We had a lot of questions recently from MSL candidates who are worried about leaving their job after only 1-2 years and asked FSTP if it is bad to “Job hop”.

Here's our view as FSTP to MSLs, MSL managers and recruiters:

1) To the MSLs.

Yes, it is ok to "job hop". Most candidates job hop, because of the...

Conducting clinical trials is essential in bringing a drug to the market. As an MSL you need to know everything about clinical trials, as trial read outs and trial data is what you will be discussing as an MSL with your KOLs.

FSTP has developed the first FREE audiobook on Clinical Trials together with Fast...

The 4 pillars of MSL KPIs

KPIs for MSLs are often raised as a point of discussion. What is it that we need to measure, quantity of calls, or quality of calls?

1. Quality of KOL interactions:Frequency/duration of calls shows you are at least doing something and if your meetings are long(er), it shows you had more time...

Working with recruiters is all about building relationships, so making a first good impression is critical. Each recruiters have different relationships with different companies. Therefore, the more recruiters you connect with the more MSL roles you will be able to apply to.

Here are 6 tips on how to work best with...

You can't avoid it, most MSL interviews will have some standard (MSL) interview questions. If you want to make a good first impression you need to have

1) Please take us through your CV and highlight the parts most relevant to this MSL role

2) How would you describe the MSL role or How does the MSL role differ from...

Companies ask for people with an established KOL network, but not everyone has such a network handy. The next best thing is to be knowledgeable about the KOLs in that field. So, get a cup of tea, open Google and let’s find the right KOLs.

1) Google the 4 or 5 major teaching hospitals/centers of excellence...

1 – Not fully understanding the MSL role. 

The standard questions you will be asked are: “Could you describe the MSL role? How does it differ to a sales role?  How do you bring value to the HCPs and to the company? Tell us about MSL compliance and ethics?”

2 - Lack of preparation. You...

Step 1: The phone call with HR. This interview is to quickly assess your understanding of the MSL role and to ensure you fulfill the key job requirements.

Step 2: The technical and behavioral interview. This interview assesses your skills, competencies and knowledge that are relevant to the MSL role. It also...

Recently I was talking to one of our candidates - who is currently working as an MSL - about the time we first spoke on the phone. The first time we spoke, was about her interest in our “from SCIENCE to PHARMA” MSL training course, as she desperately wanted to become an MSL (and leave academia).

In our...