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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: What are some of the things that you don't like about being a pharmaceutical sales representative?
A: You have to have lots of patience. You spend a lot of time in waiting rooms, waiting for hours and hours. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin with anxiety when I have to wait a long period of time to see a doctor.
Also, every once-in-a-while, you run into a secretary, receptionist, or some other gate-keeper that is less than polite. Sometimes, the gate-keepers can be downright nasty. However, the positive aspects of the job far outweigh its negative aspects.
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You have to also remember that there is a lot of ego- massaging in this job. Medical practitioners work in a fast-paced, high pressure environment. Sometimes they may come off gruff or impolite -- if you take rejection personally, this is not the job for you.
Another thing that people gripe about is the volume of paperwork that they get. Some managers are highly detail oriented and ask their reps to submit several reports, analyses, spread sheets, action plans, weekly synopses, surveys, etc.
Some people have a hard time following orders they disagree with. But your manager will not ask you to do anything that is illegal. If she asks for a spread sheet 5 times a week, that's what you have to do.
Don't go to war with your manager - you will never win.
You need to be totally subservient to your manager. If she tells you to jump you say "how high". Your manager is your manager because she is smart and experienced.
In all the years I have been a rep, the paperwork has never been an issue for me. You need to keep on top of your reports and not save them for the last minute.
Please keep in mind that you spend a lot of time in waiting rooms, waiting to see the doctor. Instead of reading People Magazine or playing Gameboy in the waiting room, a smart rep uses this downtime to get a jump on her paperwork.
Another source of anxiety for some reps is the frustration they feel when they work real hard but they don't make a big bonus. Sometimes there are factors that are beyond your control at work in your territory that have a negative impact on sales.
The worst thing is when you and your manager don't see things eye to eye - as long as you are doing your job you should not have a problem. Nobody is going to give you a hard time if you are out there busting your butt ( calling on 10 or 15 doctors and two pharmacies a day), and your product knowledge, selling skills and paperwork are up to date.
If you are unfortunate enough to be saddled with a micro-manager as a DM, the job's stress level increases. However, micro-manager DM's have a tendency to burn out pretty fast and as long as you do what they ask of you they will pretty much love you to death.
See also: What's the hardest thing about being a rep ?
Back To Pharm Rep FAQ Index
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