What are medical sales recruiters looking for?
Is now a good time to look for a job in the pharmaceutical market?
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the pharmaceutical market has expanded at an annual rate of 5.8% since 2017. And most markets around the globe saw a spike in 2021, despite the challenges that Covid-19 presented.
The industry has proven itself to be resilient and will only continue to create more job opportunities as a result of automation, a growing pharmacovigilance market and unprecedented levels of competition.
Charting a successful career within this busy workspace, especially in medical sales, is all about being innovative, productive, and able to stand your ground in an environment where there can be fierce competition for the best jobs and the best clients.
Here’s what medical sales recruiters are looking for and what you should be doing to catch their attention.
An optimised CV
It's often cited that recruiters spend on average 5-7 seconds looking at your CV. While we know first-hand that many hiring managers will take more consideration when reviewing applications, the key message here is that you need to make your CV attention-grabbing. Apart from weeding out the basic errors - such as spelling and grammar mistakes, a generic personal statement or clunky formatting - you need to make sure that you've fine-tuned your Medical Sales CV so it's easy to read and clear that you're qualified.
Recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly using CV-scanning software, meaning you need to make yours ATS-friendly. But what do we actually mean by this? It means you need to follow some SEO best practices:
- Use relevant keywords such as medical sales, representative, medical device, and pharmaceutical
- Avoid specialist templates as these get scrambled
- Avoid graphics that will be unreadable
- Don't put your information in the header as this can cause it to get lost
- Include as many skills listed on job descriptions that are relevant to you
Dedication
Have you put the effort into showing that you’re serious about a role in Medical Sales? You need to show that you have skills that relate to the job you’re applying for, as well as relevant experience. List any qualifications in areas related to the job - for instance, an undergraduate degree in pharmacology is definitely important, you also need to build up a skill set that will allow you to thrive in the diverse world of medical sales.
Whether you’re just starting out, or switching up your career path, gaining work experience with a Medical Sales Representative, or in a sales job, can be a valuable way of showing a recruiter or employer how serious you are. Plus, you'll get an understanding of what the work is really like and which medical sales career path is right for you.
Sales skills
Essentially, applying for a job in medical sales involves being able to sell your products, in addition to knowing how to handle the paperwork and having extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry. Given that 80% of any sales output will only be generated by 20% of the workforce, you can be sure that the hiring team will be assessing whether you're in that top percentile. To stand out, get some additional experience, whether it’s by shadowing sales representatives or attending a sales course in your spare time. It'll go a long way in helping you get noticed and hired.
An active approach
One of the defining traits of a Medical Sales Rep is the ability to be proactive and track down leads or clients by themselves. This applies to job hunting, too. Get in touch with recruiters or employers by email and ask if they have any vacancies expected to open up in the near future. Even if they don’t, they’ll likely remember you later when one does come up.
Since around 86% of people use social media for job searching, it's vital to make the most of social platforms and nurture your network. Follow industry-leading experts and establish yourself as a thought leader, engage with content that companies are posting and reach out to recruiters to let them know you're exploring your options.
Grow your Medical Sales career with IQVIA
Getting a job in the medical sales industry can prove challenging. But with the right approach, and by investing time into the right areas, you’ll be able to distinguish yourself from the crowd and convince recruiters and employers alike that you’re the ideal candidate.
At IQVIA, we take the time to support our Medical Sales Reps and match them to the best jobs in the field. Have a look at our Medical Sales Representative careers here , or if you’re curious to find out more about forging a career in medical sales, then why not check out our advice on how you can improve your medical sales skills.
Find out more about life at IQVIA
Did you know IQVIA has
70,000 + brave minds
from clinicians to data scientists each transforming healthcare in 100+ countries
Did you know IQVIA has
1,200 +
epidemiologists
and real world insight experts
Did you know IQVIA has
1,200 +
epidemiologists
and real world insight experts
Did you know IQVIA has
70,000 + brave minds
from clinicians to data scientists each transforming healthcare in 100+ countries
Ultimi lavori
Salary:
Location:
Torino
Job Type
Contractor/Consultant
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Torino
Description
Il nostro cliente, realtà farmaceutica in forte espansione e specializzata nel settore della nutraceutica ci ha incaricati di ricercare un Informatore Medico Scientifico, area di lavoro in Piemonte -
Reference
R1366349
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Sara CardanoAuthor
Sara CardanoSalary:
Location:
Padova
Job Type
Contractor/Consultant
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Padova
Description
Il nostro cliente, realtà farmaceutica in forte espansione e specializzata nel settore della nutraceutica ci ha incaricati di ricercare un Informatore Medico Scientifico, area di lavoro in Emilia Roma
Reference
R1366352
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Sara CardanoAuthor
Sara CardanoSalary:
Location:
Jakarta
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Jakarta
Description
Sales Executive (Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya)Kami mencari seorang Sales Executive yang berpengalaman untuk bergabung dengan tim kami dalam mengembangkan aplikasi baru konsep SaaS di bidang farmasi. Sebag
Reference
R1374944
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Polly KwongAuthor
Polly KwongSalary:
Location:
Jakarta
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Jakarta
Description
Sales Executive (Semarang, Central Jawa)Kami mencari seorang Sales Executive yang berpengalaman untuk bergabung dengan tim kami dalam mengembangkan aplikasi baru konsep SaaS di bidang farmasi. Sebagai
Reference
R1379173
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Polly KwongAuthor
Polly KwongSalary:
Location:
Jakarta
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Jakarta
Description
Job Overview To Promote pharmaceutical products targeted to health professionals and potential clients according to the established guidelines by the company, contributing to the execution of establis
Reference
R1391435
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Polly KwongAuthor
Polly KwongSalary:
Location:
Montreal
Job Type
Temporary
Employment status
Part Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Montreal
Description
We welcome you to apply if interested! You will be asked to create an account, which takes less than one minute and requires only a username and password. The entire application takes no more than 5-7
Reference
R1421831
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Pedro GodomarAuthor
Pedro GodomarSalary:
Location:
Ontario
Job Type
Temporary
Employment status
Part Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Ontario
Description
We welcome you to apply if interested! You will be asked to create an account, which takes less than one minute and requires only a username and password. The entire application takes no more than 5-7
Reference
R1421828
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Pedro GodomarAuthor
Pedro GodomarSalary:
Location:
Ottawa
Job Type
Temporary
Employment status
Part Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Ottawa
Description
We welcome you to apply if interested! You will be asked to create an account, which takes less than one minute and requires only a username and password. The entire application takes no more than 5-7
Reference
R1421825
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Pedro GodomarAuthor
Pedro GodomarSalary:
Location:
Ottawa
Job Type
Temporary
Employment status
Part Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Ottawa
Description
We welcome you to apply if interested! You will be asked to create an account, which takes less than one minute and requires only a username and password. The entire application takes no more than 5-7
Reference
R1421829
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Pedro GodomarAuthor
Pedro GodomarSalary:
Location:
Winnipeg
Job Type
Temporary
Employment status
Part Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Winnipeg
Description
We welcome you to apply if interested! You will be asked to create an account, which takes less than one minute and requires only a username and password. The entire application takes no more than 5-7
Reference
R1421822
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Pedro GodomarAuthor
Pedro GodomarUltimi articoli
Teaser
Medical Sales & ServicesContent Type
ArticlePublished
03/19/2024
Summary
Are you wondering if medical sales is a good career? All over the world, the medical and pharmaceutical sectors are booming, and nowhere more so than in the UK. With a thriving ecosystem of research
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
ArticlePublished
04/23/2023
Summary
The pharmaceutical industry is always evolving to keep up with the latest developments. In the 2010s we saw a new American president and Brexit shake up the global economy, creating ripples across ev
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
ArticlePublished
01/11/2022
Summary
More and more employers are waking up to the potential of video interviewing. Before the pandemic, many companies were shifting towards the digital route because they were faster, easier and more effe
Teaser
SalesContent Type
ArticlePublished
12/13/2021
Summary
Today’s professionals have much more freedom to do what they want in their careers. People are working more flexibly than ever before, switching from previous jobs to whole new avenues of work with re
Teaser
Medical Sales & ServicesContent Type
ArticlePublished
11/26/2021
Summary
Finding your dream medical sales job can be hard work. Though the global pharmaceutical industry has experienced significant growth over the last two decades, thanks to skyrocketing demand for innovat
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
ArticlePublished
04/15/2021
Summary
Working as a Medical Sales Representative can be tough, especially for Sales Team leaders. The pharma industry is growing rapidly, and the job is becoming much more complex as new regulations continue
Teaser
Medical CommunicationsContent Type
ArticlePublished
01/12/2021
Summary
Getting a foot in the door in the world of Medical Communications is only the first step in your journey to a successful career as a writer or editor. Not only do you need to balance your excellent wr
Teaser
Medical CommunicationsContent Type
ArticlePublished
11/13/2020
Summary
Do you have a way with words? Do you enjoy expressing yourself through writing- and do you also have a deep-seated interest in the medical industry? Then a career as a medical writer might be right f
Teaser
Medical Sales & ServicesContent Type
ArticlePublished
08/07/2020
Summary
The Pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve- and with it, the role of the Medical Sales Representative. Thanks to the rapid development of technology and science, more frontiers are opening up in
Teaser
Medical Sales & ServicesContent Type
ArticlePublished
07/20/2020
Summary
It’s no secret that the Pharma industry has been making huge strides in recent years. With ever-newer technologies empowering and enabling researchers and scientists to make breakthrough in everything
Apprezzo molto l’educazione, il rispetto per la professionalità e la personalità che ogni dipendente IQVIA dimostra ai nuovi assunti che comunque resta invariato nel tempo.
c
In IQVIA veniamo periodicamente sottoposti a corsi di aggiornamento sulle normative che disciplinano il nostro lavoro, e aggiornamenti scientifici che riguardano la nostra materia.
Zaira Gnoffo
In IQVIA veniamo periodicamente sottoposti a corsi di aggiornamento sulle normative che disciplinano il nostro lavoro, e aggiornamenti scientifici che riguardano la nostra materia.
Zaira Gnoffo
Apprezzo molto l’educazione, il rispetto per la professionalità e la personalità che ogni dipendente IQVIA dimostra ai nuovi assunti che comunque resta invariato nel tempo.
c
Salary:
Location:
Torino
Job Type
Contractor/Consultant
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Torino
Description
Il nostro cliente, realtà farmaceutica in forte espansione e specializzata nel settore della nutraceutica ci ha incaricati di ricercare un Informatore Medico Scientifico, area di lavoro in Piemonte -
Reference
R1366349
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Sara CardanoAuthor
Sara CardanoSalary:
Location:
Padova
Job Type
Contractor/Consultant
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Padova
Description
Il nostro cliente, realtà farmaceutica in forte espansione e specializzata nel settore della nutraceutica ci ha incaricati di ricercare un Informatore Medico Scientifico, area di lavoro in Emilia Roma
Reference
R1366352
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Sara CardanoAuthor
Sara CardanoSalary:
Location:
Jakarta
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Jakarta
Description
Sales Executive (Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya)Kami mencari seorang Sales Executive yang berpengalaman untuk bergabung dengan tim kami dalam mengembangkan aplikasi baru konsep SaaS di bidang farmasi. Sebag
Reference
R1374944
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Polly KwongAuthor
Polly KwongSalary:
Location:
Jakarta
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Jakarta
Description
Sales Executive (Semarang, Central Jawa)Kami mencari seorang Sales Executive yang berpengalaman untuk bergabung dengan tim kami dalam mengembangkan aplikasi baru konsep SaaS di bidang farmasi. Sebagai
Reference
R1379173
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Polly KwongAuthor
Polly KwongSalary:
Location:
Jakarta
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Jakarta
Description
Job Overview To Promote pharmaceutical products targeted to health professionals and potential clients according to the established guidelines by the company, contributing to the execution of establis
Reference
R1391435
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Polly KwongAuthor
Polly KwongSalary:
Location:
Montreal
Job Type
Temporary
Employment status
Part Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Montreal
Description
We welcome you to apply if interested! You will be asked to create an account, which takes less than one minute and requires only a username and password. The entire application takes no more than 5-7
Reference
R1421831
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Pedro GodomarAuthor
Pedro GodomarSalary:
Location:
Ontario
Job Type
Temporary
Employment status
Part Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Ontario
Description
We welcome you to apply if interested! You will be asked to create an account, which takes less than one minute and requires only a username and password. The entire application takes no more than 5-7
Reference
R1421828
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Pedro GodomarAuthor
Pedro GodomarSalary:
Location:
Ottawa
Job Type
Temporary
Employment status
Part Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Ottawa
Description
We welcome you to apply if interested! You will be asked to create an account, which takes less than one minute and requires only a username and password. The entire application takes no more than 5-7
Reference
R1421825
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Pedro GodomarAuthor
Pedro GodomarSalary:
Location:
Ottawa
Job Type
Temporary
Employment status
Part Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Ottawa
Description
We welcome you to apply if interested! You will be asked to create an account, which takes less than one minute and requires only a username and password. The entire application takes no more than 5-7
Reference
R1421829
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Pedro GodomarAuthor
Pedro GodomarSalary:
Location:
Winnipeg
Job Type
Temporary
Employment status
Part Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Winnipeg
Description
We welcome you to apply if interested! You will be asked to create an account, which takes less than one minute and requires only a username and password. The entire application takes no more than 5-7
Reference
R1421822
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Pedro GodomarAuthor
Pedro Godomar