Medical Sales Representative Job Description [Updated for 2024]

medical sales representative job description

In the realm of healthcare, the role of Medical Sales Representatives is increasingly pivotal.

As medical technologies and pharmaceutical advancements surge forward, the demand for proficient individuals who can sell, advocate, and secure our healthcare products grows exponentially.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Medical Sales Representative?

Whether you are:

A job aspirant trying to understand the core of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply curious about the intricate dynamics of medical sales,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Medical Sales Representative job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Medical Sales Representative Duties and Responsibilities

Medical Sales Representatives are responsible for selling medical products, equipment, and services to hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, and healthcare professionals.

They use their expert knowledge of medical products and the healthcare industry to establish relationships with customers and persuade them to purchase products.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

Identifying potential clients and organizing sales visits
Promoting and selling medical products and services to healthcare professionals
Presenting and demonstrating how medical products work to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff
Building long-term relationships with clients and healthcare institutions
Maintaining detailed knowledge about the healthcare industry, competitors, and products
Meeting sales targets set by the company and aim to exceed them
Attending trade exhibitions, conferences, and meetings to promote products and services
Providing after-sales service, including responding to product queries and complaints
Keeping detailed records of all contacts and meeting outcomes
Working closely with medical teams and sales teams to develop customized solutions

Medical Sales Representative Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a motivated and energetic Medical Sales Representative to join our team.

This professional will be responsible for promoting and selling our medical products to hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, and healthcare professionals.

The role involves explaining the benefits and features of our products to medical professionals and administrators, negotiating contracts, and meeting sales targets.

Our ideal candidate has a background in sales, a comprehensive understanding of the medical field, and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain relationships with healthcare professionals and medical facilities
Present and sell company medical products to current and potential clients
Prepare action plans and schedules to identify specific targets
Follow up on new leads and referrals resulting from field activity
Identify sales prospects and contact these and other accounts as assigned
Prepare presentations, proposals, and sales contracts
Develop and maintain sales materials and current product knowledge
Participate in marketing events such as seminars, trade shows, and telemarketing events
Manage account services through quality checks and other follow-ups
Coordinate company staff to accomplish the work required to close sales

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Medical Sales Representative or similar role
Knowledge of medical products and terminology
Strong communication, negotiation, and sales skills
Good organizational and time management skills
Proficiency in MS Office and CRM software
Ability to travel as needed
BSc degree in Marketing, Biology, Medicine, or relevant field

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Medical Sales Representative
Work Environment: This position involves traveling to medical facilities and offices. Some in-office work may also be required.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Manager or Regional Sales Director.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Medical Sales Representative Do?

Medical Sales Representatives, also known as Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives, work for pharmaceutical or medical supply companies.

They are responsible for selling the company’s products, which include pharmaceutical drugs and medical equipment, to healthcare professionals.

Their main task is to increase product awareness, answer queries, provide advice, and introduce new products to healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

They need to be well-versed in the features, benefits, and potential side effects of the products they sell.

They also organize conferences for medical professionals, work with the sales team to develop strategies to drive sales and reach out to potential new clients.

They are responsible for monitoring competitors’ activities and analyzing latest market trends.

Medical Sales Representatives need to maintain detailed records of all their contacts and meet sales targets.

They frequently travel from client to client, presenting the latest scientific research behind their products, essentially educating and persuading these potential customers through detailed presentations.

Ultimately, the Medical Sales Representative is the vital link between the pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals.

Their goal is to ensure that the healthcare industry is aware of their company’s products to improve patient care and treatment.

Medical Sales Representative Qualifications and Skills

Medical Sales Representatives need a combination of specific sales skills, industry knowledge, and relationship-building abilities, including:

Solid knowledge of medical terminology, procedures and regulations to effectively present and sell medical products and services.
Exceptional communication skills to articulate the benefits and uses of the products to potential clients such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Strong negotiation and sales skills to persuade potential clients to purchase medical products, often in a competitive market.
Ability to develop and maintain long-lasting relationships with clients, ensuring their needs are met and fostering repeat business.
A high level of resilience and perseverance, as the sales cycle in the medical industry can be lengthy and complex.
Strong analytical skills to understand and interpret sales data, and formulate effective sales strategies.
High level of organization and time management skills to efficiently manage appointments and follow-ups with multiple clients.
Ability to stay updated with the latest medical research and product developments to provide accurate information to clients.

Medical Sales Representative Experience Requirements

Entry-level Medical Sales Representatives often possess at least 1 to 2 years of experience, usually gained through internships or part-time roles in medical sales or related fields such as pharmaceutical sales or healthcare marketing.

Candidates for this role may also gain relevant experience by working in roles such as Sales Associate or Sales Coordinator in the healthcare industry.

Extensive knowledge of medical terminologies and the healthcare industry can be obtained from these roles, forming a solid foundation for a career in medical sales.

Medical Sales Representatives with 3 to 5 years of experience are often seasoned professionals who have gained a deep understanding of the healthcare market and have established relationships with key decision-makers in the industry.

They often have a proven track record of meeting sales targets and have demonstrated the ability to effectively promote medical products and services.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field typically have robust sales skills and a wide network within the healthcare industry.

These individuals may also have experience in leading sales teams, and may be considered for managerial or team-lead positions.

They are expected to have solid experience in negotiating contracts, launching new products, and strategizing sales plans.

In addition to these, experience in the specific sector of medical sales (for instance, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotech, etc.) could be a requirement, particularly for senior roles.

Training and certification in sales and marketing can also contribute to the experience of the candidate.

Medical Sales Representative Education and Training Requirements

Medical Sales Representatives typically hold a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, biology, biotechnology, nursing, or other related fields.

This role requires a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and the healthcare industry.

Therefore, coursework or training in these areas during their undergraduate studies is often beneficial.

In addition to their degree, many companies prefer representatives to have some sales or healthcare experience.

This can be gained through internships, part-time jobs, or even full-time positions in relevant fields.

Voluntary certifications are available for medical sales representatives, such as the Certified Medical Representative (CMR) or Certified Pharmaceutical Sales Professional (CPSP) designation.

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the profession and a higher level of competence in the field.

Continuing education is also crucial in this ever-evolving field.

Medical Sales Representatives must keep themselves updated with the latest medical products, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare trends.

Furthermore, some companies offer on-the-job training programs to help the representatives understand the product line better and develop effective sales techniques.

This can include shadowing experienced sales representatives, attending workshops, or completing online courses.

Medical Sales Representative Salary Expectations

A Medical Sales Representative earns an average salary of $80,200 (USD) per year.

This figure can fluctuate depending on the representative’s years of experience, the complexity of the products they are selling, the geographical location, and the employing company’s compensation structure.

Some Medical Sales Representatives may also receive additional benefits such as commission or bonuses based on sales performance.

Medical Sales Representative Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Medical Sales Representative need?

A Medical Sales Representative requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with healthcare professionals.

They need a strong understanding of medical terminology and the healthcare industry.

They should have persuasive selling skills to promote the products and the ability to build and maintain relationships with customers.

Organizational skills, self-motivation, and resilience are also important.

Do Medical Sales Representatives need a degree?

Most Medical Sales Representative roles require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a life science, business or marketing field.

However, some employers may also consider candidates with significant experience in sales, particularly in the healthcare field, in lieu of formal education.

What should you look for in a Medical Sales Representative resume?

Look for evidence of sales experience, preferably in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry.

Check for a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.

Evidence of strong relationships with healthcare professionals is also a good sign.

Knowledge of medical terminology, pharmaceutical products, and the healthcare industry are important.

Some roles may require certification, so check if this is included.

What qualities make a good Medical Sales Representative?

A good Medical Sales Representative is highly self-motivated and resilient, as the role often involves dealing with rejection.

They should have strong communication and persuasion skills to effectively promote their products.

The ability to build and maintain relationships with healthcare professionals is crucial.

They should also have a good understanding of the healthcare industry and the products they’re selling.

Is it challenging to hire a Medical Sales Representative?

Finding a skilled Medical Sales Representative can be challenging as it requires a mix of sales skills and medical knowledge.

Hiring managers should be prepared to offer competitive compensation packages and consider investing in training to develop the right candidate.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken you behind the scenes of the dynamic world of a medical sales representative.

It’s not just about selling products.

It’s about advancing the world of healthcare, one sales pitch at a time.

With our essential medical sales representative job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating precision-crafted job listings or perfecting your resume.

Every successful sale is a step towards better healthcare.

Let’s advance this future. Together.

The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

About

InterviewGuy.com is founded by a team of seasoned interviewers and hiring managers with decades of experience conducting job interviews. With over 50 years of combined experience screening and hiring top talent, we've seen pretty much every interview question under the sun. Our mission is to share that collective insider knowledge and help candidates at all stages of their careers land their dream jobs. Whether you're preparing for your first or your fiftieth interview, we've got you covered with comprehensive guides on how to answer the interview questions you're likely to face.

InterviewGuy.com As Seen On

Interview Guy

Where Job Seekers Become Job Getters!

Mission: To empower job seekers with comprehensive resources and expert advice to excel in interviews.

Vision: To be the ultimate interview preparation destination for candidates worldwide.