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Transitioning to a Career in Pharmaceutical Sales

maureen — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:09:05 +0000

If you are considering switching to a career in pharmaceutical sales there are a number of factors to take into account. Pharmaceutical sales is a rapidly growing field, and one with impressive potential for success. However, it is also highly competitive and demanding, requiring a high degree of dedication and ongoing learning in order to be successful.

To get you started, you can join numerous trade associations that oversee the training and development of professionals in pharmaceutical sales. These organizations offer certification, create professional and ethical standards, and help industry professionals stay on top of current information including FDA regulations, legal issues, clinical research updates, and so on.

In order to get into pharmaceutical sales, a science background is recommended, and a college degree is the norm. It is essential that pharmaceutical sales representatives be able to discuss their products with a wide range of individuals including other medical professionals. For some, this challenging and ever-changing aspect of the job is what makes it exciting, while others may find the nature of the job too demanding. It is important to take into consideration other lifestyle commitments and priorities when considering this type of career move.

Fortunately there is plenty of information available to help you make the decision to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales. Books and websites created by industry professionals are many, in addition to the information made available by the associations. There are also lots of options for pursuing certification, with training at all levels available online, through correspondence, or by direct study at hundreds of colleges and universities.

As with any type of sales career, there is a certain amount of stress involved in this line of work, and individuals in this field need to demonstrate a positive attitude, persistence, resourcefulness, and dedication. You are likely to spend a large percentage of your time on the road and must decide if this lifestyle will work for you and your family. The good news is, due to the nature of the industry, there is a high degree of repeat business. Orders need to be refilled consistently, and the large profit margins of pharmaceutical companies means there are large commissions to be made.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this competitive market, do some research into the jobs available by browsing company websites, and information posted by the industry associations. As with any major career decision, consider your options from all angles, ensuring a good fit for your interests, skills, and natural strengths. Numerous possibilities await your discovery.

Searching Online for a Pharmaceutical Sales Job

maureen — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 03:11:08 +0000

The approaches to searching for Pharmaceutical Sales jobs online are similar to that in other professions. You can structure your search in one of several ways:

Industry Associations: Many organizations offer job posting sections on their websites for members to browse. This may or may not gain you access to postings not available to the general public. However, it is a good idea to visit your association’s website regularly in the interest of staying informed and take advantage of any benefits you are entitled to as a member. Ongoing professional development is an essential component of pharmaceutical sales, and there are many associations that can help keep you up to speed. These sites also offer links to their associated pharmaceutical companies.

Pharmaceutical company websites: Make sure you are familiar with the top pharmaceutical companies and visit their websites directly to keep up to date on available positions. This can be a good approach because it helps you glean other valuable information about the company in addition to current postings, such as corporate culture, product knowledge, industry trends, and so on. By reviewing the companies’ financial statistics, you can also take into consideration which workplace might be the most profitable for you.

General job search websites: The major job websites such as monster.com offer searches by industry, keyword, location, etc. This is useful if you know where you want to work, or to gain an overview of what’s available across the country. This method allows you to compare opportunities at different companies, as well as view jobs in similar fields. Unless you have decided to target your search to a small number of specific companies, this is probably the best and quickest way to view the greatest number of opportunities.

Paid searches by companies that specialize in helping you find pharmaceutical jobs: If you don’t want to devote the necessary time and energy to searching yourself, there are organizations that will do the searching for you, but investigate the costs ahead of time.

Search engines: To broaden your search, simply type keywords such as “pharmaceutical jobs” into any major search engine. The internet’s resources are vast and the possibilities almost limitless. Be prepared to spend a lot of time weeding through a wide range of websites if this is your approach, but sometimes it is worth it for the unexpected gem you may unearth.

Whichever combination of approaches you use, the internet is a valuable resource in bringing you a wealth of information to use in determining your next career move. It has never been easier to access company profiles and opportunities, so spend some time comparing the possibilities available to you. Make informed decisions in creating the most fulfilling career possible.

Want a Pharmaceutical Sales Job?

maureen — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:10:56 +0000

www.drugrepcareer.com

Are you thinking you might be interested in pursuing a career in selling drugs? No, not the illegal kind, silly. Iâm talking about the LEGAL stuff, a real job: selling pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical business is a fun, although demanding, job. It is also an extremely competitive career path (for those who love competition).

I am sure that you have read online or heard from a relative about how someone who is six degrees separated from you started their career and has made a fortune in this industry. I hear about it all the time. Stories like that are rampant in this business and at your parentâs dinner table. All you hear is BLAH, BLAH, BLAH about a distant cousin is now making great money in the pharmaceutical industry.

Unfortunately some people who think they might be interested find it nearly impossible to learn about the business. They donât know exactly how to find out what a pharmaceutical sales rep does all day. They donât know where to look for more information, they donât know how to look for such a job, and they donât have any connections in the industry to help them out. One of the reasons why many recent college graduates are faced with a situation like this is because academia has not taught you anything about job searches.

The problem with college education is that they teach you absolutely nothing about the real world. A professor spoon feeds college students with theories and formulas that someone developed 150 years ago that are used in the classroom and left in the classroom. Yet, the basics like interviewing, networking, accepting the right job, understanding a 401 (K), or a health benefits package no one have even dared to talk about. What the college/university setting has neglected in teaching you, I have made up for it in this pharmaceutical career e-book. So letâs go to school!

I write this e-book for the newly minted recent college graduates like you who want to break into the pharmaceutical industry. I am eager to share with you:

Â· What to expect

Â· What to do

Â· What not to do

Â· Where to look

on your pursuit towards landing a job in this industry. Donât worry; I will make it fun! If you want to take your first step towards a career in the pharmaceutical industry:

Please visit: http://www.drugrepcareer.com/

The Top 5 Myths Keeping You From Being a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

maureen — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:09:15 +0000

I hear excuses every day. Reasons people can’t get a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative. If you’re in this situation and can’t find your way out, know this – 90% of the time the “reasons” you can’t get a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative have been planted in your head by someone who doesn’t want to see you succeed. I’m here to tell you, if you want a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative, you can have it.

Here are the top 10 myths keeping you from getting a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative.

1. You don’t have a science background.
If you’re letting this hold you back, you just haven’t done your research. While a science background could certainly be beneficial as a pharma rep, one is definately not necessary. I’ve known many successful drug reps who have degrees in Literature, English, Political Science, Economics, Marketing, Art, and History. A four year degree is almost always a necessity. A degree in science most certainly is not.

2. You’re too old
What a bunch of garbage! I can tell you that this, often self enforced, roadblock comes from the perception that all pharmaceutical sales representatives are often young, attractive, fresh-out-of-college-go-getters. Again . . . not true. For more on good lucks, please move forward.

3. You’re not a supermodel
This one really gets under my skin. A recent New York Times article pointed out that pharmaceutical companies look to hire young ladies who have recently turned their spirit fingers after long careers as cheerleaders. As a pharmaceutical rep, I knew over 500 other reps – by name. I can tell you the name of one who was a cheerleader in college. I’ve got nothing against cheerleaders. The ones who cheer in college or professionally work very hard to get where they are. In my view, that’s why the make good pharma reps. As far as looks go, I think you’ll be hard pressed to find a sales person of any kind who isn’t nice looking. Professionals take care of themselves. They rely quite heavily on first impressions. If you take care of yourself, have good hygeine, eat right, and exercise, you will be nice looking. If you currently don’t consider yourself to be nice looking, please take care of your self image before you start your job search. It sounds harsh but you’ll thank me for it later.

4. You don’t have any sales experience
These words often come straight from the horses mouth – the interviewer. I would guess that 80% of the time, this is an excuse. It’s a way for the interviewer to let you down softly. We all have sales experience, we just have to portray it in that light. Kids sell the idea of a new pair of shoes to their parents. Teachers sell the excitement of learning and knowing. Nurses sell treatment compliance, hope, and healthy living. We all sell something. Spend some time determining what you sell and relate that to the job you’re seeking. With a bit of practice, the ideas and words will flow like crazy.

5. You must know someone (or at least know someone who does)
It’s not exactly true but it’s a whole lot easier if you do. I’m not going to let you off there though. There’s good news. You do know someone! Legendary networker Harvey Mackay said it best, “Networking is not a numbers game. The idea is not to see how many people you can meet; the idea is to compile a list of people you can count on.” Spend some time working with the list of people you know you can count on. Pay attention to the objections they have and ask them to help you think about how you can meet someone who can, and will, help you get where you want to be.

As with most things in life, the search for a job as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative is 99% attitude. Keep working. Keep improving. Keep moving forward and you will get hired!

Networking Your Way to a Pharmaceutical Sales Job

maureen — Mon, 30 May 2011 03:07:21 +0000

Surfing the net for a pharmaceutical sales job is tiresome and looking at classified job ads can be tedious and well… boring. But what about business networking? No, it’s not as tedious as it sounds. In fact, it can be fun and interesting because you get to meet lots of people that are in the pharmaceutical sales profession and get the chance to hear about great job opportunities even before they are advertised!

To engage in networking, you must first identify venues to attend. First off, ‘stick close to home’. List down all the people you know who either have a pharmaceutical sales career or knows somebody who is into the industry. Friends, family, former colleagues, neighbors, teachers, classmates… it doesn’t matter. Get the list started and start calling!

Another great idea is to list yourself up in one (or more) of the many pharmaceutical sales seminars or conventions that are often hosted by pharmaceutical firms or their marketing arms. You can also initiate informational interviews by contacting several pharmaceutical sales professionals and asking for an interview.

Now that the ‘stage is set’. Keep in mind the following networking tips.

* Have a good memory for names and don’t forget to always have a business card in hand.
* Just before you end a conversation, ask for referrals or suggestions about other people you should talk to.
* When in an informational interview, always prepare a good resume just incase the interviewee asks for one.
* Be organized. Manage your network by getting all their contact information and keeping a record in your desktop or online address book.
* Never take your network for granted. Always let them know what your current status is and don’t forget to always thank them when they do something nice and helpful to you.
* Re-establish old contacts and continue making new ones. You never really know what might turn up from which contact.

Important Thoughts about Pharmaceutical Networking

Being in pharmaceutical sales is fulfilling because you get to know different people everyday and you get that feeling of accomplishment every time you make a successful sale. The rewards are high and the perks are addicting. It’s never too late to start learning how to network your way into the pharmaceutical sales world. Don’t forget that the human resources department does not make the final decision when it comes to hiring you or someone else. Make friends with the pharmaceutical sales people and gather as much information as you can to prepare you.

Bear in mind that honesty and integrity matters as well. Pharmaceutical networking is about building relationships and you do not want to appear phony to your contacts or future employers.

Further, networking is a two-way street so never hesitate to do a favor or two yourself for someone because you never really know what that person can do for you later on.

Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs – the Perfect Choice for a Health Science Graduate

maureen — Sat, 28 May 2011 15:08:48 +0000

In the Pharmaceutical Industry, Pharmaceutical sales jobs tend to manage a small geographical territory divided into areas known as “bricks” which include a fixed allocation of GPs and Hospitals. Healthcare, dedicated Hospital and Laboratory Representatives usually work Regional Health Authorities, territories that vary in size but can be quite large (about six counties or more) and consequently good organisational and planning skills are paramount to success. This is a general rule, however there are exceptions and it is important to remember that community Pharmaceutical sales job business has become vitally important to healthcare product companies following changes in community care and these companies may also have community based pharmaceutical sales job personnel on a similar “brick” system to the Pharmaceutical Industry.

Pharmaceutical Sales job involves Representatives call on GPs, Hospital and Pharmacists, providing them with a technical liaison service, their role is not to collect orders or negotiate sales directly, but to influence Doctors to prescribe their product where indicated.

To work in Pharmaceutical sales job, Pharmaceutical Representatives are required by their professional body to sit an external examination called the ABPI (Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry) within two years of joining the Industry. This examination involves two papers, and covers topics such as Body Systems, Disease Process and Pharmacology, the classification of medicines and pharmaceutical technology. The Pharmacist call is quite different and does involve selling OTC products (Over the Counter – Non-prescription) together with ascertaining local prescribing trends.

The criteria for securing a pharmaceutical sales job are a BSc Life Science or a Nurse or Paramedic qualification.

A Career In Pharmaceutical Sales

maureen — Sun, 01 May 2011 15:09:33 +0000

A pharmaceutical sales career can be very lucrative, as this field offers tremendous salary potential, along with an opportunity for growth. This field is popularly known as ‘recession proof’. It is one of the largest, and certainly the fastest, growing businesses in the world. There are over 83,000 pharmaceutical sales representatives in the United States currently.
Job Profile Of A Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
As a pharmaceutical sales representative, you will have to sell scientifically advanced products in a professional environment, to physicians, hospital personnel, pharmacists or patient advocacy groups. This sales job can be divided into a few sectors:
Prescription Drugs: The majority of pharmaceutical sales representatives work in this field. Their target customers are specialist doctors or family physicians, depending on the drug that is being promoted. Big pharmaceutical companies usually require sales representatives to promote their products. Each sales representative can endorse at least three main drugs, along with a few secondary products, for the promoted products. In addition, sales representatives need to make special efforts to promote newer drugs, because the patent protections of new drugs run out fast. Companies focusing on niche specialty drugs put their sales force towards specific medical specialists as the target customer, rather than doctors who are engaged in general practice.
Generic Drugs: Companies dealing in generic drugs, market products that are similar to branded drugs that are successful in the market. They do not target physicians, but concentrate on pharmacies.
Over The Counter Products: Many companies sell cough and cold remedies and analgesics, also known as non-prescription drugs, as over the counter products. Sales representatives selling these products need to call on family physicians to promote these.
As a pharmaceutical sales representative, you can also take look into sales jobs such as service sales representatives or system marketers, although scientific knowledge will be less important in these fields. What matters is your sales skills.
Requirements
You do not need to have a medical background to be a pharmaceutical sales representative. You are eligible for his job if you have earned a 4-year college degree with any background. If you do not have a degree, then a good sales record can work in your favor. The most important thing is hard work and determination. However, having a degree in science is an advantage in this field, because a scientific background will be a great help in educating yourself about the product line, and reading and understanding scientific studies about medical products, along with an examination of its applications. As a pharmaceutical sales representative, you need to acquire a professional education as well. You can also take an advanced course in pharmacology, once you step into this industry.
Besides the education, you need to have intellect, stamina and good communication skills, as you will have to convince medical practitioners and business people to buy your company?s products. You will also need to conduct studies related to statistics, data, and other issues occurring in the health community. This field requires teamwork and good presentation skills as well.
Benefits Of This Profession
This profession has the advantage of flexible working hours, good financial rewards, and the independence to manage things on your own by being your own boss. If you get a job in a good company, you can enjoy bright career prospects, and sales training in new and exciting locales. Additionally, you will get the various benefits good companies provide, like a car, along with the freedom to set your day according to your way, as long as you produce good results.
The pharmaceutical sales representative profession can be a very profitable career option if you are ready to pursue it with zeal, determination and interest.

Making the Switch to a Pharmaceutical Sales Career

maureen — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:57:47 +0000

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most lucrative business sectors as evidenced by its $550 billion global industry revenue in 2004. As such, many careers have been developed to cater to the varying needs of the industry. One good example of such a career option is pharmaceutical sales, which is believed to be one of the most sought-after careers in the job market today.

The reason behind this trend is that pharmaceutical sales offers extraordinary salary potential, which may go as high as six-figures annually. Other amazing perks are special bonuses, a company car, trainings in exotic locations, flexible work hours, as well as unlimited opportunities for career growth.

Needless to say, many people who already have a career in sales are slowly but surely transitioning into pharmaceutical sales. If you’re one of those people who are ready to take your sales career to the next level, there are a variety ways to do just that.

For starters, educating yourself about the pharmaceutical industry is an important first step. Learn about various pharmaceutical companies, especially the biggest and most successful ones and how the entire industry is doing. It’s also important to keep yourself updated on industry trends.

In addition, equip yourself so that potential employers may notice you. As mentioned earlier, pharmaceutical sales positions are so in demand these days that you have to truly stand out among other hopefuls. To address this concern, there are online companies today, which through their websites are offering products and services that aim to help prospective pharmaceutical sales reps – with or without sales experience – to land a job in the field.

Such products and services may include how-to e-Books and other information materials, resume writing and evaluation services so that your resume is specific to and targeted towards the pharmaceutical sales industry, and more. They also offer interview coaching, which may include doing mock interviews to help you develop the confidence and to ensure that you know the right things to say.

It would also be a good idea to begin establishing networks with other pharmaceutical industry professionals, particularly in your area. The reason behind this is that job openings are oftentimes filled through referrals from existing pharmaceutical sales reps and that pharmaceutical companies rarely post job ads, except for those which are relatively harder to fill. As such, you definitely would want to be in that loop.

Lastly, different companies have different requirements – some require their pharmaceutical sales reps to at least have a bachelor’s degree, others may require an MBA. But in the end, having a smooth transition to pharmaceutical sales boils down to having the right attitude. For instance, one should have an aptitude for science so that learning would be a breeze. More than having the sales or the medical background, equally important is displaying your outstanding interpersonal communication skills. An aspiring pharmaceutical sales rep should be able to relate to different types of people.

Also, an aspiring pharmaceutical sales rep should be an aggressive, motivated and driven self-starter with high achievement goals. This is especially important once you’ve actually got the job. Otherwise, it would be very difficult to succeed. Needless to say, pharmaceutical sales is one career option where the saying “you reap what you sow” is very, very true.

Pharmaceutical Sales- Start a Drug Rep Career Today

maureen — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 06:12:30 +0000

A pharmaceutical sales career is a highly sought after career path. Getting a drug rep job in the medical sales field can be quite competitive. Many recent college graduates want to become drug reps, but find themselves not knowing what to do, where to look, or what to expect.

So you have just graduated college, still unemployed, and your Uncle Fred (if you have an uncle Fred) is grilling you about your future plans for all to see and hear at Thanksgiving dinner. He tells you that he knows someone in pharmaceutical sales who is doing well. In fact, he’s doing great! Uncle Fred reveals the secret person and tells you who it is. You can’t believe it! “I know that guy!” This is your only half-hearted reply. Your “real and brutally honest” opinion is nestled in your mind for no one else’s ears. The conversation moves on painfully, and now you really feel worthless!

You’re a little surprised that this guy could have gotten into drug sales; you’ve heard that the pharmaceutical industry is a competitive field, and you know he was not at the top of his class. In fact, he was kind of near the bottom. Could this be true? Is uncle Fred putting you on the spot, right here at Thanksgiving dinner for all to hear? Or is he trying to tell you to get moving towards this career path?

You may be thinking, “I’m interested in being a pharmaceutical sales representative.” I have been looking to get into the industry. I have heard lots of good things about it. The money is great, you get a company car and there are nice bonuses too! If “Jeremy”, uncle Fred’s mystery person got a job then so can I. I’ve think I’ve got the personality and the drive? If Jeremy can do it, then I can do it.

“Where do I get started,” is the next thought that crosses your mind. You never really researched an industry, or a job for that matter. Where do you turn next? What should I do?

Typically, these thoughts are very common for any recent college graduate trying to get into the pharmaceutical industry. In fact many recent college graduates are probably all saying the same thing. Whether it is in pharmaceutical sales or in any other industry, the transition towards job interviewing skills and preparation are not commonly taught in college.

Unfortunately some people who think they might be interested find it nearly impossible to learn about the pharmaceutical industry. They don’t know exactly how to find out what a pharmaceutical sales rep does all day (other than wear cool clothes and get paid lots of money). They don’t know where to look for more information, they don’t know how to look for such a job, and they don’t have any connections in the industry to help them out.

Recent college graduates looking to get into pharmaceutical sales aren’t aware of what they need to do, what not to do, where to look and finally, what to expect when they do get an interview. The competition in the drug rep industry is fierce. Knowing what to do, where to look and being prepared is half the battle.

Many recent college graduates who embark on their searches for a pharmaceutical sales job are not aware that they need a “brag book” (documenting all of their achievements) academically or professionally. In addition, many individuals are not aware that an interview process my consist of 5 or more interviews, sometimes prolonging the hiring process for months. Finally, many young graduates are blind-sided by the deep and thought provoking questioning used in a pharmaceutical interview.

Recent college graduates not familiar with the pharmaceutical industry may not know that when someone is hired as a sales rep, the cost incurred by the company reaches $100K+, (actual costs provided at) hence, the reason for the long and sometimes grueling search and interviewing process to get into the industry.

Having the knowledge and the preparation to find, interview and get a well paying pharmaceutical sales can give a recent college graduate the edge over another candidate looking to get into the industry.

Russell Sabella is a former Senior Sales Representative and creator of – A website dedicated towards helping recent college graduates get into a medical sales career as a pharmaceutical representative. Russell’s extensive knowledge and experience as a sales representative in the pharmaceutical industry are captured in his book: I Wanna Pharma Job: Pharmaceutical Interviews and Jobs Exposed! You can view the different chapters and purchase the book on the website.

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How to Become a Successful Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

maureen — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 05:57:45 +0000

Are you thinking of switching careers and becoming a pharmaceutical sales representative? Well, you better prepare for some stiff competition. Many fresh college grads are contemplating on entering the same field upon graduation simply because it IS a lucrative career. The good news is, whether you’ve got extensive experience or a newbie in the arena of pharmaceutical sales, your chances of breaking into the profession are pretty decent.

The pharmaceutical sales field is often described as “recession-proof” as it has first-rate salary potential and offers great flexibility, growth opportunities, and excellent benefits like the use of a company car. Increasing life expectancies and improved quality of life count among the factors driving the expansion of the pharmaceutical sector.

Reaching the Top of the Pharmaceutical Sales Rep Ladder

There’s no one profile that pharmaceutical companies adhere to when looking for outstanding sales reps to represent them. But the usual prerequisites for the position include a strong work ethic, demonstrated ability to work within a team, good spoken and written communication skills and a four-year college degree.

Industry insiders say it’s tough to get your foot in the door with a pharmaceutical firm. But once you’re in, the challenge moves on to making yourself stand out performance-wise.

Who has what it takes to make it in the field? Although there’s no one recipe for 100% sales representative success, there are stuff people can do to improve their odds. Here are a few items to remember en route to achieving pharmaceutical sales representative success.

* Pharmaceutical companies favor people who are positive and highly confident. The job isn’t for those who are ‘meek’. The sales rep hiring process entails a lot of grueling interviews and rejections. In a way, it gives aspiring pharmaceutical sales personnel a taste of what the actual sales representative job would be like.
* Drug companies value people skills like diplomacy and tact. Those who manage to land an interview need to be prepared to ask and answer questions regarding the firm’s products.
* The really successful pharmaceutical sales reps are the ones that possess an entrepreneurial spirit. People who think outside the box have good chances of excelling in the pharmaceutical arena.
* Maintain a can-do attitude at all times while keeping your integrity intact.
* Pharmaceutical sales has a lot to do with learning difficult information. Mastering the product info sheets is critical to achieving pharmaceutical sales success.
* Be prepared to concentrate on goals until they are all achieved. Companies love tireless and mentally-tough workers.
* Sales representatives have to be good at following up and deciding on which areas to focus their time and efforts on. A typical sales rep day will involve several calls to the doctors’ offices, pharmacies and hospitals. You’ve got to be psyched-up every single day for all that. Doctors feed off your enthusiasm and excitement. You have to be just as fresh for your 8 p.m. call as you were for your 8 a.m. appointment.

The essence of a good pharmaceutical sales representative is communication. Individuals who communicate well can engage listeners. Good communicators are also exceptional listeners themselves.

Other absolute must-have traits of a great pharmaceuticals sales rep include a knack for presentation and negotiation, empathy, ability to anticipate client needs and influence. While there’s no substitute for good old hard work, the above pointers can help increase a person’s chances of attaining success in the pharmaceutical sales representative field.