Pharma Sales Job Description

Pharmaceutical sales is one of the biggest and most profitable industries in the world. Pharma sales reps sell an amazing variety of products, from insulin to HIV treatments and cancer medication to blood pressure meds and everything in between. Customers include doctors, hospital administrators and clinic administrators. Even though the headlines shout about pharma sales rep layoffs, there are still great jobs to be had for a skilled sales rep. How do you go about landing apharmaceutical sales job? In order to get your foot in the door, you will need to know a few things.

First, you should familiarize yourself with the major pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. (even a basic internet search will tell you a lot). These companies are generally very well known and chances are good that you can think of a few right off the top of your head-like Glaxo-Smith Kline, Astra-Zeneca, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Roche. Knowing their principal product lines, star products, and positions in the marketplace will help make you stand out as a candidate. Check out company websites for their sales career requirements. Each company will likely have a few of their own unique requirements, but most will have a wide swath of common prerequisites.

For instance, most pharmaceutical sales jobs will require frequent travel. Therefore, major drug manufacturers will likely require that you have a clean driving record. You will also need to have some experience in sales, with experience within the medical industry being a definite bonus. Solid communication skills are a requirement, as well as self-confidence, personal initiative and self-motivation, and strong organizational skills.

You should consider a few other things before choosing this career path. For instance, preference is often given to those with an experience in nursing, as well as those with a history in B2B (business to business) sales. General medical industry experience is a bonus. If you don't have that, you might consider obtaining such experience prior to applying for anypharmaceutical sales positions. An educational background in science helps, as well as participating in a ride-along with a pharma rep, which is also known as a field preceptorship. Because it's a competitive field, your job search can take as much as 6 to 12 months. Having the preferred skills and experience will help you reduce the amount of time spent searching for positions, before finally attaining one.