcare and medical solutions industry, especially since the pandemic. Virtual Sales is set to be the new normal, even as we’ve emerged on the other side

Teaser

Virtual Sales is set to be the new normal, even as we’ve emerged on the other side of COVID.

Read more
A clipboard on a table while two peoples arms are visible resting over it.
How do I explain my technical skills in an interview?

Teaser

General

Content Type

Article

Published

27/09/2024

Summary

Kickstarting or switching your career is only made easier by having solid technical skills under your belt. Technical skills are expertise and specialised knowledge that you enhance throughout your c

Teaser

Kickstarting or switching your career is only made easier by having solid technical skills.

Read more
Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

A laptop, notebook, and phone on a desk with a virtual image of Biological molecules.
What can you do with a biomedical science degree at IQVIA?

Teaser

Sales

Content Type

Article

Published

18/09/2024

Summary

If you’re a recent or soon-to-be graduate of biomedical science, and have realised that a laboratory-based career may not be the right direction for you, you may be wondering what other career opti

Teaser

Working in medical sales (or an allied role) could be a great choice to consider after graduating.

Read more
Tracey Smith

by

Tracey Smith

Tracey Smith

by

Tracey Smith

four hands, each holding a piece of a jigsaw, placing the pieces together.
The top 4 medical sales rep challenges and how to overcome them

Teaser

Medical Sales & Services

Content Type

Article

Published

17/09/2024

Summary

Stepping into any role in the healthcare sector comes with its challenges, and being a successful medical sales representative is no exception.  Whether you’re an experienced sales rep and feel confi

Teaser

Stepping into any role in the healthcare sector comes with its challenges

Read more
Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

A man and a woman sat at a computer, both are wearing business-wear.
How to kickstart your medical affairs career

Teaser

Medical Affairs & Services

Content Type

Article

Published

13/08/2024

Summary

Medical Affairs is a fast-paced sector and the work is so varied that no two days will look the same.  Medical affairs professionals working in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device in

Teaser

Medical Affairs is a fast-paced sector and the work is so varied that no two days will look the same.

Read more
Medical technology concept - a virtual screen with med tech symbols.
The roles IQVIA offers in MedTech

Teaser

Medical Affairs & Services

Content Type

Article

Published

31/07/2024

Summary

At IQVIA, we recruit for various roles within the MedTech sphere and we’re always looking for professionals keen to move healthcare forward.  In this article, we’ll outline the market for MedTech so

Teaser

We’ve outlined just some of the field-based roles IQVIA has to offer in MedTech.

Read more
Tracey Smith

by

Tracey Smith

Tracey Smith

by

Tracey Smith

Some hands at a laptop with a virtual screen popping out of it showing data and trends.
What is the outlook for the global oncology market in 2024?

Teaser

Medical

Content Type

Article

Published

30/07/2024

Summary

In IQVIA, we support customers in their mission to get drugs to patients. As such, we recognise the value of keeping track of the latest market trends, developments, and insights.  Modern healthcare

Teaser

Oncology is just one example of a rapidly advancing field in 2024.

Read more
Catherine Scott

by

Catherine Scott

Catherine Scott

by

Catherine Scott

A lab setting with a clinician looking at a tablet.
What is clinical pharmacology?

Teaser

Clinical Operations

Content Type

Article

Published

23/07/2024

Summary

Clinical pharmacology, a specialised branch of biomedical science, holds a pivotal role in developing vital drugs and ensuring their effective use in patients.  Clinical pharmacologists bridge the ga

Teaser

Clinical pharmacology holds a pivotal role in developing vital drugs and ensuring their effective use in patients.

Read more
Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Smiling female executive making successful deal with partner shaking hand at work.
How to specialise in oncology sales

Teaser

Sales

Content Type

Article

Published

23/07/2024

Summary

Oncologists focus on diagnosing and treating cancer while overseeing treatment and managing post-treatment care. The oncology drugs market worldwide is expected to reach a market volume of $268bn by

Teaser

When it comes to medical sales, we dive into how you can specialise in oncology.

Read more
Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Group of three young coworkers working together in a sunny office.Man typing on computer keyboard. Woman pointing hand to desktop screen. Horizontal image, blurred background
What does a market access manager do and why should you become one?

Teaser

General

Content Type

Article

Published

17/07/2024

Summary

Market access is all about preparing a drug for market entry, and as such it’s a vitally important part of the drug development process and wider pharmaceutical industry. While for pharmaceutical an

Teaser

Market access is all about preparing a drug for market entry, and as such it’s a vitally important part of the drug development process and wider pharmaceutical industry.

Read more
tablet PC and medical equipments, medical technology concept
How to turn a medical science liaison job into a career

Teaser

Medical Affairs & Services

Content Type

Article

Published

04/07/2024

Summary

Becoming a Medical Science Liaison is a popular career choice for many Doctoral-level candidates seeking a meaningful role within the pharmaceutical industry where they can communicate scientifically

Teaser

We look at the possible medical science liaison career paths that could be available to you.

Read more
Tracey Smith

by

Tracey Smith

Tracey Smith

by

Tracey Smith