When you apply for a sales job in a medical industry, you strive to communicate your experience, education, and passion to your potential employer. But you’re not alone. You’re applying for every position alongside other experienced and driven sales professionals. How do you make sure that your unique blend of accomplishments, abilities, and approaches doesn’t get lost in the shuffle?

Here are five ways to help your application rise to the top of the stack when you’re applying for a medical sales position:

1. Discuss accomplishments, not duties. Most job applicants still list their job duties at each previous position when they update their resumes. It’s an old habit, and it’s a habit that makes you look like “one of the crowd.” Instead of simply listing job duties, list your top two or three accomplishments in each position. Use the phrasing in the job description when appropriate to show how your accomplishments fit the position for which you are applying.
2. Share the numbers. Whenever possible, put a concrete number on your accomplishments. “Expanded client list to increase sales” doesn’t have the same impact as “Added six new clients to our list in the first quarter of 2013, expanding total sales by 10 percent.” When you quantify what you’ve done, you demonstrate exactly what value you offer to a potential employer – and you set yourself apart from the crowd.
3. Build a strong online presence. Start building a strong LinkedIn profile by updating old information and adding information about presentations, publications, and other projects or tasks you’ve tackled at work or in your volunteer activities. If you’ve written a blog post, article, or white paper that exists in digital form, include a link. And if you haven’t, consider writing one or more of these pieces on a work-related subject you know and enjoy.
4. Follow up promptly and personally. Return phone calls from potential employers as soon as you receive the voicemail. After an interview, follow up with a thank-you note addressed directly to the person or people who interviewed you. You’ll keep yourself top-of-mind and stand out from the applicants who don’t bother to express their appreciation.
5. Work with a recruiter. Your recruiter’s relationship with potential employers helps you stand out by giving you a personal connection who can vouch for your experience and approach. Your staffing partner can also help connect you to other professionals in your field, allowing you to grow.

At SMR Group Ltd, our recruiters can help you place your strengths center stage, so you stand out to hiring managers in the medical, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. Contact us today to learn more.