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How I Got My Dream Job in Medical Device Sales at J&J Medtech

This will be a full series, as I feel it’s a story worth telling, but writing a book felt like it would water down the content. In this post, I want to cover two main areas: how to get the job you want and understanding that once you get the job, it will not make all your problems go away! This advice applies to medical device and pharma sales—where I have my experience—but the principles can apply to any role that’s worth pursuing, in my opinion.

Part 1 | Go Outside the Box

You found the job you want; it’s posted on LinkedIn, and you think, "Wow, this is perfect for me." It sounds exactly like what I want to do. I would do anything to get this job. Now let’s get it! It all starts with your mindset: you need to have the confidence that while yes, it’s your dream job, you must change your mindset to see yourself on the same level as the role. Don’t put it on a pedestal. Tell yourself you are in the process of getting the role.

When it comes to applying, here are my quick hits:

• Resume: Make sure your resume is in PDF format and matches as many words as possible from the job description (consider using AI for assistance).
• Brag Book: Create a one-page brag book that reviews your highlights and future goals.
• Cold Outreach: This is key! Reach out to the hiring manager and others who may be on the team. A quick LinkedIn message or a message on X (only if they use it professionally) can work wonders. Most LinkedIn invites have a 200-word limit, so keep it short and sweet.

Example message:

“Hi John,
I was reaching out because I recently applied for the Account Executive role at Company B. My career goals are to enhance people's lives with my work. I excel at selling complex tools in the OR setting, am detail-oriented, and possess strong problem-solving skills. Thank you!”

• Networking: The goal here is to gain connections so you can have your resume sent directly to the hiring manager. Team members, managers, and recruiters are all potential contacts for these messages. This is all part of prospecting, and it's an excellent way to sell yourself.

You may say, "I’ve tried this time after time, and it won’t work." My advice is that while you are in the prospecting phase of job hunting, you need to have other things working for you while you sleep. Post about exciting projects you are working on, certificates you’ve gained in your spare time, or books you are reading. Build a personal brand. People want to like the individuals they work with. If decision-makers see the effort you put into making your brand special, they’ll know you’ll take care of theirs.

Relationships in the OR and EP lab are built over years and can be destroyed in minutes. If you find yourself struggling despite your efforts, consider broadening your search area. Everyone wants a medical device role in their hometown, but I had to extend my search to the entire Southeast to get my foot in the door. I’ve moved three times in five years, and it was the best choice I ever made.

Review in 5 Points

• Little things: When applying for a role, ensure you have a resume in PDF format and a one-page brag book of accomplishments and future goals.
• Prospect: Send LinkedIn invites, personalized messages, build a network, and ask for referrals.
• Build a brand based on what excites you, showcasing big wins in your current role, certificates, books, etc. Show others what they will get when they hire you.
• Be open to relocation. If you want it bad enough, you need to be willing to move.
• Persistence is key. Keep hunting and continuously improve yourself. Worst case, you’ll be a better professional a year from now. Don’t put your dreams on a pedestal.

Happy Hunting!

Brad Hodoval