Administrator: Ok it is just about 11am, welcome everyone to the Chase Medical Sales Chatroom which starts now and finishes at 1pm. Feel free to post up your questions to be answered by our recruiter have fun!

Candidate: Hi I was just wondering how many jobs are available. And if there is a certain time that I should apply?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: As we are an agency, we do not have a fixed amount. We continue to recruit graduates throughout the year. We therefore also continue to get a number of jobs on throughout the year.

Candidate: What degree do I need to get into Medical Sales?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: Ideally, - Life Science / Sports Science/ Chemistry / Business / Marketing / Psychology / Physiotherapy / Pharmacology or similar. What is really important is a real passion for the role, drive for results and ambition. So I will also look at other degrees.

Candidate: Hi there, I noticed you mentioned a few personal qualities there, like passion and a drive for ambition. Are there any other personal qualities that you look for?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: Good question! - The candidates we have placed have met the following criteria:

They are enthusiastic, passionate about the role and have done at least a full days shadowing. Successful candidates are flexible to relocate to get into the industry.
They have also demonstrated self motivation, drive for results, budding leadership and excellent interpersonal skills.
You need to stand out from the crowd, so if your biggest and only achievement in life is completing your degree or getting your driving licence, this probably is not the role for you.
The industry is highly competitive and for good reason. It is professional and governed by a code of conduct. There is opportunity to develop and progress. You get to work for global blue chip organisations with products that affect the daily lives of people.

Candidate: you also mentioned it is highly competitive, does that mean that it is essential to have had some sales experience or can you be selected on the merits of your personal qualities and qualifications?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: You do not need sales - but to demonstrate transferable skills. So you may have sporting achievements, raised money for charity or been a part of university activity outside academia.

Candidate: I am impressed with the salary and the benefits, but I was wondering what the day to day activities of a medical sales rep involve?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: If you log on to our website www.chasepharmajobs.com you will see a more detailed spec of a day in the life of a medical sales rep.
But basically the role involves seeing healthcare professionals (GPs / Nurses / Hospital Drs) and highlight the benefits and indications of your product.
There is so much more to the role - but I can not type that fast!! - Check out the website for more detail
Candidate: And following on from the last question about the day to day activities, what are the typical hours of work for a medical sales rep?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: When you first join the industry as a medical rep - you are on a steep learning curve, so your day will start around 8am / 8.30am and finish around 6pm. Once you have developed in the role you will learn to be more efficient with your time. You are based from home and go out to call on the healthcare professionals. You may do evening meetings.
Candidate: I am very keen to become a medical sales rep, could you please tell me what a typical day consists of and what are the biggest challenges? Many Thanks!

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: I am glad you are keen to become a medical rep - it is a rewarding career for a graduate. To look at a typical day - please look at our website www.chasepharmajobs.com/graduates. The best way to find out is to shadow a medical sales representative. This is to ensure you have clear picture of what is involved and whether or not this truly is the role for you.

You will need to arrange your own shadowing; this will demonstrate your persuasion skills. Start networking your family and friends; somebody may know somebody who knows a medical rep. If that does not get you a contact, then go down to your locals GP surgeries and pharmacists and ask for business cards.

Call the medical representative directly and ask if you can meet up with them. As they do not know you I recommend you meet for coffee first of all. Go armed with some questions and find out as much as you can. At that point you can ask if they will take you out. If they are unable to, go back to another business card and keep trying.

Candidate: Would we be required to build up and expand our own client base? Or is that side handled by the employer?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: The pharmaceutical organisation will have a list of all the Doctors in your area. You usually get around 250 GPs to manage. From this group you will need to identify who would most likely prescribe your product. There may be Asthma specialist or Weight Management Clinics who would be of interest to you for example. (Depending on what your product is) Also your team will have information that will be useful to you. Your job will be to spot and develop opportunities.

Candidate: So it sounds like there is quite a high level of independence and your success is determined by the judgements you make relating to clients and products, is that right?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: Yes you need to be able to work autonomously. There is a great deal of support and training so do not let this scare you off. However, it is truly important that you are self motivated.
There maybe days when things do not go to plan and you need to be able to bounce back from this. Your clients are Healthcare professionals (GPs / Nurses / Hosp Drs) so they are interested in finding out what products can best help their patients.
However the NHS is restricted by both time and budget - so you need to be creative in how you approach getting time with them.

Candidate: what kind of training is offered?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: Great question! The pharmaceutical and healthcare industry offers some of the most comprehensive training. When you first start, you initial training course lasts for between 6 to 12 weeks. It is a combination of theory and practical application. So you will hit the books to learn about products, then you will go out into the field and shadow with an experienced colleague to see them at work. Your training then continues throughout your career
Candidate: What does the training consist of at Chase and what skills am I expected to obtain. Also how long is it for?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: The training is directly with the pharmaceutical company. My job is to get you a job with them.
The advantage of working with CHASE is the guidance and support we give you through the interview and assessment process. We have direct contact with the recruiting managers and HR departments.

Have a look at our graduate testimonials on the CHASE website; they also give some good advice for graduates looking to get into the industry.

Candidate: Will it be a vigorous interview process with a standard telephone interview and assessment centre?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: To apply to CHASE you need to fill out the on line application form from our website
The minimum criteria are the right to work in the UK, a full UK driving licence and a degree ideally 2:2 or above.
If you are successful then you will be contacted for an initial telephone screen. Graduates are expected to have work shadowed for a least a day or at least spoken to an experienced Medical Sales Representative to gain a realistic insight about the role.
If you pass the initial telephone screen them you will be invited to interview with CHASE. The interview venues are Gatwick, Luton, Leeds and Edinburgh. Once you are signed up with CHASE then we will present you with opportunities.
You will then need to go to a first interview with a Pharmaceutical or Healthcare Manager if you are successful from that point, you will need to attend an assessment centre or final interview.
If you pass this stage you will be offered a job!

Candidate: On a rough scale, how long on average does it take for a graduate to become an established and effective medical sales rep. Also what is the next stage up the progression ladder?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: It will take you between 6-12 months to become a fully confident Med Rep, there are a lot of learning curves - but a great sense of satisfaction.

Candidate: What is the format of the above mentioned assessment centre?
C
hase Medical Sales Recruiter: There are slight variations for each company - but basically you will need to do a presentation, role play, competency based interview and group exercise. The great thing about working with CHASE is that we will help you prepare for that.

Candidate: does the time it takes to become fully qualified depend on how good you are at the job, or does it simply vary depending on the company you work for?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: It depends on you! And how quickly you take to the job. As I mentioned the learning curves are steep (as with any role). I would allow yourself a good 12 months to get fully familiar with the role. Your company will be supporting and developing throughout this time. This is an indication not a definite.

Candidate: Are there any wider support networks at CHASE- social clubs or networking societies?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: CHASE are a recruitment agency so we do not have any associated networking contacts. My best advice it to go through your University Alumni - get in touch with people who have established their career and get their stories. You can follow us on Twitter.

Candidate: is there much opportunity for progression within the company if for example I got the job? Or would I be likely to stay in the same role for a long time?
If so what sort of timescale would you put on career progression?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: It all depends on the company you join and how well you do! - These are blue chips so there should be opportunity for you to go into training, management or marketing. There are other roles or projects specific to each company that you may also get involved in.
Remember that these companies take on graduates as their future talent pool - they want you to progress and develop. You will need to stay in the medical rep role for at least 12 months to 18 months to prove yourself to the company.
Within a 10 year period there is no reason why you could not be director of a company or in senior management role. After about 18 months you can look to marketing / training roles. I would say that first line management may take a couple of years - depending on you and the company.
It is difficult for me to judge as it is really down to you and the opportunities within your organisation

Candidate: So how will your career progression be assessed and rewarded, will you have to meet targets on a daily basis?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: Most companies will reward you with achievement schemes and bonus. During your career you will demonstrate certain skills and those will be further developed. You do need to meet targets (usually weekly) In my experience they are realistic and you are supported by your manager / team on how to achieve them

Candidate: What are the real benefits of going through Chase?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: The advantage of working with CHASE is the guidance and support we give you through the interview and assessment process. We have direct contact with the recruiting managers and HR departments
Have a look at our graduate testimonials on the CHASE website; they also give some good advice for graduates looking to get into the industry.

Candidate: I was just wondering since you have mentioned on several occasions about a valid driving licence, personally I have a psychology degree (2:1) and experience working for a well respected charity as well as some sales experience. I do not have a driving licence however, would my application still be considered?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: Your background looks good; however this role means you need to drive out to see the healthcare professionals so you need to have a driving licence to do it. We recruit all year round to once you have your licence please feel free to apply on line . We do also have some head office roles for graduates, so a driving licence would not be essential for these roles.

Candidate: What is the average ratio of men to women in this profession?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: This industry is not dominated by either sex - which is great for both sides

Candidate: On a scale of 1-10 how competitive is the world of medical supply sales? Is your competition likely to vary depending on where you are situated?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: No scale - it is just competitive. I think that most graduate roles are whatever the industry. There are many variables when securing a graduate role. I think what is important is to know that this is what you want to do. If you are motivated then you can over come hurdles.
I would highly recommend shadowing a medical rep to really see if this is the career for you. Geographical location can have an influence. Again, flexibility is important.

Candidate: What is the average starting salary for a medical rep?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: Basic salary for a graduate medical sales representative will be between £21k and £26K. Your package is likely to include a car / mobile phone / lunch allowance (approx £1,500 pa) / healthcare / pension / bonus. Some companies will also give you share options.

Candidate: What is the general philosophy of a medical sales rep? Is it a hard sell industry or do they aim to form a long term relationship? How important is it to get the one off sale 1st time or possible long term repeat business. Personally I aim for a win-win situation!!

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: It is not a hard sell - more about relationship building. You do need to be persistent and creative. The aim is for long term relationships with the healthcare professional and to develop trust.
The GP is dealing with the health of his or her patient. They are also governed by budgets, something to factor in. A win-win situation is a good attitude to adopt.

Candidate: What type of geographic location or distance is a medical rep likely to cover in terms of radius miles or counties?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: It depends on where in the UK you are based. If you are managing a densely populated area i.e. East London - then you will have a large number of GP practices within a short distance of each other. If however you worked in East Anglia, which is more rural, then you need to cover more miles. Most reps manage around 250 GPs.
It is important to have shadowed a med rep to gain insight into the role and confirm that this is where you wish to take your career. You still need to meet the minimun criteria of (ideally) 2:2 or above / Driving Licence for field based roles / right to work in the UK.

Candidate: Are there any potential international opportunities - placements or full relocation?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: We do not do placements. International opportunities would come once you have joined the company. Relocation allowance, it depends on the company.

Candidate: If a candidate wanted to relocate to another region or area of the UK does chase or the company consider help with relocating. Would it help your chances of employment if one was flexible on where they would like to work?

Chase Medical Sales Recruiter: Some companies will help with relocation. The more flexible you are to relocate the more opportunities are open to you.

Administrator: Hi everyone, that is just about time up now, thanks so much for all your questions.