I have been trying to get a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative job , is it worth it??
Asked by hardworker
I have been trying to get a Pharm. Sales job and it seems impossible. The competition is fierce. I might as well enter a masters program or play the lotto. From reps out there, is this job worth it or it's not what it seems. Why do sooooo many people desire this job? Other postions have great benefits and perks also. Let me know what you like most about your position. Thanks.

Best Answer:
This job is good and worth paying with promotion and increment chances in future, go for it. For Job selection criteria would be- Income/Salary/Money, Enjoy, Like the product/service, Great Future prospects for increment and promotion.

Competition's not THAT fierce. You're up against people with and without prior sales experience. If you don't have prior sales experience, get some... work in copier sales or auto sales or something that involves a hard product - do this for a year or two, prove that you can "move" a product, then re-apply. The job is definitely worth it: starting salary is usually 45-50/year; bonuses average 12-15/year; your car/insurance/gas is paid for; you have 401k matches (usually 100%), dental, medical ---- all of this for basically going around and talking to people about your drug(s). You begin to develop relationships and this is, in the end, what helps pharma reps out (they write your product(s) because they enjoy your company and they want you to succeed). What I like most about my current position is the flexibility. Don't get me (or anyone else) wrong, if your numbers/sales aren't up to par (either meeting or exceeeding prespecified goals), you could be canned. It's all about work ethic in this industry. A good book to read w/ regard to interviewing is entitled "Knock 'em Dead" and is written by a guy with the last name of Yates or Yeates. I had a friend recommend it to me AFTER my first few interviews (from which I was not asked to complete successive interviews) and it paid off handsomely (after I read the book, I knew how to answer the questions), for I landed a job w/ a top-tier pharmaceutical company - and have done considerably well w/ regard to contests, bonuses and awards. You don't HAVE to have experience, but it surely helps. One last piece of advice: no matter with whom you interview (big-name company or small-name company), once you get in you generally are "in" and can change companies (like from a smaller company to a big company) if your track record is decent. A change from one company to another generally involves a higher base salary. Good luck.
Answered by dgreen75503

It's an excellent job if you're the talkative, gregarious type.... you have the freedom to travel around and meet with doctors... the money is great... the benefits are wonderful... but it IS a lot of hard work and, often, the hours are long.... but if you have an outgoing personality and enjoy sales, this is the most fun type of sales job to have! DOn't give up on the job hunt... try smaller companies at first if you have to... as long as you have a 4 year degree and a willingness to participate in in-depth company training programs, you'll find a decent job in time. Finding a job can sometimes BE a full time job in and of itself... but it's worth it in the end. Here's a good eBook on how to find pharmaceutical sales jobs... maybe it can help you. http://fireboat.freespipub.hop.clickbank.net/ It has info on Resumes, Common Interview Questions and Advice, Info on Training Programs, etc. Good luck to you... keep at it!
Answered by zinfoz