One of my favorite things about being an Executive Resume Writer is that I get to tap into the wisdom of career experts and recruiters — and share that intel with my own clients. Bill Fell, the owner and director of Recruiting Services at HIRE-IQ.net, is one of those experts. His earlier background includes years in Pharma and Medical Device sales, training and leadership. With experience on both sides of the table, I sat down with him to discuss his take on the job search process. Here is what he had to say:
Common Candidate Mishaps
“I see candidates applying for roles for which they are not qualified,” Fell notes. Many clients list certain qualifications as must-haves. “As a recruiter, we must listen to what our clients are asking for and when we present someone without that,” he says. “We must be able to justify it.”
Fell offered the example of a client requiring a sales candidate with experience covering a large territory. In this case, a medical sales job seeker who hasn’t covered three or four states as a rep would likely not be a good fit.
“However, if you feel you have close to half the requirements, I’d rather you throw your hat in the ring than not,” he says. “You never know. There is going to be that rare opportunity where someone will give you chance.”
The Power of Asking Questions
Fell says clients should always Come to an interview with a list of questions written out. This shows the client that you are invested. Share on X, he notes. “Clients tell me a candidate’s value decreases when they don’t appear prepared for the interview with something written out,” he says. “Bringing your resume and having questions in your head are not enough!”
Two of his favorites: “What have I not asked that I should?” and “What is your biggest concern or objection for moving me forward in this interview process?” These two questions allow you to close out your interview in a way that address any lingering worries and gives you a chance to overcome them.
Age Discrimination and Barriers to Employment in Sales
“Age discrimination exists. No doubt about,” says Fell. “You will not be perfect for every company. It’s important to find a company that is a match for you regardless of whether you have the qualifications.”
His advice for helping a medical sales job seeker find their match? Work with a good recruiter who knows his clients and candidates well, check out sites where employees share reviews and talk to others who work there. Lastly, when on an interview, gauge your interaction with the people from the interviewee to the receptionist.
Words of Wisdom
Fell advises job seekers to have people they can talk to — be it another medical sales job seeker, a friend or spouse. Make sure that at least one of these is someone who can be candid with you and provide honest feedback. In addition, don’t forget to put your email address in your LinkedIn summary section so a recruiter can easily get in contact.
His closing words of wisdom? “Believe that you will find what you are looking for. It may not happen overnight. It may take a couple of months, but it will happen,” Fell says. “If you don’t believe it will happen, this will become reality.”
Bill Fell can be found on LinkedIn and at HIRE-IQ.net.
Previously appeared on MedReps.com
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