Medical Sales Recruiter - Tips & Quips

I just had a qualified candidate for pathology sales who made it through all levels of the interview process but failed to get the job. Why? The reference that he listed on his application was very negative. As the HR person said…”what a shame, I wonder why he would include that person on his reference?”  Expect to have your references checked.

Listen and learn:

1. Have a buddy check your references before you give them to a potential employer if you even think that there might be a negative reference.
2. Prep your references with details about the position that you are seeking - what might be of interest to the employer that could benefit your application.
3. Keep references updated and keep in touch. Don’t expect someone to remember you 7 years later, if you have not talked with them since.
4. Keep multiple references for different companies in case someone falls off the grid or dies (this happens).
5. The time to work on great references is before you are looking to change jobs.
6. Offer to be a reference for others - even if you aren’t their supervisor.  Hopefully, they’ll reciprocate and you’ll build a great network.  You don’t want to be in my candidate’s place…