The job of a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative is to educate physicians and other medical professionals on new advances in the pharmaceutical industry.Are you interested in a career in sales?Are you interested in science?Become a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep and work as an ambassador for the pharmaceutical industry, bringing the necessary knowledge and drugs to the healthcare facilities and consumers who need them.
Step 1: A bachelor's degree is required.
A pharmaceutical sales representative needs a four-year degree from an accredited university or college.Gaining a degree in Life Science can improve your chances.A science degree will give you valuable tools to understand new discoveries and help you communicate with other medical professionals.Sales skills can be gained through coursework in business.Most pharmaceutical companies will consider a four year degree in any subject, as it shows your ability to master new information and follow through.
Step 2: You need to be licensed or certified.
The National Association of Pharmaceutical Representatives offers voluntary certification as a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative.This type of certification will educate you on the rules and regulations for selling products, and give you the pharmaceutical product knowledge required by pharmaceutical sales companies.You will learn how to sell things.CNPR® Certified graduates have access to a job search tool on the government website where pharmaceutical companies look to fill job openings.
Step 3: You can connect with college resources.
While you are in school, you can take advantage of the many resources your campus has to offer.Attend job fairs.Major pharmaceutical companies recruit from college campuses.Prepare for an interview while dressed professionally.Some of the events have rosters that fill up quickly, so sign up early.You can use the Career Resource Center.This valuable resource will connect you to useful information about the job market and a career councilor who can provide assistance in working on your resume or career prospects.
Step 4: Get some sales training.
Your career as a pharmaceutical sales rep is dependent on sales.You need to be comfortable and professional when speaking one-on-one or in front of large groups while presenting information to close the sale.It's important to have previous experience in sales on your resume.Employers are looking for candidates who are persuasive and have good communication skills.You will be prepared for your interview if you have more practice in sales.
Step 5: There is a network.
You should keep in touch with professionals at your university.Tell your friends and family about your career goals.It can be difficult to get into pharmaceuticals sales because some firms only advertise openings when they can't fill them with word of mouth.Ask the doctors and other medical professionals who their sales reps are.If you can, speak to the sales reps and district managers directly.A good referral from a rep is more useful than a resume.There are recruiters in the pharmaceutical field.You can make connections at pharmaceutical job fairs.
Step 6: Stay up to date on industry news.
Annual reports, news releases, and stock-market reports are available.Everything you need to know about competing products and companies can be found here.CafePharma Cutting EdgeInfo.com is one of the good resources for news.
Step 7: A strong resume is needed.
Drug companies get hundreds of resumes a day, so you need to stand out.The company you are applying for should be the focus of your resume.You will need to change your resume for each company.A list of accomplishments is what should drive your resume.This is a sales job.You need to sell yourself to potential employers.Professional resume writers can help strengthen your resume.You can get their help for a price if you are struggling.
Step 8: You can create a book.
Scan the originals into your computer and make copies of everything you want to include.The scanned documents can be used to create a single file.You do not need to send your Brag Book with every application.Let the hiring managers know that you have a digital copy when you get their attention.You can create a hard copy and organize it.The documents and letters in your brag book represent your professional achievements.Table of contents includesResume Company ranking reports Performance reviews College transcripts Letters of recommendation Positive emails Marketing materials Continuing education certificates Photos of trophies, copies of plaques, award certificates
Step 9: It's time to land an interview.
You can apply at a companies website, but your best bet is to contact your networking connections and get the names of professionals in the industry who you can send your resume to directly.
Step 10: At your interview, use the Brag Book.
Bring a hard copy with you so the hiring manager can keep it.Refer to specific items inside the Brag Book during your interview to bring attention to it.You should know your own book very well.Let the Brag Book back up your answers.You can point to a ranking report or a performance review in your Brag Book if your interviewer asks about your sales targets.If you use your Brag Book the right way during the interview, you can give the hiring manager a demonstration of your salesmanship.
Step 11: You should do well in your interview.
You can use your knowledge to back up your answers.Some questions will test your knowledge of the job while others will be related to sales.Show your enthusiasm for the job.Personal stories related to the medical field can be shared.
Step 12: If you want the job, ask.
At the end of the interview, show your star sales ability by asking for the job.If they don't tell you anything at the end of the interview, ask when you can expect to hear back.Write thank you notes for the hiring manager.Someone else in the industry may be able to hire you if they can't.It's important to keep a professional relationship with everyone you meet.
Step 13: Understand your benefits and salary.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of pharmaceutical sales representatives is $88,200.Sales reps who work for established companies receive a variety of benefits, including a company car, business trips, expense accounts, stock options, bonuses, medical and life insurance, and tuition reimbursement and retirement plans.Ask your company about the benefit options that are available to you.
Step 14: It's in your training.
New sales reps will get on-the-job training from most pharmaceutical companies.Tuition reimbursement is provided by a number of companies in the field of pharmacology and related fields.You will be expected to enroll in continuing education throughout your career as a Pharmaceutical rep.
Step 15: Know your responsibilities.
In a region, most pharmaceutical sales reps work on commission.You will be responsible for scheduling and attending sales meetings with medical professionals and health care providers.You will be expected to attend industry conferences, speak at provider events, and continue your education as a medical professional.In addition to your sales duties, you may need to conduct field research for your company.This involves monitoring reactions to new treatments and surveying prescription patters.In a fast paced environment, this job is filled with technology.Take pride in communicating exciting medical advances with consumers and excel at the intellectual challenges you will face.You can share new and sometimes life-saving treatments with your community here.Setting your own schedule is likely to be your responsibility.You can spend weekends and evenings networking future sales since you work on commission.
Step 16: It's time to advance in the industry.
If you have time and experience, you can advance into administrative positions in which you would supervise the work of new salespeople.To climb the ranks of the pharmaceutical industry, you have to work hard, meet your goals, and continue your education.