Is an Entry-Level Medical Sales Job Right for You?

Medical sales job opportunities can be found throughout Australia and New Zealand. Companies producing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies are always looking for talented sales reps. If you’re keen to try entry level medical sales but lack runs on the board, don’t worry. 

Smart employers know there’s more to a good sales rep than years of selling experience. We’ve put together a guide to the traits these employers look for when hiring medical sales representatives. This will help you decide if you have what it takes to shine in this industry.

A COMPETITIVE NATURE

Medical sales is a very competitive sector. Financial rewards are high for the right employees and roles are therefore highly sought after. While some companies are more demanding than others, you may find yourself travelling widely and coping with a heavy workload. Unless you have a real passion for the job, you may not last the course.

A THICK SKIN

As with all sales jobs, the field of medical sales comes with its own challenges. Some doctors and health professionals regard medical sales reps as a nuisance and there will be plenty of rebuffs. If you are familiar with this territory and understand that it’s not personal, you can push through. Real tenacity will help you win the sales you need to advance your career.

GENUINE FLEXIBILITY

You may find yourself selling a wide variety of items. These include pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, and even biotechnology. Larger companies may require you to become skilled in a very specific area. In a smaller company, however, you may need to be comfortable handling and selling multiple products.

TECHNICAL UNDERSTANDING

You are only selling the product. Yet it’s important to understand the basic science behind the drug or device in order to be persuasive when selling it. A potential customer is unlikely to buy your product if you don’t understand it yourself. A genuine comprehension of its functions, benefits and limitations is essential in order to give a compelling pitch. At some point you will need to decipher scientific and technical language then translate it in a way which is easy for customers to understand. You may also need to demonstrate the workings of more intricate devices and equipment. Will you shine in the spotlight?

ABILITY TO START FROM SCRATCH

You don’t always need experience to score medical sales jobs. Some companies hand-pick bright candidates they can shape and train to suit their own unique requirements. It’s important to know how to present the experience and qualifications you do have in the best light. Use examples from previous roles to show hirers how you take initiative, overcome challenges, think creatively, communicate clearly and persuade others to your point of view. Any success in direct sales or customer-facing roles should be showcased to employers as evidence of your potential and trainability. A specialist recruitment agency can help you win a healthcare interview and gain a foothold in the medical sales sector.