The standard high school diploma is technically all that is required for a pharmaceutical rep job. However, most drug companies require a Bachelor degree and those with majors in life sciences, nursing, or chemistry may have a competitive edge in this job market. That is due to the type of materials (drug compositions, interactions and actions) pharmacy drug jobs require the sales rep to learn constantly changing and complex material on an ongoing basis. Most pharmaceutical drug companies will also require an excellent academic record since learning will be a constant experience for the pharmacy drug jobs. In addition, most pharmaceutical companies prefer experience in outside sales and a successful record of accomplishment in sales. The combination of academic excellence and a skilled professional sales person makes the ideal pharmaceutical drug rep.
In addition to the educational requirements that individual companies have for pharmaceutical drug rep candidates the potential sales rep should also poses a good driving record. A clean criminal record and many companies require a drug test as well. Most pharmacy drug jobs are considered outside sales that means the representative would be working on the road away from home while covering their sales territory. Much of their workday will be spent in medical settings speaking to medical professionals.
Though new graduates may not have sales related work experience and many larger pharmaceutical companies prefer a proven record of sales, they can emphasize their leadership experiences in schools, hobbies and other activities. The person in the market for pharmacy drug jobs will be well spoken, a self-starter, very organized and highly motivated. Those of course are the skills required for success in any outside sales position.
There are certification programs available through pharmaceutical sales representative associations that may be helpful in establishing interest and competency for some but are by no means required for pharmacy drug jobs.
A new graduate may find more success in seeking employment with a smaller pharmaceutical sales company, though no company should be bypassed in this competitive and very well regarded sales profession. Some experience in sales is very desirable and some pharmaceutical drug rep positions may require experience. The new graduate may find that taking a position in sales while they are searching for employment can help their resume. This is individual of course as a summer sales position during school may also have the same effect.
Persons just beginning careers or those switching careers should have their resumes polished and present their leadership, sales experience and academic qualifications succinctly. The resume for pharmacy drug jobs should be as polished and articulate but to the point as the sales professional.
There are thousands of pharmaceutical companies that employ 100s of thousands of sales professionals, and the methods of finding the right job for the professional's qualification and experience are varied as well.
Newspapers may sometimes carry advertisements for pharmacy drug jobs; the internet is another way to search for these jobs. It is very helpful if you have friends, family or coworkers in sales that can pass word on to you personally about openings for pharmacy drug jobs. This is not always possible so internet job sites are also a valuable resource for the job seeker.
The positive aspects of pharmaceutical drug rep are an excellent income, with good bonuses for the successful sales person, great benefits such as 401k, expense accounts and a company car (with many companies). A steady market for drugs from physicians and hospitals, which means a steady income is another benefit. The successful pharmaceutical drug rep's income is exceptional and their career options are limitless.
Advancement in pharmacy drug jobs can take many avenues such as direct sales management or area management or working in marketing to direct marketing efforts. Experience and educational background combined in this field provide some of the best jobs and the most upwardly mobile positions in sales.
