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