| What should you do to break into medical sales, | | | | of the sales reps who call on him. If you want a |
| laboratory sales, clinical diagnostics sales, surgical | | | | medical device job, ask the doctor for those |
| products sales, pathology sales, imaging sales, | | | | types of representatives. If you want a |
| medical device sales, pharmaceutical sales, bio-tech | | | | laboratory sales job, go see a small laboratory |
| sales, or sales of cellular or molecular products? | | | | and ask for a couple of contacts (folks who sell |
| As a medical sales recruiter, one of the most | | | | to them). |
| important tips I can give you is this: go for a | | | | Get the idea? |
| ride-along with someone in the field to ask | | | | Step 2: Call the sales rep and ask them for a |
| questions and see what a typical day is like. | | | | favor: Will they let you tag along for a day or half |
| Job shadowing is something we usually associate | | | | a day to see what their life is like? When you |
| with high-school or college students, but it can be | | | | contact them, reassure them that you're not |
| tremendously beneficial for anyone changing | | | | after their job, but are looking for information |
| careers in just about any field--not just medical | | | | about the field....pros and cons, typical day, and so |
| sales. It's valuable hands-on experience before you | | | | on. This will help you narrow down which health |
| make the commitment to switch. | | | | care sales field you want to get into, and when |
| A ride-along is just what it sounds like: You spend | | | | you land the interview, your prep work will show |
| a day with a sales rep who's in the field you're | | | | and give you an edge over other candidates. |
| thinking you'd like to sell into, and see how a | | | | That's all there is to it. When you do the ride |
| typical day goes. A ride-along can be one of your | | | | along, ask lots of questions: What do they like |
| greatest opportunities to differentiate yourself | | | | about the job, what do they hate, what skills are |
| from another candidate. It sets you apart as a | | | | absolutely necessary, how did they get the job, |
| go-getter. It gives you critical on-the-job | | | | etc. You'll think of more throughout the day. Take |
| information that helps you in your job search. | | | | notes. Once you've done this, add the experience |
| Among other things, it helps you answer the | | | | to your resume as a preceptorship. |
| question, "How do you see yourself in this job?" | | | | Completing a ride-along communicates that: |
| How do you get one? | | | | (1) you are willing to go the extra step, |
| Step 1: Ask for contacts. | | | | (2) you know how to make contacts and |
| If you want a pharmaceutical sales job, for | | | | (3) you know what you are getting into. |
| instance, call your family doctor and ask for a | | | | It helps the hiring manager see you in the job and |
| favor-ask for the contact information of a couple | | | | that is what gets you a job offer. |