How to Become a Successful Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
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.