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How to Break into Pharmaceutical Sales |
Getting into the pharmaceutical sales field is never easy, we look at some ways people can get a foothold in the industry.
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Pharmaceutical sales is one of the top-earning, most challenging and rewarding areas of sales today. The field is wide open for the right people – pharmaceutical companies look for outstanding people to represent their companies, so a four year college degree, a strong work ethic, a proven track record and good communication skills will put you ahead of the pack.
But even if you do have the right stuff, you may not know how to break into the industry, Here are a few pointers on how to break into pharmaceutical sales:
1. Word of mouth. Most pharmaceutical companies prefer to hire from within or fill positions with salespeople who are recommended by people they trust. The best way to find out if a company has any current openings is to ask their current sales reps. If you have a good relationship with the office staff at a doctor’s office, have them ask for you – or ask them for the reps’ business cards and call them yourself.
2. Send a resume and cover letter. Have a solid resume with no gaps in employment. Make sure your resume is straightforward, simple and up to date. Keep your cover letter’s language equally to the point – the idea os to get an interview, not overwhelm them with information.
3. Recruiters. Most jobs can be gotten without a recruiter, if you figure out where to look and who to submit your resume to. That said, recruiters can help – if you feel like you just keep hitting brick walls, make a few calls and visit a recruiter.
4. Check the newspaper ads. Pharmaceutical companies are very fussy about who they hire for their sales teams. So check the last couple of months worth of newspapers at your local library, jot down the personnel information when you see and ad, and contact the company – you may catch them with an opening.
5. Have plenty of sales experience. It shows potential employers that you know the business, you have a track record and you’re aware of what you’re getting into. Even telephone sales or fundraising for a non-profit are a bonus.
6. Have plenty of life experience, too. Pharmaceutical companies wants unique, dynamic, outstanding people for their sales teams. Anything in your life that marks you as a leader – working as a teacher, or coaching Little League – helps to express that you’re someone who can influence others, a key skill in sales.
7. Know a bit about science. Once you get a pharmaceutical sales job, you’ll need to read piles of industry journals, manuals, brochures and pamphlets and drugs and treatment plans – and if you’re already interested in science, it’s extremely helpful. It’s certainly not a job for people who find science boring.
Right now, there are over 83,000 pharmaceutical sales representatives in the United States. The number of jobs increases and decreases depending on market trends. Salaries start around $35,000 per year and continue to upwards of $90,000, plus bonuses which can equal as much as 50 percent of your base salary. For the right person, it’s a great job – so find a way to get your foot in the door and start selling.
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