There is just one “first impression” so prepare and do it right!

For our candidates, we will provide you with:

• Guidance on CV preparation;
• Interview preparation;
• Dress and grooming tips;
• Frequently asked interview questions;
• Advice on what research is needed so that you apply for positions that will suit your current and future career needs;
• Information on what companies want;
• How to ensure your success or debriefing on why you were not successful.
  

For interview tips and advice, visit: www.interview4success.co.za

Remember that the needs for working mothers, single go-getters, career representatives and ambitious future leaders are very different.

We have reputation for putting the right candidate in the right job.

For the interviewer, we will provide you with:

• Any information needed as agreed with our candidates;
• Information on inherent and required competencies for the position;
• Information on developing a comprehensive and fair Labour Law compliant list of questions;
• Reference and qualification checking information.

For any of the above contact your closest office or Eta Lyons at our Head office.

By Eta Lyons, Head of Eta Lyons & Associates

I’ve often asked both new and seasoned medical representatives the question:  “Do you know what your clients really want?” Hoping to get a enthusiastic spurt of bright ideas that could be followed with the next question of  “and so how do you ensure that you give that to them?”.  I am often slightly disappointed by many of the candidates that I interview.

It is not because they do not have the passion, drive and enthusiasm that are needed to be a successful pharmaceutical representative - I suppose it’s because changes in the industry demand that representatives are highly skilled and adaptable.

It is for this reason that I look for that “sparkle”, that I have learned to identify in so many outstanding candidates.

Globally, the profession has escalated to a level that in the USA, it has been proposed that medical representatives would need licensing in the near future.

One of the largest studies - conducted by the CMR Institute in Virginia, USA - on medical reps and physicians, showed that physicians value a highly educated sales representative whose knowledge goes beyond product information, to include disease management, business acumen, regulatory and patient quality-of-life issues.

I have noted some key points that I believe would benefit sales managers, training managers, and representatives alike.

CMR Institute

We know that the pharma environment in the US is somewhat different to the South African scenario, yet it is clearly evident that skill and knowledge are universally desirable attributes.

Translating the outcomes of this study, the medical recruitment sector has an increasingly strategic role to play.  Recruiters need to screen and ensure that skilled, ethical and personable representatives with a heightened aptitude for medical and technical knowledge are placed within the industry. By adding value within this chain, we thus ensure that our representatives are world class.

And while we know that we don’t have an unlimited pool of candidates from where we can draw out these “ideal” candidates, we have an eye for finding people with initiative and a deep desire and hunger for ongoing learning.