A move into medical sales starts with a clear explanation of what you've already done in sales and what you still need to learn. Hiring requirements vary by employer, product, and role.

Show the work behind your results

A hiring manager needs more than a list of accounts and awards. Explain how you found customers, built relationships, handled a long sales cycle, or grew a territory.

  • Your quota and attainment, with the time period.
  • Rankings in context, such as your position within a team of a stated size.
  • New accounts, growth, or retained business you can explain.
  • An example of learning a technical product and teaching a customer how it works.

Use information you're allowed to share. Leave customer records, confidential pricing, and former employers' private documents out of an application.

Learn which part of medical sales interests you

Medical device, surgical, pharmaceutical, and other healthcare sales roles involve different products and customers. An associate role, inside sales position, and field territory role can also have different expectations.

Read the job description before deciding that a role is a starting point. Ask about prior sales experience, clinical knowledge, training, travel, and any case coverage requirements.

Prepare for the conversation

Be ready to explain why this move interests you beyond the earnings potential. What do you understand about the customers and the day-to-day work? Which skills transfer from your current role? Where would you need training?

If you're a recent graduate, clinician, or veteran, use the same approach: describe your experience, the responsibilities you've held, and the evidence behind your strengths. Don't claim sales or operating room experience you haven't had.

Start with your background and location

Top Sales Reps works with experienced medical reps, B2B salespeople, and people entering the field. Share your résumé, current location, and areas of interest through the candidate page. Robin can consider that background against the searches she is working on.

Before discussing a specific opportunity, read the guides to sales territories and compensation plans.