Getting into Pharmaceutical Sales is tough. Relatively high pay, perks and an above average degree of freedom make it a somewhat attractive occupation for many people to strive for. What I\’m gong to do here is to establish the framework for a good pharmaceutical sales resume - one that should give you a good chance of getting an interview with a drug company.

There are two key factors that you want to covey to the recruiting company, initially through your pharmaceutical sales resume and secondly through your actual interview:

Firstly that you have a track record in sales - and of being able to deliver on target or better than target results. So even if you have no background per se in Pharmaceutical Sales, you need at least to demonstrate that you can sell well. If you are in sales already, but not working in the pharmaceutical sales industry, then this may sound a bit daunting. But it\’s not really: you simply need to prove that you can sell (give examples of achieving quota, or \’better still\’ over-achieving quota) and you\’ll be well on the way.

The second point to really need to get across is that you have the skill set, aptitude and determination to do well in the pharmaceutical business.

Let\’s explore these issues in more detail. Let\’s put it in perspective; for a start you should remember that Pharmaceutical companies favour people who are positive and highly confident - these jobs are not for the meek and mild. The pharmaceutical sales representative hiring process itself generally involves a lot of gruelling interviews - which you could argue that in a way, this gives any aspiring pharmaceutical sales person a taste of what the actual sales rep job would be like.

Drug companies value people skills, like diplomacy and tact. Those who do manage to land an interview need to be prepared to ask and answer questions regarding the firm\’s products - so do your homework! The really successful pharmaceutical sales reps are the ones that possess something of an entrepreneurial spirit. And people who think outside the box have good chances of excelling in the pharmaceutical arena.

Always keep a can-do attitude at all times while keeping your integrity intact. Pharmaceutical sales has a lot to do with learning difficult information - mastering the product info sheets is critical to achieving success. Make sure that your pharmaceutical sales resume displays this skill.

You must be prepared to concentrate on your goals until they are all achieved. Companies love tireless and mentally-tough workers.

Pharmaceutical Sales reps need to be good at following up and deciding on which areas to focus their time and efforts on. For instance a typical sales rep day will involve several calls to the doctors\’ offices, pharmacies and hospitals. So you\’ve got to be psyched-up every single day for all that. Doctors feed off your enthusiasm and excitement. You have to be just as fresh for your 8 p.m. call as you were for your 8 a.m. appointment.

The essence of a good pharmaceutical sales representative is basically communication. Individuals who communicate well can engage listeners. Good communicators are also great listeners themselves.

Other necessary traits that you should have as a great pharmaceuticals sales rep include ability for presentation and negotiation, empathy, ability to anticipate client needs and influence. While there\’s no substitute for good old fashion hard work, the above pointers can help increase your chances of \’clinching the deal\’ and therefore attaining success in the pharmaceutical sales field.

Copyright Richard Chuan

Richard H Chuan

Busness professional who has worked for the last 20 years in sales, marketing and recruitment. Has an avid interest in resume writing in particular and has worked at times as a resume writing coach.
In addition to writing the occasional article, also publishes business focussed eBoooks. Runs a few business websites including http://www.WriteAPharmaceuticalSalesResume.com a specialist facility for sales people working in - or intending to work in - the Pharmaceutical indsutry.