So, you’re considering a career as a medical sales rep, but where to start? Don’t worry you’re not alone. Many people thinking of transitioning into a medical device sales career often question, do I have the skills and experience companies are looking for?
Before we dive into the steps to set you on the right foot, I highly recommend you do some background research, get to know the industry, and answer the question – does this fit my career aspirations?
In the meantime, here are a few steps you can take to help you break into medical device sales.
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1. Related education and experience
Transferrable skills within medical device sales are highly regarded. This doesn’t necessarily mean having a medical-related degree. You might be a marketing professional enticed by a sales role that allows you to do your job with minimal or no site visits. Nevertheless, having related industry experience and skills will set you apart from your competition. Most companies, when hiring, look for the following qualities:
Professional experience:
· B2B sales
· Experience from other medical-related industries
· Consumer product sales experience
· Clinical background, e.g. nursing/medical technician etc.
Skills and personality:
· Ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels
· Ability to excel in a competitive environment
· Sales focused
· Confident
· Ability to multitask.
This is your time to shine and convince them why they need you.
For more detailed steps and practical advice on breaking into the medical sales field, visit our article on Breaking into Medical Sales: Essential Steps for Success.
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2. Start networking
Whether attending events or connecting on LinkedIn, networking is an essential part of professional growth and opportunity. After all, having the right professional contacts can substantially increase your chances of landing a job, no matter what your career background. As the saying goes, it’s not what you know. It’s who you know.
A lot of employers are now seeking candidates through professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. So, if you’re a little hesitant to meet people face-to-face, this is a great place to start. Still, feeling lost? Check out these seven steps to becoming a networking expert.
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3. Get an insight into the industry
Whilst you might have been the pro within pharma, nursing or even marketing, hiring companies want to see your passion and dedication for medical devices, so don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk. Show that you can not only speak the industry lingo but have taken the time to gain industry experience through some field work experience and education of your own.
Gain some knowledge around the patient journey into an operating theatre if you can get access. Whilst due to the impacts of COVID, it may be tricky to get access to hospitals and operating theatres, there are plenty of online resources from which you can gain some learnings.
Look into online sales training courses and show that you are up to date with the latest health industry guidelines. Medicines Australia offers some great courses in this area.
For a comprehensive look at the Australian MedTech industry, including pathways and key insights, explore this guide from the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA).
Hiring managers also look for certain qualities that demonstrate you’re a strong fit for the role. These traits, such as ambition, adaptability, and communication skills, are highly valued in medical sales. To get a deeper understanding of what hiring managers truly look for, watch this insightful video interview with Julia Marquardt, Corporate Accounts Executive at Boston Scientific. Julia shares the top five qualities hiring managers seek in candidates, helping you prepare to stand out in your next medical device sales interview.
Watch the full video here:
The Top 5 Qualities Hiring Managers Seek in Medical Sales Candidates.
Understanding the support structure of your potential team is crucial for long-term success.
See The Crucial Role of Supportive Teams in Your Career Journey for insights on why this matters when considering potential employers.
4. Prepare for your interview
If you get an opportunity to interview for a medical device role, ensure you
· Thoroughly research the company.
· Get an understanding of the devices you will be selling.
· Understand the market and target audience.
· Do your competitor research.
· Highlight your past success and what you can bring to the table.
· Go in with an action plan.
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Now’s the time to act - Get Started Today
After reading through the key steps to becoming a medical sales representative, take a moment to evaluate how ready you are to embark on this career path.
Assess Your Readiness with Our Career Quiz
You can take the quiz below to identify your strengths and discover areas for growth.
This quick assessment will guide you with tailored advice to help boost your confidence and career prospects.
Quiz Done? So, What’s Next?
If you feel prepared to take the next step after completing the quiz, call DukeMed on +61279121168 or Schedule a Call to discuss your career path and opportunities further.
As you progress in your medical device sales career, it’s essential to understand the qualities that recruiters value. Check out The Truth About What Recruiters Really Look for in a Medical Sales Rep to better prepare yourself for job opportunities.