How to get a job in pharmaceutical sales?

To get a job in pharmaceutical sales you need to earn a bachelor's degree, a license, or certification, and have sales experience, strong network skills, and the ability to tailor your resume and cover letter to the job at hand. Employers are looking for pharmaceutical reps who have sales experience and the ability to understand and talk about products using medical terminology. Moreover, they are also looking for someone who is a natural people-person and comes across professionally with good eye contact and listening skills.

To get your prescription for success in pharmaceutical sales, start by doing your due diligence - study the industry, stay up-to-date on the latest developments, and learn about the products you'll be selling. Next, make sure to inject your resume and cover letter with relevant skills and experience, and show potential employers that you have the right dose of charisma, knowledge, and drive to excel in this dynamic and rewarding field.

• Earn your degree.

Employers are looking for candidates who have at least a bachelor's degree. In fact, over 98% of Pharmaceutical Sales Reps have a bachelor's degree in a variety of areas such as biology, chemistry, healthcare management, business, or marketing.

• Get certified.

Certifications might not be required by all employers, but they can help with career advancement and improve your industry and sales knowledge. The National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Reps offers training courses to become a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR).

Before a pharmaceutical sales rep can begin, employers often want them to have an understanding of pharmacology, selling, and medical terminology -- and the CNPR Certification program teaches this information. And when you're ready, you'll take the CNPR Examination. It's a two-hour exam that requires a minimum score of 80% to pass.

Completion of the program helps current pharma sales reps stay up-to-date on the industry and selling techniques. And it gives individuals who'd like to break into pharmaceutical sales an introduction to sales, pharmacology, and industry guidelines and standards.

• Gain sales experience.

Most pharmaceutical companies today are seeking individuals with some type of outside sales experience, whether that be in business-to-business sales or some type of sales role held during college. Companies will train their sales representatives in their product lines, however, they are less willing to train individuals on the actual sales process. You may think you can sell any product out there, but most pharmaceutical hiring managers want to see proof.

• Network through social media.

By connecting with professionals in the industry through platforms like LinkedIn, you can expand your network and learn about potential job opportunities. Engaging with industry thought leaders and participating in relevant groups can also help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and show your knowledge and passion for the field. Additionally, sharing your own content and expertise can help you establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry and catch the attention of potential employers.

• Customizing your resume and cover letter.

It is a competitive career to pursue, so you must spend time creating a resume and cover letter that outlines your skills and abilities to an employer and stands out from the others they receive. Your resume should be accomplishment-driven and strategically aligned with the needs of the specific role you're applying for. Be sure to include industry-relevant keywords to enhance the effectiveness of your resume.

Some examples of industry-relevant keywords to add to a resume for a pharmaceutical sales position: