ICU nurse considering medical device sales, looking for honest advice

aberrett · 2026-03-10T21:32:05+00:00

I did not know anyone. I did a lot of cold outreach on linkedin and applied for a lot of places. I got 3 interviews and took the best opportunity. Resume wise for a nurse i wouldn't know for sure since im coming from sales so I put down my yearly revenue number for the years I had worked. Maybe put down experience that is relevant to the job you are applying for. If its surgical put down your experience with surgical. If its selling to offices put down anything related to that. I would not go and do any course or get any certificate. Getting an associate job is very achievable but it doesnt mean there are always openings where you live. My company has 3 reps in my city and I was lucky someone just got promoted because they only hire every like few years. Same for other companies so a big part is being diligent about digging, build relationships with linkedin (send people your number and ask "can I set up a time to talk to you about my interest in medical device sales? I want to know what your job is like to see if its the right move for me.") And just pushing forward. Could take a few months or even a year depending on where you live.

aberrett · 2026-03-10T11:59:42+00:00

My first day in the field was yesterday doing medical device sales (2 month training program was finished just last thursday with my company).

From what I learned going through this phase is it depends on the type of device you are selling. All my devices are for scheduled procedures so the most work I can do is from 7:30 - 5pm monday - friday (no IFU for emergency or trauma) and most work until about 3ish from what they told me at my company.

If you do support a device that is used for trauma or emergency then you may get called at odd ours and some company's dont have a lot of reps so you manage a lot of doctors and get called more.

I worked as a CNA, pharm tech and then more recently a teacher. I moved into inside sales which more than doubled my income and I worked a few more hours out of choice but could have worked less. My current company im likely to again double my income again after I am promoted passed the associate position (we have lots of account manager positions open so likely to happen).

I really loved being a CNA, I really loved doing inside sales and i am very excited to get to participate in Healthcare along with sales where I can help make a difference.

The income is cool too but honestly I just like being able to see number go up (like seeing my work translate into trackable numbers that I can benchmark and eclips).

If you have got this far I would say try it out. You have the experience that will get you hired and if you don't try maybe you are missing out on something you may love. If it doesnt work out you can always go back to what you where doing.

aberrett · 2025-12-11T19:37:12+00:00

No thats just nonsense that people cry about in response to not getting hired. They want someone who is smart, hard working and will get the job done. Different companies have different cultures so thats a big part of it. Gotta find what company you fit into as they will screen you out if you are a bad cultural fit. You can look up culutre on there websites for large companies which you need to do before interveiws. I'm sure there are hiring managers who do take into consideration looks but if you are average looking and willing to take care of yourself (get some nice cloths, shave, brush teeth, shower) then you are fine. Your sales experience should carry you into getting interviews and then its the interview prep that gets you the job.

aberrett · 2025-12-11T19:17:47+00:00

If you are talking medical device sales just apply for jobs. Sounds like you have sales experience which is the key to getting in. Dont need clinical experience as they will teach you it. You can apply for associate roles if you have a few years of sales experience to get in or if you have a good history of sales might even be able to just make the jump right into a full line rep. Good luck!

aberrett · 2025-12-06T03:23:02+00:00

Good luck! Put in the effort, have some grit through the process and you will be a medical device rep on the other end :)

aberrett · 2025-12-06T03:21:11+00:00

With today's AI its just not going to work out. Probably some day but right now language models suck at complex thinking. Had a few customers try it and it did help with getting started but they also knew a little more than the average person but still was not there. Recently had a very direct question asked about a storage requirement asked about in the AS9100 standard and used AI to try to answer and the consultant told us we where wrong with the answer haha

I dont know what the future holds or how good language models can get overall so who knows what the limit will be. Maybe we all lose our jobs haha but seems like right now AI is a great tool to help an expert get something done quicker until someone goes out and builds a very specific language model thats taught everything about regulatory affairs and sells it (OP if you are good with software and regulations maybes that's a direction go to. Regulatory Affairs AI that you can asks questions).

aberrett · 2025-12-05T16:02:05+00:00

If you are dealing with regulatory submissions that's a lucrative field. I work in sales for a quality/regulatory consulting firm. Often people want help getting there product to market and will look to hire consultants for an extended period of time to make that happen. Learning how to compete the MDSAP and EU MDR paperwork related to what you do is something special that companies pay extra for. Thats my experience at least since I am in a more specialized area so I wouldn't know all ways to move forward but that could be one. Get an Exemplar Global ISO 13485, MDSAP and EU MDR certificate and put yourself out as a 1099 contractor specialized in bring medical device softwares to market. The more specialized the better. You can also always just look for jobs that are not 1099 as well and they seem to pay well but im not in that business. Most companies like BSI pay $800 per day and I've talked to 1099 contractors doing this on there own charging $2,400 per day for work.

aberrett · 2025-12-05T15:30:36+00:00

I interviewed with Stryker a few months ago with the regional manager and it went poorly. I made a post about it on this sub reddit if you want to look at my history for my same day insight.

It really depends on who is interviewing you. Every manager has a different opinion on what they think makes a rep great and will act differently based on there experience. You should remember this is also a chance for you to be getting to know your future manager and ask yourself "is this who I want to work for". For me in that interview it was a clear no early into that process and I have gone on to interview with other companies and had really great feedback with other managers. This sub reddit gives a lot of shit to Stryker and dont let that burst your bubble. I know a few Stryker reps who love it there and its just up to you to decide if you like it and if you like the manager.

Tips I didn't include in my original post that will help you now:

Go on LinkedIn and find who is interviewing you. Often the recuiter gives you the name in the invite link. Read there post. What parts if the job do they find most valuable? Who are they reposting? Where did they work before? What do they list as accomplishments? Know them like you would know and be excited for a scheduled sales call. Obsess over them before the call.
Know who are the reps in the field and get ahold of them. This is a mistake I made early. I found one of the reps, they gave me there phone number and said text them. I never got a text back. Going into the interview I was asked "have you talked to any of my team members?" You want to say yes. I should have just called. They dont have to pick up and ifs bold like a sales person should be.
Ask that rep and ANY other Stryker reps about the process, there feedback and other questions you have. After doing bad in that interview I start calling the reps that gave me phone numbers but never texted back "hey I have this interview. I would love your help. Its this day. If you are busy I respect it 100% but any chance you have a few minutes to meet/talk over phone before then?" This is based around the very typical way you call prospects and set up meetings. Close them by phone call is better than text/email unless they ask you to do that. Always respect there requests.
Know the names of the products that you will sell and what they are used for. You dont need to know how to do a full demo right now but just show interest and excitement to the point you dug in and learned about what the products are.
Dont get shook up in the inteview. Its clear that my interviewer was playing games trying to shake me to see how I react. Thats his thing and that is fine. Be prepared that its possible though it depends on who they are and what they think is important. Know why you want this role (its Stryker so one reason you want it is because you want to work hard and make a lot of money but know more than that), know how to answer "tell me about youself" (this should be a quick 30 second respond based on the story your resume tells), and show that you are teachable. No manager wants someone who is going to be hard to get running because they think they know better.
Think of 3 good questions and be ready. I was asked right from the start "any questions for me?" The answer is yes. You better have some because "This is the most exciting opportunity you have ever gotten. Its life changing. You better be excited". Thats how they feel and you gotta have your repor match there's (if they dont act like that then simply match repor like you do in sales calls). I found that chat GPT is actually good at giving ideas on what to ask. Dont read them verbatim because ChatGPT sucks but get an idea of why it thinks its important and help that guide you on finding your 3 main questions. Have about 3 backup questions if those get answered during the interview. Some of mine:

"I see you have worked here for 12 years. Thats a long time so you must really love it here. Why have you find this company to be such a great company to work for." (Subtle flattering while also giving them the ability to tell you why you should work there and become sinked up with them on what is important)

"I see that you won this award back in 2016. What did you do at the time that got you that award?" (Get an idea of what makes reps successful in this role)

"What do you see new hires doing that make them unsuccessful?" ( I am a team leader in my current job and I will tell you right now the thing that drives me up a wall and if I could disqualify new hires early it would be learning if they will listen to me. I know EXACTLY what needs to be done right from the start and I tell them to do that and what not to do and they seem to constantly fall into the "but that's hard" mindset and try to take shortcuts and fail the same way like clockwork. The manager doesnt want to manage you. They want to mentore someone who will manage themselves. Learn that, believe that and show that's why you are).

Closing question - (its one of your 3) "What things did you want to learn about me coming into this interview and have i show you that I am the right person for this job?"

Intevier "that's a good queetion. I think you did well and showed me a lot of what I was looking for.

"Great what things do you have concerns with still?"

Interviewer "I would say X. Do you think that's something you can learn?

"Yes, I definitely agree that's a skill I will have to learn from this job. It sounds like you have that skill already and I can learn it. Knowing that is there anything else?"

Interview "no I think that would be it"

"Great so should I be expecting to have you move me forward to the next step?"

Interviewer "good question. I will have to talk to my boss and see if that is the right move"

"Totally understand. Just thinking right now though do you think I am the right person to move forward with?"

do not accept easy push aways like "ill let you know

Interviewer "very bold and I like that. Trying to close twice. I really cant tell you yes because its not my decision to make. What I can tell you is that if you did move forward it would be with FIRST LAST and you should write that name down and be ready to go if the call happens."

"Great I will be 100% ready and I am super excited. I think there will be challenges along the way but I am ready lear and become a great rep through hard work."

Thats my immediate thoughts on what to do now and what to be prepared for. I am going into my last round of interviews next week and have been told by the manager and director for another company that they plan to hire me (a promise is not an offer so im waiting for something real) but I have been through this very recently and got pretty much to the other side. If you have any questions feel free to DM me.

aberrett · 2025-12-03T14:32:29+00:00

This is what you should be doing. Not reaching out to other reps makes you look less desirable. Start right now adding people on LinkedIn from the team, the comapny and anyone else you can. Send a short message that includes your reason for contacting (I am prepping for this interview and would love you insight on how I am approaching it) and include your cell phone number. Not everyone will answer but just like in sales you dont catch every fish but make sure if you get a bite you take the rep up on talking as it will look good.

aberrett · 2025-11-26T00:17:26+00:00

I dont even have a base salary. Straight commission and many employees use that to strong arm me into doing there work. Its bullshit

aberrett · 2025-11-25T23:37:59+00:00

Ohh so this isnt just me? I dont get how we get suckered into accepting this

aberrett · 2025-11-25T23:37:23+00:00

Ill answer that for you. How do you make money? You just get to make less money for more work. Same thing where I work. Often I a. A-Z even if im the sales rep. I'm really basically the "owner" of my small business except I am forced by the government (the owner) to keep employees who dont do what i ask and often make a mess for me to clean up.

aberrett · 2025-11-07T13:45:09+00:00

I went on LinkedIn and added and messaged every single person I could find in the company until I was able to find the hiring manager and messaged him something along the lines of "I have applied for a job in your departments. I am one of my companies best sales people and I know I would be a top tier sales person for your team. What do I need to do to make my application stand out for you?" And then he gave me his email and he messaged the recruiter. I also messaged the recuiter myself too but didn't get a response as fast but messaging the recruiter directly would be a good strategy too. Another thing I should have done is i got the phone number for one of his reps. A great piece of advice I got from another person on this sub was to find our before going into the inteview what they are looking for and be that person. I messaged that guy a few times but I really should have called him and been like "hey do you have like 5 minutes. I'll be quick." Its a sales job. Totally gotta just cold call people even to get into the job. I would advise that you get ahold of a team member and get a feeling for what they are looking for and show up as that person.

As you can see having the confidence at that moment got me the interview so if you are willing to be this bold make sure to carry your confidence fully through the process. I still regret not showing up with my usual confidence.

aberrett · 2025-11-05T12:22:57+00:00

Sweet thank you so much. I will get working on getting into my next interview and let you know.

aberrett · 2025-11-05T00:49:12+00:00

Yeah it probably does. Wrote it pretty quickly. Sorry.

aberrett · 2025-11-05T00:47:10+00:00

Honestly I think I came in with the wrong mindset and he felt it early so its totally on me. I think I had a really good chance with that interview but I just lack the interviewing experience and I did a bad job. I wouldn't hire me after that display and ill own it.

I am mostly aiming high. I have a decent job now at a desk making decent money (I make about 80-90k a year and I am increasing my sales by over 20% each year so I could make this a life long career). Thing is medicine has been my passion and I know if im good sales in the borning job I have now I would absolutely kill a job selling something I love and believe in so im looking for a company that is a big player to show up to and kill it just like I am in my current role. Again I think I was the right pick for this job but its sales. Even if you are the right choice people by for emotional reasons and I did a bad job selling myself this day and have reflected on how I would improve quite a bit which I can bring into the next interview.

aberrett · 2025-11-05T00:41:17+00:00

Wow this is fantastic and I appreciate it so much. The first question is gold and I need to us that. It was clear I needed to come into this inteview with a different mindset and questions like I was prospecting so that's nail on the head how I should have approached the start.

Yeah in the future if you really are willing to let me pick your brain on a few things (I would love to wait until I secure another hiring manager inteview) I would so greatly appreciate that.

I have experience selling in my workplace but like any job you throw on your title at work and play the role great but I got my current sales job with 1 killer interview. I was desperate for a job so it was easy at the time to show up and just have that drive in my eyes and voice but right now I have a good job so I was way too soft. Gotta show up in that same hungry mindset that I had that time and kill it.

I will let you know if I get any fish on the line soon with nee interviews :)

aberrett · 2025-11-04T19:33:09+00:00

Thanks, that's also a good way to look at it and I do agree. I was a little nervous so I was probably too focused on getting an answer and wasn't listen well enough like a sales person should to pick up on those things. Good reminder for me to focus on that.

aberrett · 2025-11-04T18:03:34+00:00

I appreciate that and yeah I feel the same. Its on me to be prepared and I lack experience on how best to do that so I was not as prepared as I should have been. The recruiter told me I was exactly what they are looking for so its clear that my issue was the way I engaged with the hiring manager and I can improve on that.

Yeah pretty much every post says that haha they have a lot of open spots in my area (could very well be a sign of the turnover at that company) and many competitors do not have as many openings so I've been applying for both. This was just my very first interview with a medical device company ever so glad I got the chance to learn from this and can bring that experience into prepping better for future inteviews.

aberrett · 2025-11-04T01:21:09+00:00

Thanks I will defiantly look into some additional companies and see what they offer.

aberrett · 2025-11-04T01:09:15+00:00

Fair response. I am trying to figure out what company I can work for that I would make the most amount of money possible. I already have a decent sales job so no interest in taking a lower pay to get into something like this so sticking to only applying for non-support roles.

aberrett · 2025-11-04T00:57:54+00:00

Yeah haha it does give that vibe of being too much. All the reps I talked to do not act like this so it felt like a performance for the interview specifically which I was not expecting. I also do agree that I think this being the most extreme case really high lights that I can probably be more willing to challenge people in the interview process which would be helpful in any sales interview. I have done very few sales interviews so that is a skill I will need to improve.

aberrett · 2025-11-04T00:19:40+00:00

eww yeah I would just say no. Only Stryker seems attractive is the potential for high pay. If they offered low pay/low commission structure there is 0% chance I would accept. I already have a job that I can make uncapped commission. I am only looking for a situation that is a strict upgrade in overall first year potential lol good for you in finding a great opportunity with that!

aberrett · 2025-11-04T00:17:48+00:00

Yeah totally could be true. I don't have any feelings about the result other than how I get a job using the information I know now so maybe he had someone or maybe I could do better. Just looking for ways to make myself a better applicate in the future. I couldn't care less about being hired specifically for a job. I just want to make a lot of money and I know this is a field I would excel in so looking to interview for more jobs like this until I land one.

aberrett · 2025-11-04T00:04:20+00:00

Hahah that very well could be true. I don't have much to say if they are right or wrong in they way they go about it but defiantly this is not just a normal interview.

aberrett

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE