While tempting and a time-saver, using a resume which fits every role may not be helpful; tailor your document for the specific role to increase your success in the job search. Read the position description carefully and then align your resume to the core elements and qualifications highlighted in the description. This much personalization ensures that you really are a detail-attentive one while focused upon this particular role and again helps your chances that it will pass the ATS.
Keep in mind that your resume usually is the first look an employer will have of your credentials; therefore, you must make a good impression. With these tips in mind, you can create an effective resume to present your unique value proposition as a medical device sales professional — no matter how many years of experience you have — and get that interview.
Become a Member of Professional Associations
Many professional associations, the Medical Device Sales Association, the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, or local medical device industry groups, may be extremely useful in networking. Attend their meetings, conferences or events to connect with industry professionals and get wind of trends through potential job postings or word of mouth. They also will often have weekly or monthly newsletters for members that can also be worthwhile sources of information and thought leadership you can draw on when meeting new people in the industry.
Attend trade shows and industry events
Medical device trade shows and industry events are rich fertile grounds for networking. Be sure to do some research regarding what is available in your immediate area or the regions you wish to pursue and target specific events. Attend knowing you are there for three reasons: meet new contacts, learn more about job opportunities, and what’s new with products and technology. Be clear and up-front with anyone you meet that you are looking for a new challenge, but also be willing to talk about your experiences and what you’re looking for, to someone, for any amount of time.
Make Use of Internet Platforms
Other social networking sites include LinkedIn, in which it becomes a necessity to connect with medical device sales professionals, industry influencers, as well as potential employers. There is, however, much “noise” to wade through here, either. First, optimize your profile for relevant experience and skills. Hiring managers are looking on LinkedIn not only to validate what they’re seeing on a resume but get a better sense of the kind of professional you are. Even today, too often, even a very strong resume is going to get rejected if you have a weak LinkedIn profile or if it has some contradictory information to what’s found on your resume. Engage in professional forums, like LinkedIn. That becomes a best practice to establish yourself as knowledgeable and engaged, so comment, share wisely when you are out there on the job market.
Look for Interviews for Information
A rather antiquated practice, maybe, information interviewing can help you gain access into insight about the medical devices sales industry and specific firms. Contact a few professional friends and colleagues and let them give you a very brief introductory interview that can lead to details of their own career patterns or struggles they may have endured or advice for you and perhaps even get a firsthand, direct recommendation for you to someone.
Follow Up and Maintain Communication
Networking is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process of relationship building and maintenance. Right when you connect with that person, follow up and stay connected by sharing updates related to the industry, or even congratulating them on their achievements, or simply getting connected on LinkedIn.
Note that successful networking is not just adding contacts but developing relationships and positioning you in the medical device sales community as a valuable asset. Some of these approaches will help you expand your network while giving you better access to uncover various hidden opportunities in which you would compete favorably.
