Consultant Questionnaire - Kath Ryan, Ventiv Healt

What's your background in the industry? I have worked in Pharmaceutical Sales Recruitment for over 6 years. What can your company do for candidates that others can't? We always view the recruitment process as a 2-way thing. It is not just about what you can tell us but what we can tell you and how we can help you. What do you look for first in a candidate for a Medical Sales Rep position? Motivation Is a qualification in a Life Sciences subject a pre-requisite? No, just as long as you have the ability and motivation to learn the product and disease area knowledge. We are more interested in you having the right attitude. That can't be taught but product knowledge can. How do you think the role of the Medical Sales Rep will change in the next five years? There are always a lot of theories about how these roles will change. We have been anticipating major change for a long time and in reality it appears to be a slower transition. One thing I think that is certain though is that unless representatives can demonstrate that they are adding value to their customers these customers will not find the time to meet with these representatives. How can undergraduates improve their chances of getting a Medical Sales Rep position? Do lots of research into the role and try and get some selling experience. What are the common mistakes that candidates make? Not selling themselves What's the single best piece of CV advice you would offer potential candidates? Check your spelling and presentation. What's the single best piece of interview advice you would offer potential candidates? Sell yourself, you have a captive audience! What's the single best piece of advice you've received in your career? If you want it it's up to you to make it happen. What websites do you recommend? PharmiWeb and Health-e jobs What books or magazines do you recommend? Pharmaceutical Field