FAQ’s & Guidelines

A process of receiving a job spec from a customer and then matching the applicant on file to a particular job. If no applicant is available, then advertising on Career 2000 social media platforms to attract current work seekers. As we are not a generalist recruiter, but rather a Specialist Recruiter (medical device and healthcare sales sector), we have built up a database over 24+ years in business, to work from and continue to receive new applicants on an annual basis.

Due to our Specialty (Medical Devices / Healthcare) we have a circle of repeat customers, who continue to work with Career 2000 on a regular basis, and have built excellent customer relations over more than two decades, which in turn, benefit the applicants who join our recruitment firm. Provided the applicant meets the requirements that the customer needs.

We act as the middleman between the candidate and the client.  We help customers hire talent, and we help job hunters find their ideal job.

Yes, we place in country management, senior sales management, marketing, logistics, procurement and planning, data analysis, medical science liaison, supply chain (please note these are more on an Adhoc basis, or when a key position needs to be filled).

The bulk of our placements are in the sales representative job category. Career 2000 will willingly recruit for any level of job category within a medical healthcare organisation. Being 24+ years in existence, we have, over time, recruited for most of the job titles within any given healthcare organisation at some point.

The official working language is English. However, depending on location, the local language could be a plus.

All Medical Sales Representatives will need a motor vehicle to perform the job role. Companies will either ask you to provide your own vehicle, or provide a company car. It varies from company to company.

The recruiter needs to make notes about your application, and id unable to perform this task on a pdf document.

The most common mistake everyone makes is to exclude the most needed information, which is as follows:

• your address
• profile headshot picture, downsized for email
• contact number, email
• ID number
• driving license code, date of expiry
• language skills
• motor vehicle information (model, make, mileage)
• reasons for leaving each position
• sales achievements (wins) in each position / brag book about your capabilities
• list of awards, trophies, recognition for each position
• sales territory for each position
• product portfolio for each position
• customer base for each position
• additional training courses in-house or external (duration, institute, year)

Excessive color, cover pages, emojis, borders (keep it as plan and readable as possible on the eyes, the recruiter has to open many documents each day, the plainer the better).

Go to MS Word, press file, press new, in the search bar type the word RESUME and press enter. Pick a template, then add your information. Keep it simple. We suggest you make a one page resume. Then a more inclusive resume.

No, what you need to do is send an email (please preview CONTACTS for the correct address) with information in bullet form, see above on what must be included, and see below, so the search bot system can match your document to job profiles.   The email will suffice, with these points answered in bullet form:

• the reasons you are leaving your current job
• what kind of job you require
• in which region
• selling which product
• what is your career goal
• list any companies you wish to work for (and those you DON’T wish to work for)
• list any companies you have been to an interview recently, in order not to duplicate and remain professional
• your benefits currently
• number of days leave per annum
• details of your additional earnings eg. monthly commission, quarterly incentive scheme
• it would be ideal to list your current take home pay and discuss with the recruiter in the early email, what you wish to take home now
• to keep transparency whilst trying to match you with positions, we don’t wish to waste time

1. A completed degree in the Life Science or Human Movement / Sport Medicine Science fields
2. A valid driving license
3. Your own vehicle
4. Fuel is provided
5. Good language skills
6. Computer literacy ideal (word, excel)
7. Able to drive
8. The stomach to be in theatre, observing operations
9. Sales personality
10. Target driven attitude

We file the document in a folder and wait for a customer to give us a job profile that matches your work history and experience.  Should this happen, we will call you.  If you do not hear back from us, the document stays on file, it simply means there are other applicants on file, matching the job role more suitably.

Career 2000 will call those candidates who match most suitably first and ask if they are available.  We will then ask you to join our social medical platforms available to you, so you may keep abreast of our job openings (see the CONTACTS page for more information).

1. A completed degree in the Life Science or Human Movement / Sport Medicine Science fields
2. A valid driving license
3. A company car is provided
4. Fuel is provided
5. Good language skills
6. Computer literacy ideal (word, excel)
7. Able to drive
8. 60% min as an average score in the last year you physically attended University (non-negotiable)
9. Sales personality
10. Target driven attitude

• It is important to note that Career 2000 only hires for 1 Pharmaceutical Learnership in South Africa
• If you do not meet the requirements stipulated in the heading above, then you will need to spread your network
• You can do this by going onto the internet and searching for the following key words to assist you to see which other pharmaceutical organisations are offering a sales learnership
• Please note that different Learnerships have a different criteria to the one we have specified above
• And not every Learnership will have the same entry level requirements
• These are some suggestions for search words

pharmaceutical sales learnership gauteng

pharmaceutical sales internship cape town

medical sales learnership south africa

medical sales internship bloemfontein

We focus on medical device sales. 1-2-3 Pharmaceutical clients are contacting us for their Graduate Sales Learnership Programs and Jnr Sales Representatives with 1-5 years’ experience only. We have told them we are getting many Snr Pharmaceutical Medical Sales Executives contacting us, their response is that the current budgets no longer allow them to hire in this salary band width, due to the economy in RSA.

We recommend if you are in a senior sales role in the pharmaceutical sector (more than 6 years sales history), you preferably spread your net to the existing Pharmaceutical Recruitment firms, to ask them what their current market is doing with regards to being hired for your work experience and background.

You need to advise of any dismissal, criminal activities against your ID number and endorsements on your car driving license, and lastly of any breach of contract issues at any previous employers.

If you have received a judgement against your name (credit record), or have been sued for debt, please discuss with the recruiter. Many clients require background checks as part of their onboarding process, and at the Offer stage of the recruitment process, these checks will be conducted, subject to all be clear.

The customer base we work with, when asked this question, say only if the person has the following: customers in their field of business (surgeons and the operating room), experience selling their product portfolio (medical devices, implants, orthopedic systems, capital equipment in the medical field, instruments, spine systems and many more). They are unwilling to train someone without this criteria at a snr salary level, if they do not have these criteria.

So we recommend you try approach companies directly on linkedin or their webpage to get direct feedback. We have not been successful in moving pharmaceutical sales representatives to the role of medical device sales representatives, due to the customers operational requirements. We are unsure how they would respond to a candidate directly.

You are more than welcome. The onus is on you to keep track of which company you have sent your CV to privately. The onus is on you to keep track of which recruiters have engaged with you first, about which job openings, in order be transparent and professional. See more below.

You are required to tell the recruiter, that you have already been put forward by another recruitment firm.  Career 2000 is then not able to submit your resume for a second time, it is not permitted.  Likewise if we engage with you on a position, the onus is on you to let the other recruiters know, when they call, that your CV has already been submitted, and they too may not send the document, to remain professional.   The customer does not wish to receive the resume twice, as it then becomes a legal battle as to who gets paid the fee should you be hired.

The rule is WHICH EVER RECRUITER ENGAGES WITH YOU FIRST ON THE POSITION, AND GETS YOUR PERMISSION TO PUT YOUR CV FORWARD, IS THE RECRUITER THAT YOU WILL DEAL WITH SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF THAT JOB.

You are required to tell the recruiter, then Career 2000 is not permitted to send your CV to the customer.

You are required to let the Customer know, that your resume is on file at the relevant HR Department, or Business Manager, and do let the client know that it was sent recently, and they are welcome to view your details sent by your Professional Recruiter. This is typically valid for a period of up to 6 months after we have sent the resume (a clause in our recruitment contract with the customers).

However, it may become less relevant, if in a totally different division or business unit. The solution would be to contact the recruiter and explained what has happened, as well as to advise the person asking you to submit the CV, that it is already on file, via your recruiter Career 2000. To avoid any legal mis transparencies pertaining to the Terms of Service.

Never, if the interview was arranged via a recruitment firm.

Never, if the interview was arranged via a recruitment firm. You always deal with the recruiter directly.

We review your application in the folder, if the job profile matches your skills, education and work history. The CV is kept on file without ever being deleted. Should a suitable post arise we will contact you. There is a WhatsApp job opening group, should you see a job profile that appeals to you, once you make contact, we further view your documents on file.

See the CONTACTS page for all social medical platforms to join.
Our web page does have a job profile section with available opportunities.

Never, if the interview was arranged via a recruitment firm. You call the Recruiter, to contact the Customer on your behalf, to find out if they have any openings suitable for you. This is valid for a period of 6-12 months, depends on the Recruitment Terms of Service supplied to the Customer.

Once the clause in the recruitment agreement expires (6 to 12 months) you are more than welcome to then contact the Customer, after the time has passed. Check with your recruiter first, if it is a suitable time to contact their Customer. After their initial introduction of you to the Customer. Typically between 6 to 12 months, each agreement has a different clause.

No, we don’t offer this service.

No, we don’t respond to emails of applicants who do not meet the basic minimum requirements of our customers. Trying your luck will not get you hired. When working with a professional recruiter, you need to match the job profile they are advertising, in order to apply.

Too many candidates, with irrelevant or unrelated experience apply, trying their luck. It is simply a waste of time. Rather take our course on Focused Job Hunting, that way you might get hired. It really serves no purpose apply for a job that you have no matching criteria for. Rather apply for what you do have, not what you don’t have.

Yes, a valid car license is required, with no endorsements, current and you must be able to drive. If you have attended any Advanced Driving Training Courses, it would be to your advantage to put this on the resume.

A process of receiving a job spec from a customer and then matching the applicant on file to a particular job. If no applicant is available, then advertising on Career 2000 social media platforms to attract current work seekers. As we are not a generalist recruiter, but rather a Specialist Recruiter (medical device and healthcare sales sector), we have built up a database over 24+ years in business, to work from and continue to receive new applicants on an annual basis.

Due to our Specialty (Medical Devices / Healthcare) we have a circle of repeat customers, who continue to work with Career 2000 on a regular basis, and have built excellent customer relations over more than two decades, which in turn, benefit the applicants who join our recruitment firm. Provided the applicant meets the requirements that the customer needs.

Yes, we do training on job hunting, see this web page link called FOCUSED JOB HUNTING. It is a 60 minute course we offer. The price is R300.

You will need medical device sales experience in the Orthopedic industry (our core business focus, or any other medical device career history in the Operating Room specifically).

Secondly you could be a recent university graduate, with a degree in Human Movement or Life Science subjects (for our sales learnership programs).

Thirdly you could be a Jnr Pharmaceutical Medical Sales Representative, detailing products to GPs and Specialists (we work with a client who specifically focuses on cardiovascular, diabetic, cns portfolios). This is not our main focus, but we do assist a multinational with their specific recruitment of Jnr Medical Sales Executives, this is a consistent flow of job specs for those who have completed their Learnership after 12-months, or for those with 1-2 years sales history in these areas of disease.

Finding people Today, to set the pace for Tomorrow ! More importantly it is about building teams, and organisational performance in the long-term. The customers want to hire the best candidates. They rely on the recruiter at Career 2000 to provide applicants searching for a new career opportunity. The aim of Career 2000 is to identify the right candidate for the specific job role. Using a whole process of steps in the hiring process.

If you want to ace your next interview, here are some ways you can stand out from other candidates for all the right reasons

• be YOURSELF
• the customer wants to hire you, not a textbook
• highlight key wins
• prepare at least 2-3 examples of ways you personally contributed to increased sales
• show enthusiasm
• most successful applicants will demonstrate a target-driven attitude naturally
• show you are a team player
• ask about what will be required from you
• explain why you are interested in the role, be honest
• tie your answers back to your skills and accomplishments
• talk very specifically about how you feel you would perform in this role, from start to finish, be yourself, use your behaviour
• not that of a textbook or the internet, talk about your strong points that you have seen in yourself so far
• use your research skills to familiarize yourself with the types of medical devices (product portfolio) the company provides
• no need to parrot fashion learn the web page (more of an understanding about the company and their customers)
• if you have a job description, print it out, and align your own skills to those required in the job
• picture yourself in the job and ask yourself, how would I do this, that is the info you need to get across at the interview
• recruit a friend to practice answering questions
• come prepared to discuss salary negotiations, not always discussed at the first interview
• answer the questions using the STAR method (situation, task, action, result)

Free Personality Test (highlights work / career Strengths and Weaknesses)

• go to this link www.16personalities.com
• take a 12 minute free survey, once you are finished, you will receive a WORD to describe your personality
• then google the word strengths under 16 personalities, know who you are and what you are capable of doing
• pick 1 or 2 strengths that apply to you and talk about those that you do well at the interview
• do pick a weakness, great leaders say we should also recognize a weakness and work towards improving the area that we need more development and growth
• we always say focus on your Strengths, to do the work, that is what you are good at

• take a white blank piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.
• on one side write down a few smart interview questions (or those important to you) (Google top ten interview questions in sales and pick relevant smart questions).
• then on the other side, write down 2-3 of the most important facts, you wish to impart to the interviewer, before the 30-45-60 minute meeting ends.
• often at the interview we go blank, we find writing it down, looking at it, actually thinking about it, makes for a good practice before the first meeting with the customer.
• the most common mistake is to forget to tell the interviewer the most important things about you, before they close the meeting, that relate to their job, aligning your best qualities, skills and experience with the job they have open.

General Interview protocol (face to face)

• never be late (always call the recruiter immediately if you encounter any issue)
• always stand at the reception area if a customers comes to collect you, greet in a friendly manner, make eye contact
• for sales always dress as you would, if seeing a customer, corporate, professional in appearance (dress to gain trust and command respect)
• plan your outfit the night before
• turn off all mobile phones
• arrive 5 minutes before the appointment, NEVER earlier as the interviewer will have no time to see you if 30 minutes earlier
• listen
• don’t talk too much, have a conversation
• use appropriate language
• don’t be cocky
• practice good non-verbal communication
• never chew gum
• make sure you hair, nails, shoes, handbags, briefcase all neat and tidy (neutral Colours, no over the top

Virtual Interview protocol

• always ensure a strong signal, check beforehand and make sure you have enough data
• make sure your camera and sound settings work, test with a friend
• charge your phone, the battery must not run flat
• create a professional backdrop
• blank wall ideal so the focus is on you
• if this is not possible, make sure everything behind you is neat and tidy
• set the computer / smartphone at shoulder height (use textbooks, boxes, anything)
• your camera should be eye level with you
• always opt for natural lighting
• open curtains, allow the sunshine in, to hit the front of your face
• avoid any light behind you and back lighting (this effect will make it hard for the interviewer to see you)
• sit in your car, comfortable seating
• don’t look down into the computer / smartphone, stack a box of briefcase to bring the device to eye level
• park in an empty lot, garage or driveway, no noisy environments
• borrow a friends house for the quiet time you need
• set up in your backyard, avoid noise and distraction (check ahead for wind and rain)
• visit a park, choose a quiet area
• check out a local library if you are able to rent a cubicle
• try a college or classroom when there are no classes, ask if available to rent
• just be honest and upfront if any problem arises (noise, disconnect, bad signal)
• show that you can remain focused, explain the problem, then offer to call back or reconnect or fix the problem and return to the meeting soonest

Know how to negotiate your salary

• pay often depends on the size and capability of the company
• tact is key
• express your interest in job at the first interview
• do not discuss salary if not mentioned
• perhaps by the 2^nd or 3^rd interview, it is generally more acceptable for compensation to be raised by the interviewer
• employers will ask salary information from you to see if a close match exists
• you will not have information about their budget or what they are prepared to offer
• there are no set rules
• it is all about gauging the situation and approaching if asked
• be prepared to discuss salary at any point
• ensure the interviewer knows that you are talking about income after all deductions, your take home compensation (nett)
• prepare ahead of time, get a good sense of what your needs are

Figure Out Expectations Ahead of Time

• offer a range
• this shows you are willing and flexible to negotiate
• work out your own figures ahead of time
• look at your current take home pay vs expenses. predicted expenses, benefits, cost of living
• get a sense of what the company offers
• respond based on your actual needs
• take all factors into account
  • location
  • relocation
  • size of the company
  • benefits now
  • benefits no longer offered
  • additional benefits
  • any budget shifts for you, additional expenses
  • car finance
  • predicted expenses
  • goals
  • childcare if moving out of a parents home
  • changes to your medical aid
  • retirement fund contributions / does the employer contribute an equal amount
  • fuel costs
  • mobile costs
  • new house purchases
  • change of schooling
• and calculate the difference you would require to join another company
• know your minimum then offer a range above this figure
• be realistic

Give a salary range, you will then come from a place of collaboration and service

“In general I’m looking to make around R25,000 to R30,000 in my next role given my experience and expertise in Arthroscopy.   However, compensation isn’t the only thing that matters to me and I’d love to learn more about the job, the company, and the work environment here. Your website mentions work ethos and other benefits, which signals to me that this is a company that values their employees, which is definitely important to me, and I could be a bit flexible with salary for the right fit”.

“Taking into account my experience and relations with the Orthopedic Surgeons on the East Rand in Johannesburg,  which you mentioned earlier would be very helpful to the team, I’m looking for somewhere between R350,000 and R420,000 annually for this role. But for me, benefits definitely matter as well. Your free on-site gym, the 100% medical aid benefits, and other perks could definitely allow me to be a bit flexible with salary.”

“Right now finding the right position for me is more important than salary.  I’d love to learn more about the job, the company, the entire benefits package, before we talk about numbers”

 “Unfortunately with my experience and current salary, I don’t know if I can accept anything for less than R350,000 a year. Do you know if there is any flexibility in the budget for this role?”

“I was hoping for something more in the R15-to-R20K range, but I’m definitely open to negotiating based on the entire compensation package.”

‘That’s a great question—it would be helpful if you could share what the range is for this role”

Sales Learnerships – 12 month contract – Compensation basics

• these are a set student stipend payable pm
• the compensation is not negotiable – it is always a set amount for the Learnership
• the amount discussed will still have uif and income tax deducted, bear that in mind
• either a company car is offered
• or you will be required to have your own vehicle (each company is different)
• typically the student must live near the place of the customer / sales representative region
• example if you are going to service Customers in Tshwane, you will not be interviewed if you live in Alberton,

to avoid extensive travel time, which cuts down on the daily schedule to visit a set amount of clients per day

• ideally you should living within a full support system (parents’ home, sister, friend, family …)
• the student stipend will not be enough to cover main stream cost of living expenses
• it is a Learnership
• there will be no medical aid or pension for the duration of the contract
• when visiting a customer, the fuel will be paid for by the employer
• a company mobile will be issued by the employer or
• all business calls will be claimable on your private smartphone
• there is no incentive or commission scheme available
• there are no set targets to be achieved initially, only in the later part of the medical sales training program