You have heard the old saying, “Try, try and try again”.  If you have pursued the idea of getting into pharmaceutical or medical sales and have not been successful… keep on trying.

To help you determine if you have the right background to be considered, here are a few questions commonly asked..

Do you have a four-year college degree?

A degree (BS or BA) is typically a requirement of most pharmaceutical and medical sales companies today.  If your major is in the sciences, marketing, business or communications, even better.

Do you have any outside sales experience?

Companies typically seek individuals with at least 2 years of outside sales experience calling on businesses.  This experience in sales can range from telecommunications, cellular, payroll services or copier sales.

Does your resume show a track record of success?

A high grade point average, scholarships, competitive sports awards and documented sales achievements are all important in showing your “winning” attributes.  You can download an example resume from our sponsor site, Global Edge Recruiting.

Do you have “the look”?

It may sound funny, but most successful sales representatives present themselves in a confident manner.  Clean, neat, professional appearances go a long way.

Companies are now realizing that there are countless individuals that have spent a tremendous amount time and effort training and educating themselves for this sales environment. How did they do it? By putting their time in selling in the b2b environment promoting copiers, cell phones, rental cars and a host of other “tough sales” products. Selling pharmaceuticals isn’t always a picnic, there are a multiple responsibilities and a pharmaceutical rep must quickly learn the ability to get past “gatekeepers.”
As we are all intimately aware, many of our friends and colleagues have either lost their jobs or are threatened with this potential reality. These folks deserve our respect and have earned a shot at their next sales gig based on what they can and have produced.
Yes, the stereotypical model of a pharmaceutical sales rep is changing and still needs to change. However, hiring managers must realize that every person is an individual and as such has his or her own unique talents and abilities.

Pharmaceutical candidates today need to prove their abilities in today’s job market with proven sales achievements just like they’ve done in the past to get beyond stereotypes.

How hard are you trying to get a job in this field?

Due to constant changes in the medical market, companies have rapidly changing staffing needs.  Diligence is important in seeking out positions of interest.  Spend time looking for the right job opportunities.  Finding the right position can be a full time job in itself at times.  Don’t get discouraged.

Will Certification Help Me Get a Job in Medical or Pharmaceutical Sales?

We have often been asked this question.  There are a few nationally recognized medical sales and pharmaceutical sales certification programs available to those interested in adding this to their resume.

These programs offer education and training for those trying to enter the field of medical or pharmaceutical sales.  The curriculum can be beneficial by educating candidates on medical terminology, disease states, anatomy and much more.  If you are trying to enter the medical or pharmaceutical sales industry and do not have basic knowledge in these areas, this type of program may help you decide if this is a good career path.

There are two basic qualifications however that most companies seek when hiring a medical or pharmaceutical sales professional.  The first is a four-year college degree from an accredited university.  The second is at least 2 years of successful outside sales experience selling a tangible product.  If you do not have these two basis qualifications, odds are you will not be able to compete for these coveted positions.  With the recent changes in the economy, even those with experience are having a hard time finding employment.

Obviously, any additional education (i.e., certification programs, sales training, ect.) cannot hurt your resume.  These programs help to show your interest and motivation is strong to enter this type of sales.  But, of equal importance is your resume itself.  Make sure your resume outlines your sales successes.  Post your sales numbers, quota attainments and rankings.  If you have relationships with key physicians, clinics or hospitals in your territory, sell this in a cover letter.  Relationships are the key in procuring your next career move.