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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

General Information
Tips On Getting In

Case Histories Of people who successfully broke into Pharma Sales:
Case History #1

Case History #2

Case History #3

Case History #4

Commonly Asked Question:
Do Reps really make lots of money? Big bonuses? 

How many products does a rep carry; how do you get paid bonus on them?

Basic Requirements for being a drug rep?
I think I want to be a pharmaceutical sales representative, but how can I know for sure?

How necessary is it to have a 4 - year degree? 

Is a scientific degree/ sales experience required

Am I too old to land a job in pharmaceutical sales?

How long should I expect my job search to last?

I'm willing to relocate for the right pharmaceutical sales job.  Will this help me ?

Will a DWI hurt my chances of being hired as a pharmaceutical rep?

I have bad credit; will this hurt my chances ?

Information  On
Landing the job

Will an MBA or other advanced degree improve my chances of being hired as a pharmaceutical sales rep?

What are the pros and cons of working with a recruiter?

How important is the resume in landing a pharmaceutical sales job?

How do I shop for a resume writer?

What are the essentials that should appear on my resume?

What about a cover letter?

What is the best way to land a job in pharmaceutical sales?

What if nobody will give me reps' business cards?

Are newspaper advertisements a good way to find a job in pharm sales?

What is a Job-Fair?  How useful are they?

What do companies look for at Job-Fairs?

What are the pros and cons of working at a small pharmaceutical company versus one of the biggies?

I am in college. What can I do to enhance my odds of being hired as a  pharmaceutical sales representative?

The Interview Process

Why do the drug companies give so many interviews; why does the process take so long ?

What should I bring to an interview? 

What is proper etiquette for a "ride-along?"

I have been on several interviews but received no offers.  What could I be doing wrong?

Daily Operations/ Miscellaneous
Do Reps really make large bonuses?  How many products does a rep carry and how do you get paid bonus on them?

If I'm hired, what kind of training can I expect?

What is a typical day for a pharmaceutical sales representative?

How many sales calls are you required to make each day?

What is a contract sales company ?

Should I accept a contract sales position if my real goal is to work directly for a drug company?

I am lucky enough to have more than one job offer.  How do I decide?

When the economy does a downturn, what is the job market like for pharmaceutical sales reps?

If I am hired, and I have poor sales, will I be fired ?

What are some of the things that you don't like about being a pharmaceutical rep?
   
What's the hardest thing about being a  rep ?


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Frequently Asked Questions regarding the profession of
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

See Also:[ Pharm Rep Tips] [Pharm Rep FAQ from Anne Clayton]


Q: Will a DWI hurt my chances of being hired as a pharmaceutical rep?

A: Yes. 

It used to be if you have a DWI on your record you were toast.  However sometimes exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.  There is no way of predicting if they will make an exception in your case [please do not e-mail me to ask].

There are instances where people who got DWI's in their teens and have clean records for many years have got hired.  Also, sometimes one of the smaller companies will tolerate a DWI for an outstanding candidate.

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In any case it is not good.  If you have a DWI (or any criminal conviction for that matter) you have 2 strikes against you.  You have to remember that the pool of applicants is enormous and the drug companies can afford to be picky.

If you are still in college and you are unfortunate to get a DWI before you apply for jobs such as pharmaceutical rep, make sure that your lawyer asks the court to seal your records if you behave for such-and-such years. 

Because if the files are not sealed and your future employer finds out you have a DWI, you will be blackballed from the industry.

You may have better prospects in a company that does not provide a company vehicle. 

I knew a representative who got a DWI.  As soon as he was convicted, he was discharged from his job.  Even though he was a talented sales representative and a great guy, the company had to let him go.

Reminder: If you are lucky enough to get hired and you ever drive a vehicle while drunk or high (or even a teeny tiny bit buzzed) you are a total moron.  If you get busted you will be fired in half a heartbeat.   Bite the bullet and take a cab home - even if it costs $125.00.