How to Become a Pharmacutical Sales Rep
A pharmaceutical sales representative works with pharmaceutical companies to market their medical products to independent clinics, physicians and hospital managers. The sales representative's goal is convince these health institutions to purchase the product. Some pharmaceutical sales representatives spend time travelling out-of-state, to pharmaceutical sales conferences and workshops.Most of the time, representatives meet with health care professionals during business hours, then spend additional time responding to electronic mail or writing pharmaceutical sales reports.
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Things You'll Need
- Life sciences degree
- Medical product knowledge
- Pharmaceutical terminology
- Sales techniques
Instructions
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Complete a two- to four-year college degree in a science major, such as biology, according to Degree Finders. Pharmaceutical sales employees can use their degree to show that they know something about the products they are representing and how those products may impact the human body. Plan to take additional courses in business, including principles of marketing.
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Accept a part-time sales job during your third or fourth year of college. A part-time sales position helps potential pharmaceutical sales people develop marketing and communication skills. Apply for part-time sales jobs in retail or telemarketing. Use these jobs to learn sales techniques.
Enhance your communication and interpersonal skills, before interacting with health care professionals. Physicians spend time questioning sales representatives about their products; therefore, a pharmaceutical sales representative must be knowledgeable about the products he is trying to sell.
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Ask career services about future college job fairs, including the dates and times. Prepare for the job fair by dressing conservatively and professionally, as you want the recruiter to take you seriously, according to Degree Finders.
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Research each pharmaceutical company, before attending the college fair. Learn about a company's organizational structure and products. Once you have decided on the company you want to work for, apply for the job and submit your resume.
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Tips & Warnings
Prepare to arrive at an interview 30 minutes early. Use this time to review the pharmaceutical company's information.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit pills image by Bruce MacQueen from Fotolia.com
