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
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
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:
Erfurt
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Erfurt
Description
IQVIA ist ein führender, globaler Anbieter von zukunftsweisender Analytik, Technologielösungen und klinischer Auftragsforschung. Bei IQVIA Contract Sales & Medical Solutions unterstützen Sie unsere Ku
Reference
R1344285
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary:
Location:
Bogota
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Bogota
Description
Únete a nosotros en nuestro emocionante trayecto! IQVIA ™ es The Human Data Science Company ™, enfocada en el uso de datos y ciencia para ayudar a los clientes de la salud a encontrar mejores solucion
Reference
R1448891
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Yesenia QuinonezAuthor
Yesenia QuinonezSalary:
Location:
Zaventem
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Zaventem
Description
We are looking for a Territory Business Manager wound and skin care, for the Antwerp areaTasks:Promotion of wound and skin care products to GPs, dermatologists, elderly homes, and nursesTraining of nu
Reference
R1448888
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Marleen BalAuthor
Marleen BalSalary:
Location:
Zaventem
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Zaventem
Description
Nous recherchons un(e) Territory Business Manager wound and skin care productsSecteur📍BruxellesTâches :Promotion des produits de soins des plaies et de la peau auprès des médecins généralistes, des d
Reference
R1448870
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Marleen BalAuthor
Marleen BalSalary:
Location:
Zaventem
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Zaventem
Description
Farmaceutisch afgevaardigde, natuurlijke, biologische geneesmiddelen - Gent, West-Vlaanderen, west Vlaams-BrabantTaken🌱promotie en verkoop van natuurlijke, biologische geneesmiddelen aan apotheken, p
Reference
R1448868
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Marleen BalAuthor
Marleen BalSalary:
Location:
Petaling Jaya
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Insight & Market Development
Location
Petaling Jaya
Description
The Associate Brand Manager will support the Senior Marketing Manager in the development and execution of brand strategies. This role involves development and execution of brand strategies, , engaging
Reference
R1448771
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Polly KwongAuthor
Polly KwongSalary:
Location:
Somerset
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Somerset
Description
Nurse AdvisorType: Permanent full timeLocation: Taunton, SomersetSchedule: Monday – Friday, 9-5 (with some flexibility)We are looking for a passionate registered nurse to join the team in the Midlands
Reference
R1448689
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lubna KhanAuthor
Lubna KhanSalary:
Location:
Dublin Co. Nth
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Dublin Co. Nth
Description
Location: East of Ireland, Dublin Join Our Team as a Key Account Manager!Are you passionate about women’s health and ready to make a real impact? We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic Key Account
Reference
R1448684
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lubna KhanAuthor
Lubna KhanSalary:
Location:
Galway County, Cork County South, Cork County North
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Cork County South
Cork County North
Galway County
Description
Location - West of Ireland, Cork, GalwayJoin Our Team as a Key Account Manager!Are you passionate about women’s health and ready to make a real impact? We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic Key Ac
Reference
R1448630
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lubna KhanAuthor
Lubna KhanSalary:
Location:
Buenos Aires
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Buenos Aires
Description
Únete a nosotros en nuestro emocionante trayecto! IQVIA ™ es The Human Data Science Company ™, enfocada en el uso de datos y ciencia para ayudar a los clientes de la salud a encontrar mejores solucion
Reference
R1448504
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Ultimi articoli
Teaser
Medical Sales & ServicesContent Type
ArticlePublished
03/19/2024
Summary
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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
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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
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Medical Sales & ServicesContent Type
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07/20/2020
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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.
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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:
Erfurt
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Erfurt
Description
IQVIA ist ein führender, globaler Anbieter von zukunftsweisender Analytik, Technologielösungen und klinischer Auftragsforschung. Bei IQVIA Contract Sales & Medical Solutions unterstützen Sie unsere Ku
Reference
R1344285
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary:
Location:
Bogota
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Bogota
Description
Únete a nosotros en nuestro emocionante trayecto! IQVIA ™ es The Human Data Science Company ™, enfocada en el uso de datos y ciencia para ayudar a los clientes de la salud a encontrar mejores solucion
Reference
R1448891
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Yesenia QuinonezAuthor
Yesenia QuinonezSalary:
Location:
Zaventem
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Zaventem
Description
We are looking for a Territory Business Manager wound and skin care, for the Antwerp areaTasks:Promotion of wound and skin care products to GPs, dermatologists, elderly homes, and nursesTraining of nu
Reference
R1448888
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Marleen BalAuthor
Marleen BalSalary:
Location:
Zaventem
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Zaventem
Description
Nous recherchons un(e) Territory Business Manager wound and skin care productsSecteur📍BruxellesTâches :Promotion des produits de soins des plaies et de la peau auprès des médecins généralistes, des d
Reference
R1448870
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Marleen BalAuthor
Marleen BalSalary:
Location:
Zaventem
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Zaventem
Description
Farmaceutisch afgevaardigde, natuurlijke, biologische geneesmiddelen - Gent, West-Vlaanderen, west Vlaams-BrabantTaken🌱promotie en verkoop van natuurlijke, biologische geneesmiddelen aan apotheken, p
Reference
R1448868
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Marleen BalAuthor
Marleen BalSalary:
Location:
Petaling Jaya
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Insight & Market Development
Location
Petaling Jaya
Description
The Associate Brand Manager will support the Senior Marketing Manager in the development and execution of brand strategies. This role involves development and execution of brand strategies, , engaging
Reference
R1448771
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Polly KwongAuthor
Polly KwongSalary:
Location:
Somerset
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Nurse Advisors
Location
Somerset
Description
Nurse AdvisorType: Permanent full timeLocation: Taunton, SomersetSchedule: Monday – Friday, 9-5 (with some flexibility)We are looking for a passionate registered nurse to join the team in the Midlands
Reference
R1448689
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lubna KhanAuthor
Lubna KhanSalary:
Location:
Dublin Co. Nth
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Dublin Co. Nth
Description
Location: East of Ireland, Dublin Join Our Team as a Key Account Manager!Are you passionate about women’s health and ready to make a real impact? We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic Key Account
Reference
R1448684
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lubna KhanAuthor
Lubna KhanSalary:
Location:
Galway County, Cork County South, Cork County North
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Cork County South
Cork County North
Galway County
Description
Location - West of Ireland, Cork, GalwayJoin Our Team as a Key Account Manager!Are you passionate about women’s health and ready to make a real impact? We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic Key Ac
Reference
R1448630
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Lubna KhanAuthor
Lubna KhanSalary:
Location:
Buenos Aires
Job Type
Regular
Employment status
Full Time
Job Category
Medical Sales
Location
Buenos Aires
Description
Únete a nosotros en nuestro emocionante trayecto! IQVIA ™ es The Human Data Science Company ™, enfocada en el uso de datos y ciencia para ayudar a los clientes de la salud a encontrar mejores solucion
Reference
R1448504
Expiry Date
01/01/0001