Landing Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs: Answers To Your Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are pharmaceutical sales jobs in such high demand?
A: Pharmaceutical sales careers have consistently ranked among the most rewarding careers in America. It is common knowledge that pharmaceutical companies treat their sales representatives exceptionally well. Most offer excellent salaries with commissions and outstanding benefits packages including company car. The extra perks include bonuses, incentive prizes, and all expense paid trips to wonderful cities. (The fact that you don’t have a boss to report to on a daily basis is an added perk!)
Q: I have no sales experience/I am a recent college graduate; do I still have a chance?
A: Yes, you do have a chance.....a good chance! Pharmaceutical companies hire people with and without sales experience, including recent and new college grads. They hire people from all backgrounds with all kinds of experience. (Accountants, teachers, nurses, office managers, computer programmers, and marketing professionals to name just a few!) Some companies and managers prefer sales experience but it is not a rule. Generally, most companies allow their managers to make most of the hiring decisions. They usually hire the proven leaders and achievers as well as people who can converse well and listen well.
Q: I have posted my resume on career websites and I have not gotten any interviews.
A: In this industry, posting is necessary but it is not enough. You can’t assume that companies and recruiters will come to you. You have to go to them. (This program will show you exactly what you need to do to get interviews and it will also show you how to format and create a resume for better success with online submission ) Refer to the e-resumes section of this book for some additional advice. An online resume requires a completely separate set of rules than the traditional resume. (Just a note: If you follow this program, you will have a lot more luck landing interviews than if you were to post your resume online.)
Q: I don’t have a bachelor’s degree, will my business experience compensate for my lack of degree?
A: There are pharmaceutical reps out there with no bachelor’s degree but not many. In general, pharmaceutical companies can afford to be very selective simply because of the number of applicants per opening. Most companies have the 4-year degree requirement. If you feel that you have an exceptional resume and decide to pursue this field without a 4-year degree, keep in mind that your job search may take a while longer than the norm and you may have limited success.
Q: Am I too old to break into pharmaceutical sales?
A: No. Pharmaceutical companies hire from all age groups. Some of the top reps out there are older and more seasoned professionals. Keep in mind that most of the physicians that you will be calling on are in their 40’s and older. The philosophy of some companies and managers is that an older rep can relate on a more personal level with the physician and can also hold a more mature and meaningful conversation. There are many reps out there who are in their 20’s but that is not the case across the board.
Q: Do I need a science degree to break into pharmaceutical sales?
A: No. Pharmaceutical companies hire people with backgrounds that range from accounting to zoology. As a rule, all of the science that one needs to succeed in this industry is taught during the initial training period.
Q: How important is my resume?
A: Very important!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is not uncommon for some managers to get over 500 resumes for one opening. You have got to give some time and attention to your resume if you want to get attention in this sea of applicants. (See the resume tips in this program) If you are going to go the professional resume writing route, be sure to do your research before hiring one.
Q: How do I shop for a resume writer?
A: Look for a resume writer that specializes in sales or pharmaceutical sales and do the following:
-
Ask for referrals from some of their satisfied customers.
-
Interview 3 or more companies and then make a decision based on the information that you have gathered.
-
Check with your local Better Business Bureau to make sure that there have been no complaints filed about them.
-
Ask who actually writes the resume. Some companies actually farm out the work that they get.
-
Ask if they offer a guarantee for their work. If you don’t get any interviews with your resume, will they rewrite it?
Ask how much they charge and find out exactly what is included. Do they provide the paper, a scannable version? (Resumes can run anywhere from 100-500 dollars, the average being approximately 200 dollars)
Get "A PHARMACEUTICAL SALES JOB INTERVIEW IN 3 DAYS” and get interviewing!