Pharmaceutical Sales: Selling Technological Products in a Professional Environment?

Answer 1

A report by the global organizational and human resource consulting firm, Hay House, claims that the pharmaceutical industry has grown by over three hundred percent in the last ten years. A pharmaceutical sales job is often called recession proof since it is historically stable and offers its sales representatives excellent financial packages that include a company car and flexible work schedules. The amazing growth of the industry is fueled by an aging population that is living longer and needs chemically stimulated medical help to maintain their longevity.

Pharmaceutical sales is a prestigious position that offers advanced technological products to highly educated physicians that function in a specialized and professional environment. Sales representatives are highly motivated self-starters that have strong technological skills and business savvy. Most pharmaceutical companies look for college graduates, experienced salespeople, military officers, and anyone else that has the intellectual versatility, stamina, and the experience to function in this fast-track sales market.

Education and Other Job Requirements

Most sales candidates earn a degree in business or science. It's rare but it is possible to be hired as a pharmaceutical sales representative without a college degree. Some pharmaceutical companies want experienced sales people so they don't hire new college graduates, but companies like Pfizer and Merck do fill some positions with new graduates. Most companies look for a college degree and at least two years of business to business sales experience in healthcare or a clinical background with impressive job accomplishments.

Most pharmaceutical reps are goal driven, well organized, creative, polished, energetic, motivated, trustworthy, persuasive, aggressive, willing to learn, and ethical self starters that perform well independently. Good listening and negotiating skills are important and good physical stamina is essential in order to handle sample cases and long hours that include driving, entertaining, and paper work.

Salary and Benefits

New pharmaceutical sales reps earn around $51,000 a year plus benefits which usually include a company car. Sales reps with experience earn over $75,000 a year and some of the top reps earn well over $100,000 a year plus company perks that include trips, cash bonuses, and additional vacation time.