When and What Should You do When You Get There?

First, show up early to avoid the long lines; at least 40 minutes before the actual starting time. Being one of the first candidates seen by a recruiter is a definite advantage. You'll also be more memorable than if you show up in the middle or end of the job fair. As a recruiter and hiring manager, I always remembered those first couple of candidates. And, the first exceptional candidate became my yardstick - by which all other candidates were measured.

Next, have your 2-3 minute infommercial ready. What's that, you ask? Well, it's a synopsis of your key skills, abilities and experience as they relate to pharmaceutical sales jobs. It must provoke curiosity and inspire the recruiter/human resource professional to want to hear more! Sound familiar? It sounds like the purpose of a cover letter - which also must inspire curiosity, but cover letters inspire recruiters to read more...the resume! So, if your cover letter is powerful enough, you could use the middle section of your cover letter as your 2-3 minute infommercial!

However, I suggest adding something more...start out by utilizing your research and stating why you're interested in their pharmaceutical company.

For example, in your infommercial you might say: I'm very interested in hearing more about your opportunities! XYZ pharma has had a history of success in the respiratory market for over 20 years. I'm eager to work for an industry leader, but may I ask you a question, first? (Pause, wait for them to answer yes - by the way it will be noted by the recruiter that you asked permission to proceed; this is always well-received by recruiters!) Are you looking for a sales star who also has a history of success? (insert your own words in place of sales star if if doesn't fit) With my ....(list your skills and abilities that relate to pharmaceutical sales), I am poised to contribute greatly to your company's bottom line! What's the next step we can take to make sure that happens?

Please note: you will never gain a job offer at a pharmaceutical sales career fair or medical sales job fair. Pharmaceutical and medical sales companies utilize career fairs to pre-screen candidates. You may be given the opportunity to interview with a number of recruiters. If you perform well and impress the interviewers, you'll be scheduled for a 2nd interview, usually with the hiring manager at a later time and different location.

Within the interview, make sure to answer questions in a clear, concise manner; recruiters want to interview as many candidates as possible, so your answers must be powerful, but to-the-point! Also, make sure you sell yourself by utilizing your proof-source...aka your brag book.

Toward the end of the interview, "Close" the interview by asking if there's any reason why the recruiter wouldn't recommend you for the next step in the hiring process.

And finally, ask when and where the next interview will occur. Make sure to obtain the recruiter's card and follow up through e-mail with a smartly-written thank-you note.

By closely following these guidelines, you'll greatly increase your chances of taking your pharmaceutical sales and medical sales job search to the next level.

In summary, pharmaceutical sales career fairs and medical sales job fairs are definitely worth your time. Many happy pharmaceutical reps and medical sales reps once utilized career fairs as a launching pad! My best advice...search for pharmaceutical sales career fairs and medical sales job fairs and once there...sell yourself right into your next interview!