Sales Associate

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None of the above! I am sorry to say this but most medical device companies do not like to hire reps with pharma experience.I am not saying that they wont and I am not saying that pharma reps cannot sale but most are looked at as order takers and lunch delivery people instead of technical sales reps. A good option for you may be to try and get a sales position with a distributor to expose you to the clinical side and get you some OR experience.
 


Anonymous said:
None of the above! I am sorry to say this but most medical device companies do not like to hire reps with pharma experience.I am not saying that they wont and I am not saying that pharma reps cannot sale but most are looked at as order takers and lunch delivery people instead of technical sales reps. A good option for you may be to try and get a sales position with a distributor to expose you to the clinical side and get you some OR experience.
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He is right. For the most part companies are bringing people in to start in a warehouse or customer service capacity. Most pharma reps don't see taking a huge pay cut and long hours as a worthwhile opportunity.
 


Fair enough. I appreciate the honest replies, it isn't the first time I have heard this. With that being said, what industries do candidates need to be experienced in for a shot at a career in device sales. The pharma experience I have is limited, though I have 5+ years of sales experience in capital equipment.
 


I think the answers are pretty accurate with that being the general perception. But don't let it stop you from trying. I am currently in pharma and in final interviews with Stryker. Can depend on manager.
 


I think that the Capital Sales experience is a plus. Like I said earlier, it should be pretty easy for you to find a position with a distributor who will help you get some OR time and will also expose you to the surgeons and materials management in the hospitals in your area. Device sales is not that complicated but does require a smart and driven individual. I tell people who ask that it is an easy job but you have to be persistant and get out of bed an go to work every day. I also think that you have to live outside of the box instead of think outside of the box. If you are not creative and willing to create ways to get around some of the contracts the hospitals have in place with other vendors then you are doomed. I say all of this only to give you some ideas to take with you and use for potential employers. Everyone chooses their own path!
 


With pharma and capital sales experience you can get into medical sales. Network through the docs you call on right now. Do any of them do Surgery or have a partner that does who they can introduce you too? Don't listen to the previous hand job who said go look for a distributor. You can do that but you should also be sending resumes to every recruiter you can, linking up with people on LinkedIn, etc...

You can't get in. Make sure you emphasize you can sell and close. Go get some.
 


Anonymous said:
With pharma and capital sales experience you can get into medical sales. Network through the docs you call on right now. Do any of them do Surgery or have a partner that does who they can introduce you too? Don't listen to the previous hand job who said go look for a distributor. You can do that but you should also be sending resumes to every recruiter you can, linking up with people on LinkedIn, etc...

You can't get in. Make sure you emphasize you can sell and close. Go get some.
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Last sentence should have said CAN get in.
 


And yes, you can get it. Many people have made this transition so do not let others tell you that you can not. You would be suprised how many started and are even managing teams. Go for it and good luck to you.
 


Thanks for the responses. If you're in my shoes, would it be a good idea to use a recruiter or headhunter? Also, how crazy would it be to find out the manager of the division and email he/she your resume/cover letter for the position you're wanting to apply for?
 




Buddy dont let anyone tell you you can't work in device because you were in pharma. Man up. Tell the manager what's up. If you can't overcome the pharma objection than you can't handle this business anyways and it's for the best you move on. There are thousands of former pharma reps that are successful in device. If your a beta male/female then you won't cut it. But if your an alpha, can hang with anyone, will not back down from a challenge then you are good to go. Don't be a Vaj.
 


I agree do not listen to those losers that tell you a 'pharma' rep cannot get in and succeed in device sales. Ask those people where they came from and most will tell you pharma... but they are somehow different of course
 



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