How to Find Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs

Those serious-looking men and women in the immaculate suits carrying the dark briefcases in your doctor's office are pharmaceutical sales representatives. Pharmaceutical sales reps build their careers around going to doctors' offices and trying to sell them on the latest drugs. Normally, a pharmaceutical sales rep will sell only the drugs produced by a certain company. Since there are dozens of drug companies coming out with new drugs all the time, the demand for pharmaceutical sales reps continues to be high. Learn how to find pharmaceutical sales jobs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Find Pharmaceutical Sales Jobs

1. Obtain a 4-year college degree in any subject. This is usually the minimum amount of education required for entry-level pharmaceutical sales jobs.

2. Get sales experience in other areas. While this is not a requirement to find a pharmaceutical sales job, it helps make you more competitive. Getting a few years of experience in other kinds of sales will help you gain the skills necessary to do the job of a pharmaceutical sales rep.

3. Visit a pharmaceutical sales job board online, such as Hire RX (see Resources below). You can search pharmaceutical sales jobs from all over the country there.

4. Check the want ads. Pharmaceutical sales jobs will typically be listed under the "medical jobs" or "sales jobs" headings.

5. Send your resume to the major drug companies. Be sure to include a cover letter which briefly mentions your academic qualifications and any prior experience you may have had that will aid you in performing the job. State a time when you will call to follow up on the resume and inquire about job openings with the company.

6. Get job placement assistance from your college's career office. This office will be able to direct you to companies that are hiring in the field of pharmaceutical sales.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for a lot of time spent sitting in waiting rooms. While most doctors will be willing to see you--they actually expect you to visit--you will most likely have to wait until the doctor has a moment or two between patients. Bringing reading material in your briefcase may help to pass the time.
• Invest in a good business wardrobe. Pharmaceutical sales reps are expected to attire themselves in formal business wear.
• It helps to be outgoing and comfortable talking to a wide variety of people if you're going to be a pharmaceutical sales representative. You should also be comfortable with traveling long distances daily and with working independently.

Resources

• Hire RX for pharmaceutical sales jobs.