There are many things you can’t control about the job-seeking process. Cumbersome application systems, automated filters that identify keywords instead of talent, multiple decision-makers drawing out the hiring process, but there is one thing you can control: the amount of work you put in.
If you’re struggling to land that Executive Level, Sales Manager, or Medical Sales job you want, don’t complain and blame other people. Figure out how to beat it. Commit to doing more. Commit to doing what other candidates aren’t willing to do.
That’s how you stand out. That’s how you get the job you really want.
So let’s do it together at Med-Search Recruiting:
- Find the Medical Device or Biotech company you want to work for.
Obvious, right? Not really. Many job seekers respond to as many job postings as possible, hoping the numbers will be on their side.
But shotgun resume submissions result in hiring managers and HR personnel sifting through dozens of candidates to find the right person.
To show the hiring manager you are the right candidate, you have to do the work. Instead of shot-gunning your resume, put in the time to determine a company you definitely want to work for — both in terms of the job and cultural fit.
- Really know the company.
You can’t possibly know if you want to work for “my” company, per the hiring manager unless you know a lot about “my” company; that’s the difference between just wanting a job and wanting an actual role in a business.
Talk to friends, relatives, vendors, customers … anyone you can find. Check out management and employees on linked-in and social media. When you know the people, you know the company. Learn as much as you can, then leverage that knowledge.
- Determine how you will make an immediate impact in the role.
Many companies see training as a necessary evil. Training takes time, money, effort, all of which are in short supply. An ideal new hire as an Executive or Medical Sales Rep can be productive immediately.
While you don’t need to be able to do everything required in the job, it helps if the company can see an immediate return on their hiring investment. (Remember, hiring you is an investment that needs to generate a return.)
Identify three (3) )important things you can contribute from day one.
- Don’t just tell. Show.
Put what you can offer on display. If you want a sales or sales management position, create a plan for how you’ll target a new market or customer base, or describe how you will implement marketing strategies the business doesn’t currently use.
A tell-and-show is your chance to set yourself apart and prove you know the company and what you can offer. Your initiative will be impressive and you’ll go a long way toward overcoming concerns that you’re all hat and no cattle.
- Use a referral as a reinforcement.
Business is all about relationships. We’ve all made bad hiring decisions, so a referral from someone we trust is like gold.
You may have to dig deep into your network or even forge new connections, but the effort will be worth it.
Knowing that someone we trust is willing to vouch for you is a data point that often tips the decision scale toward giving you an interview, and even giving you the job.
- Be the one who knocks.
Don’t wait to be called for an interview. Don’t even wait for an opening to be posted; after all, you’ve identified ways you can immediately help the company you want to work for. Wrangle an introduction, meet with someone who can actually influence the hiring decision, and pitch away.
As long as you show the person you contact how they will also benefit, it will work. Make sure you go straight to describing how the company will benefit from hiring you.
Approach people right and they will pay attention —I don’t know anyone who won’t drop everything to learn how to improve their business.
- Assert yourself.
Many people are poor interviewers.
So be direct and to the point. Explain what you can do. Describe your background. Don’t talk about what the job will mean to you; talk about how the company will benefit from hiring you. Show you know working for their company is different (every company thinks they’re different) and how you’re excited by the challenge. Sell yourself: use what you know about the company and how you will make an impact to back up your pitch.
- Ask for the job.
Most Executive Level and Regional Sales Managers don’t mind being closed. A decision put off until tomorrow is a decision added to the to-do list; no one wants more on their plate.
If you truly know you want the job — and by this point, you should — ask for it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Who knows: if you’ve worked hard to truly set yourself apart, you might get hired on the spot.
I like when people asked for the job. Most hiring managers do. Who doesn’t love initiative and drive?
Decide you will be different — and then work hard to actually be different. Then you’ll have a much better chance of landing the job you really want.