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Advice, tips, information for the
Would-be pharmaceutical sales representative:
I have been a pharmaceutical sales representative for nearly eighteen years. It's a great job and I love it. People trying to enter the industry often ask me what is the typical profile for a pharmaceutical sales representative. They want to know about tips on how to find a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative.
Here are some pointers on how to find a pharmaceutical sales representative position:
There is no one profile - Pharmaceutical companies look for outstanding people to represent their companies. Some prerequisites of a good candidate for pharmaceutical sales representative include a four year college degree, a strong work ethic, proven track record as a team member and good verbal and written communication skills.
Pharmaceutical sales representatives are about 50% women. There is a trend to diversify the sales force these days with regard to cultural backgrounds - this is not only fair, it makes good business sense.
Here are some practical pointers on how to find a pharmaceutical sales job:
Word of mouth -- Pharmaceutical companies only advertise a position when they can't fill it on recommendation. The best way to find a position is by asking current reps if they know of any openings. Ask a doctor's receptionist for some reps' business cards. Contact the reps and ask them if they know of any openings. Better yet, if you are friendly with a doctor or his/her receptionist, have that person ask the reps for you.
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recommendations: Pharmaceutical Sales Book; - Of all of the Pharm sales books I have seen so far, the best one is "Insight into a Career in Pharmaceutical Sales", by Anne Clayton.
>Click Here to read my review of Ms Clayton's Book
>Click Here to see Pharm Rep FAQ from Anne Clayton's Website
recommendations: Resume Writer; The man who I think is the best resume writer in the industry - He did my resume (twice) and I recommend him highly. Scott Burke of TCA has 25 years experience writing pharmaceutical resume's and cover letters. Click Here for Details
recommendations: Resume Blaster: Submit your resume to more than specialized 750 recruiters who deal only with pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Click Here For My Review
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Resume/Cover letter -- your paperwork should be up-to-date with no gaps in employment. Keep the florid language to a minimum. Remember that a good resume is designed to get you an interview, it is not a pre-filled out job application.
If you use a resume writing service, ask to see examples of that service's work in the industry you are applying to. Ask for references so you can speak to customers and get their feedback. My recommendations for resume writer
Recruiters - Recruiters are a valuable tool - do not ignore them. That being said, many people who land jobs through recruiters would have gotten the jobs all by themselves if they knew how and where to look.
Newspaper Ads -- go to the library and search the newspaper want-ads for the past 2 months. These positions are very hard to fill. We would rather leave a position open than hire any less-than ideal candidate.
Sales experience -- Sales experience is desirable. It shows that you have a track record and can handle rejection. It doesn't have to be in outside sales -- retail or telephone sales or fund raising is a good starting point.
Life experience -- Pharmaceutical companies look for outstanding people. If you have experience in coaching or experience as a teacher or were in a sports team (or student government) it shows that you can work with/in a team environment to achieve results.
Science background -- Pharmaceutical sales representatives are required to read reams of scientific training material. Take some life science courses. Scientific background is not necessarily required but it is helpful. If you don't have an aptitude for science, or don't like science this job will not be fun.
Health - You will be tested for the use of illegal drugs. If you take recreational drugs, don't waste your time applying for a job with a pharmaceutical company.
Drivers license -- is a prerequisite for obtaining a position as a pharmaceutical sales representative. You should have as clean a license as possible. Avoid having many moving violations or DWI's.
Preparation for the Interview - if you are fortunate enough to land an interview with a pharmaceutical company, it is very important that you are well prepared. You will never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
It is essential that you go into the interview knowing everything you can about the company that you are interviewing with. You should know the company's products, its competition, where it is located, the relative size of its sales force, its share price. Much of this data can be learned by surfing the company's web page and by communicating with pharmacists, doctors and other pharm-reps. [ See : Drug Co. Research Database]
Other resources are available in the form of books that you can find in the library or on the internet. Click here to read my recommendation for a book that will help you prepare for your pharmaceutical sales interview.
Overview
Currently, there are more than 83,000 pharmaceutical sales representatives in the USA. The number of pharmaceutical sales representatives expands and contracts in a cyclical fashion depending on the number of new drugs that are released.
Salaries for pharmaceutical sales representatives start in the mid thirties and top off at about ninety thousand dollars a year (not including bonus which can reach 50% of your base salary or more in some companies). You won't make the big bucks until you have ten or fifteen years tenure and prove you can drive demand.
Perks include a work environment that is 2nd to none, full benefit packages, 401K, tuition reimbursement, company car and expense account for entertaining clients.
Want more free information on Pharmaceutical Sales?
Visit my Pharm Rep FAQ -- 19 frequently asked questions regarding the profession of pharmaceutical sales. Brought to you by the Internet's most popular website for Pharmaceutical Sales Information - coreynahman.com.
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