Product Development Consultant , VP Design Jeff Krause Many employers are NOT looking for simply the most capable candidate. That's just ONE parameter.

This is because the most capable candidate is usually too expensive to suit the payrate model of that employer. They want it all (an employee that knows their stuff but is somehow miraculously not demanding competitive pay).

Some businesses are large enough they can afford to cover that position with other employees so they are in no hurry.
These types of HR environments literally don't care what your actual experience is. They don't even get that far in their filtering usually.

What you can do:

1. Find employers that are within commute distance which may fit your expertise. Target them specifically.

2. Use filters of your own:
Filter out employers who seem to have a high employee turnover and are over 400 employees.

In my experience the companies that care about experience are smaller companies who are looking for TALENT because they have a clear and Immediate need for it.

Product Development Consultant , VP Design Jeff Krause Also, many 'advertised' positions are already to be filled by inside-company applicants or by prior applicants already in their files. But the HR departments must still advertise the 'openings' to adhere to their own company's policies.

Smaller companies have a much more direct path between you and the person seeking the talent.

The other typical issue is that multi-talented people have the hardest time with large corporations. Large corporations want specialists they can plug into a specific position. If you love doing many things (I do) a smaller company will find more value in you. Large corporations usually won't know what to do with you :)

Ryan Mikulich Same thing I was feeling. Actually had HR tell me they had seen my resume and it didn’t meet the requirements they wanted She listed out the requirements and I met or exceeded all of them, basically HR was unfamiliar with the large company in the same space i had worked for. Keep firing it will work out!

Like the old saying goes "It's not what you know , it's who you know" With your experience you have to go out of your way to find a common connection with the company or companies you want to work for .

Im in exactly the same position

I am also finding the same problem, the larger companies have to "interview" you and an internal candidate is already in line to be hired. And also if you know someone that is a huge advantage. I am trying to target smaller companies but I am finding I am willing to take a cut in pay but I was told I wasn't being considered because they figured I wouldn't stay!

Tracey McCormick Maybe insulting HR is not a good start. Try working with us. A lot of HR Professionals are commercial Maybe insulting HR is not a good start. Try working with us. A lot of HR Professionals are commercial people who understand their businesses totally. who understand their businesses totally.

Tracey McCormick Why are HR getting the rough ride here? Must of us are commercial professionals who understand our businesses totally. Maybe you just don’t meet the person specification.

Perhaps better screening of past experience is essential. I also have seen people in the field that have surprised me with their lack of basic technical skills. Eg. Electronics based education or appropriate trouble shooting skills. Are people lying on their experience. Employers please test people.

Jean Bigoney, RAC, CQE Nowadays the "gatekeeper" is likely to be a software algorithm that compares the job description to your resume and generates a percentage keyword match. Take a look at jobscan.co and try it out. Eye-opening if you haven't done it before!

Alexander Guizzotti 1. Go on medreps.com
2. Talk to recruiters on LinkedIn specifically that market
3. Speak to employees on LinkedIn and find out about their territory if there is a need in the future.
4. Build an incredible resume that is basic outline but compounded with data, numbers and accomplishments
5. Change your title from medical sales device leader to something that entails you are looking for device role. How else would someone know what you want
6. Don’t insult people that might be a boss to you within a few years time. You don't know how smart or talented or what type of family that person they hired Came from
7. Have a great holiday with your family.

I'm right there with u. It is frustrating when u meet all requirements. So disappointing.

I feel the EXACT Same Way.

If anyone else is struggling to understand how this is happening continuously - I know it must be really frustrating! Please reach out and I would be happy to help you understand how you might be able to improve/understand the system (in Europe at least).

In the meantime Merry Christmas!

As just stated, the advertised jobs are only about 20 percent of the available ones many of the 20 percent are old and not available. The best Thing I found is to register for alerts at the companies you’re targeting. This gives you a possible head start before the position is advertised

Network! If you want a job the best way is to network within that company. Get to know the territory’s needs. If you are qualified and you have an internal reference, that will help you bypass HR. That’s my opinion at least.

Yakov Elmalah Be your self with all Self-confidence from above. Good luck.

Todd Abraham Best way to get thru that HR filter is with an internal champion. Leverage your LinkedIn network for a direct contact or to get you connected to someone on the inside. With a champion riding HR on your behalf you have a much greater chance of landing an interview to make your case. Good luck!!!!

a lot of HR folks really use recruiters to screen candidates even though they post jobs themselves, also look at small extremities companies that likely don't have an HR dept.

Get in sink with there software they use . Key words in your Cv .needs to match up with what they are after .if your keywords dont match.up the software drops you out aotomaticaly . They dont have time to read long life stories or novels . Computers does the reading at first and makes a shortlist something like that . Learnd that the hard way .

they care of a ideal that in real life don´t exist

Be your self with all Self-confidence from above

Chris Dahm Looking at your profile, hate to say this, but its probably your age and a close second could be your experience, number of jobs. Seems contrary to anything logical, but I've seen many experienced reps shown the door. One colleague was not given an offer because of no MBA. Yet he has 20 + of documented sales success in the region. To me thats a PhD in what a manager would want in a rep....experience, contacts, ability to learn and adapt

Do not feel discouraged... We all have been there! However, I agree with some of the comments offered: 1) Network 2) register to receive updates from the companies you are interested 3) You need a champion! and most important 4) DO NOT GIVE UP!

Graham, I am the Global R & D Recruiter with Fresenius Medical Care. We have numerous openings throughout the US. Take a look at our site www.fmcna.com. Although I handle only the R & D positions, If you see a position that suits your background, please message me and I will do what I can to get you in front of the right people.

Collin Callahan Don’t give up Graham. With your experience, certainly you can find contact information for a current rep or manager with the companies/divisions you’re pursuing. Bypass the company website and go straight to the source. Perhaps the posts are outdated. Your local counterparts will know the details. Shouldn’t be too hard to find them. Good luck!

Sandy Mitchell I agree it is frustrating!

Sandy Mitchell I agree! I have 6 years of experience in medical device sales, but I don't seem to be getting calls either. Good Luck and hope the New Year brings us both new opportunities.

I feel your pain Graham and love the feedback from all of you above. See if you can get in touch with Ned Hogan via LI. Search algorithms are "his thing". Good luck!

I feel your pain and frustration. Best of luck.

Graham, the reason you run into your looking reps in scrubs and clueless. The Med sales rep today is a customer service rep. There are very few actual sales reps. Sales reps that can organically develop relationships with new customers. Most of the reps you see are just taking care of existing business. I have hired over 200 reps in the orthopedic space. Maybe 30 real sales reps..

Jeffrey Jensen Graham, with your military background, and San Antonio location, I would definitely connect with David Spencer at Prytime Medical.

Most of the HR filtering programs require applicants to exactly match the job requirements. I've heard of great candidates never even getting past the first stage because of this. Hiring made easy, right!

Todd, very generous gesture to help out a fellow med device professional! Good points.

I am sorry you are going through this. Jeff Krause gave good advice. Here is a bit more. Don't just send a stock resume. Tweak each submission so it bullet points each of the requirements with your experience, use the advertisement wording. Look at how long your resume is, 2 pages max with lots or open paper is the rule. If you have decades of experience, hold back on some of the earlier experiences unless they directly relate to a requirement, with a line like previous experience and references available on request. Craft the cover letter to repeat the requirements you meet and how excited you are for the opportunity. Send a snail mail copy when you send the electronic one - it is a reminder and starts making your name familiar. Follow up the e-mail with a telephone call to verify they have your resume. Get a time frame as to when the positions interviews will start and follow up if you aren't called. Ask to have your resume kept on file and follow up quarterly.

Paul Dionne Graham C. Landry send me your resume and I'll give it a once over. I'd also suggest you use data.com and pull up a list of smaller med device companies, especially those near you. Many smaller companies don't advertise positions through big job boards but post to their sites. Much of the advice here about networking is true, especially to overcome age discrimination. Everyone is looking for candidates with 3-8 years of experience even though our working careers spans at least 40 years.

Michele Galante If HR is not able to do the first filtering, means they simply do not know how to do their job properly. It is not your lackness, it’s theirs. Good luck you need to persist and find an illuminated HR rep..

Michele Galante If HR does not make the 'filtering', means they simply do not do their job properly. It is their lackness not yours..

Graham C Landry Thank you for your advice and feedback. It has certainly helped in the hunt. I've received many messages from others who have been helped by reading this thread. Please continue sharing any insights you have.

Try using MedReps and emailing the actual recruiter.

I start off by seeking GODS will in my life.
We start off wanting something only to realize that it was a mistake and then regret and dwell on it.
Seek ye the kingdom GOD.

Rainer Moosdorf MD PhD As Travis said, computerized filter systems prevent even talented persons from being invited for a personal assessment.

Marc Fuller If you are spending most of you job hunting time applying for jobs through websites and other traditional methods you are likely to continue to be frustrated. You will be much more successful by networking. Here is a simple technique that works well. Start with anybody you know in the field and tell them you would like some advice. Give them an "elevator speech" of your skills and objectives and ask for guidance in how to best advance your career search. At the end of the discussion always ask if there is someone else you might talk to and get advice from. Most people like giving advice. Never ask if they have any jobs available for you or you lose control of the interview. I have used this technique and had discussions with the people that make the final hiring decisions, completely bypassing HR. Eventually you will be sitting in front of someone that will realized that you would be a good addition to their staff.

Art Pichierri Look at companies for sale in the WJ. You may land a jewel that has been around for a long time; successful and retirement is the movivation of sale.

I feel your pain though on my end I cant even get in the door. Graduated in the end of Spring semester with an ASEET and have yet to get even a call back. Just have to keep trying though as I am sure it just takes a very long time.

Muhammed Hamdan Great topic! In fact, I just included that on a survey that J&J emailed me earlier today. It is very frustrating, especially when you know for sure that YOU GOT THIS, but then all you hear from them is an email saying: "After carefully considering your application, we regret to inform you that you were not selected for this potion..." (I even memorize this off the top of my head! LOL)

Many thanks for those who share their important tips and pieces of advice. Marc Fuller, Ph.D., this is a great advice, thank you very much! I consider myself as one of those overachievers who have exotic skills coming straight outta college, yet, I've been actively seeking full-time jobs in the medical device R&D world for the past 3 months and there has been no luck. Now I'm going to start using your networking advice. Thanks again, sir! :)

Gunther Reinhardt I have a possible answer... if your over 45 and trying to break into medical device sales,... well age discrimination is alive and well.

martina lee Great discussion. I can empathize with your situation. Ive been a nurse for 30 years and have been pursuing a medical device representative job for a while I've also applied and not made it through to HR. My experience has been primarily in surgical services. Ive worked along side with great sales representatives. A great representative familiar with the medical environment, the medical terminology and product can really provide the optimal outcome.

Hi Graham, I fully agree with Marc Fuller, Ph.D. Networking is the key! I know what you are facing, I am 52 and recently found a new job within medical sales after 7 months of networking. Don't let your head down, relax and go on with your endeavour!

I have been facing the same problem in India.

This is very true. However, as Mr Marc Fuller, Ph.D. mentioned, I hear the same - networking is the key.

Christopher Smith It's about who you know, not what you know, unfortunately. I've never in my life obtained a job through a colleague or friend. I know no-one in industry & began life going through a rigorous selection process in the Aviation industry to get my foot in the door. Now in the Medical industry, it's the same. I feel your pain, there are complete fools being hired in industry that can talk the talk, but fail to walk the walk. I've seen this all too often in my experiences with others. There is an obvious "disconnect" in the hiring process, and I doubt that HR even bother to filter through resume's after the first 50 go through. In fact, I've confirmed this with my wife's previous employers, as she worked in HR for many years previously. It was always very interesting listening to HR people's stories. Chin up & keep trying, you can't be unemployed forever (same goes for me)!

Robert Beard, P.E.
I agree networking is crucial. However, developing a network is hard from scratch. Search for every conference you can find and look for speakers. Even if the speaker is not in your field, but in a company that you are interested in - that person is a starting point, if you can find their contact info. Follow the suggestions above, and ask the person you contact who would be the best person to contact in your field in that company for advice.

I agree with all above. I suggest make connections with local representatives and network with them. If you are currently working in the healthcare side develop relationships with those vendors. It is crucial to getting your foot in the door. Keep pushing and knocking — a door will open!

Looking to get into the Medical Device industry as well (if any, other fields as well). I would say that it is frustrating not to be able to reach someone in person specifically regarding your candidacy for a position. Recently, I ponder if hiring personnel internally are really considering you and not depending on filtering systems for their "candidate(s)". When you apply you wonder what is hindering you from at least getting a legit interview and likely hearing feedback. And as much as you are persevering through the "odds" of employment search, it seems like you are being forgotten by those who can be potential employer prospects. What are some effective ways to network locally where there are companies you want to work for?

This thread is one of the best for job hunting in our current era. What a great community!

Try a contract/temp position first through a headhunter or recruiter. It's easier to get in the door and then possibly get hired permanently. Good luck!!

I agree! I'm a seasoned medical surgical sales rep, award winning, top producing rep, great OR hospital contacts, many resumes sent for positions I am qualified for and, never hear back. Something is wrong, I need to work and can’t find a medical job in Milwaukee. If anyone out there knows about a job, please reach out to me!! Thank You!

Make an appointment with the recruiter and visit the company.

You may wish to consult one of the experts posted on LinkedIn who can review your resume for a modest sum. (Do not pay an amount that makes you uncomfortable.) Often these automatic submission processes are based purely on key word capture, so if you don't have a match, you may be missing your target. In some cases, if possible, you might also wish to consider writing directly to the sales director if you are able to get their email. But it's advisable to double-check your resume through a knowledgeable, reasonably priced third party first.

Anthony Dwyer When Im employing, In my add I ask everybody too provide a hand written covering letter. So most go straight in the bin as they didn't bother to read the instructions. I want to see their hand writing skills and how many mistakes they make without auto correct. next the ones we tend to pull out and take a closer look are those that follow up with a phone call to introduce themselves.

Find a rep in the area you would like to work and ask them if you can shadow them for a month or so. This might break the ice. Get connected to reps.

Check out this article and also your school career center for job fairs and job postings. Good luck!
https://www.themuse.com/advice/beat-the-robots-how-to-get-your-resume-past-the-system-into-human-hands

Ken Powell Go someplace medical reps visit very often. Meet hem, ask for the Regional Manager's name and call him.

How old are you all trying to get jobs? I think there is real age discrimination in the industry .

Deborah E. Parker From my own experience . . . NETWORK . . . NETWORK . . . NETWORK - more success in getting past the ATS vacuum if you can connect with someone in your targeted company.

I have developed a targeted company list and check their career portals weekly.

Find out what the 'key words' are for the position you are seeking and use them in your LinkedIn profile.

Add a photo to your profile - i.e. professional head shot.

Add measurable outcomes to your experience descriptions.

Make sure you can be 'found' when folks search for you or someone like you.

I recently attended a webinar presented by Lisa Rangel of Cameleon Resumes (via LinkedIn Premium Career Group) which outlined how to play the LinkedIn game. Yes, LinkedIn can serve you better for you if you engage. Great tips.

Totally hear your frustrations. If People Management looks beyond just the paper resume and see the potential one can bring and not allow the usual standard of recruiting stand in the way or an industry regulations to determine how good people can get into an industry even without experience. It's about taking chances on people.

Same here. There are several BME roles that I have applied for as with the others here. Has been stated that I did not have the experience to fill roles needed. Has been stated that OEM experience is not what is needed to fill roles. I have also applied to several Electronics Technician (component level and system level) positions. I only moved out of this area of electronics due to company closures in the past. Has been stated that I did not have the experience for this also. Feel that many want you to have the experience, but there is fear when it is proven. Had one group to state to me that they "FIX everything thing, and did not allow the company FSE's to come into their lab." Stated that you are correct you "FIX items as you have stated, I REPAIR them." :)

Art Pichierri How would you respond to this Ad? WANTED: Articulate; organized; self-motivated; confident; Business Development oriented entrepreneurial; non-desperate; financially well-healed medical device salesperson(s) to manage existing corporate accounts for niche' national urology and burgeoning Infection Prevention market with company located in North County San Diego 1 mile from the beach. Knowledge navigating through the medical community and contacts required for swift ramp up. Commission based only commensurate with results. John Davenport- c2cuaic@gmail.com

Ronda Cobb, BSME Hello fellow Academy graduate. First allow me to suggest you need to amp up your LinkedIn profile. Second, I hope your resume is user-friendly; and, you may need to amp it up as well. If you take the time to make a new one, make it simple to personalize to each ad you answer. Populate your experience with key words from the ad, so the computer that scans it will pass yours through the filter. If you're going to play the game, you may as well play to win! Then, armed with a personalized resume and a better LinkedIn profile, let your computer skills loose. Seek out (search for) people who work where you want to work. Connect with them. Start building a relationship so that in time you can casually say "You know, I saw an opening at your company so I sent my resume." Then wait... It's all about the relationships. Don't lose hope or faith. Carry on and go forth and do well.

The issue is that there are so few professional recruiters around. Ya need to filter out the bad ones which is. Nightmare. Or pick all the firms you would like to work for then write to the HR Dept.

your best bet is to find a rep company and not be locked in to 1 particular product

In many cases, the most effective way of circumnavigating the automated application systems is to build and/or engage your professional network for hiring managers names and contact information. In addition, if you can het Amy due diligence information about the type of cultural fit that particular company and manager are looking for, you can tailor your resume, cover letter and even your LI profile to ensure you get maximum exposure and consideration for each opportunity you are applying for.

If you have present and former colleagues and customers that are willing to give you recommendations, that is also very helpful.

In the current environment, it has become a more complex and longer process in many cases in transitioning to a new opportunity so you may need to prepare yourself for the game.

Most importantly, if you have the opportunity to help others in their career search or any other opportunity to help, that goes a long way to building relationship capital that can be very helpful in your search as well.

Best of luck in your search for a new opportunity!

It appears age discrimination is rampant in many tech. industries.

Wayne Brown a good read for you xx