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

A: In my experience, an MBA is not going to make or break you. 

Most of the people hired for pharmaceutical sales rep positions do not have MBAs.  It's more important to have charisma, to present yourself well, and to be able to clearly articulate your thoughts. 

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recommendations: Resume Writer; The man who I think is the best resume writer in the industry - He did my resume (twice) and I recommend him highly.  Scott Burke of TCA has 25 years experience writing pharmaceutical resume's and cover letters.  Click Here for Details

recommendations: Resume Blaster:  Submit your resume to more than specialized 750 recruiters who deal only with pharmaceutical and medical device companies.  Click Here For My Review

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If your intentions are to get into management, however, an MBA may be an asset.  A doctorate degree may also help you get your foot in the door, especially if you eventually want to get involved in the more clinical aspects of the pharmaceutical industry.

What I would do would be to spend a few years in the field, make some money, get some experience and have your company put you through MBA school.  They will even pay for your books and exam fees ( as long as you pass).  When you get your MBA it's a feather in your cap, particularly since they are watching you from day one.

Like, if you graduate with an A, your boss will be able to attest to the fact that you worked hard and she watched you grow and mature in your career and that you were willing to make sacrifices for the sake of bettering yourself.

All of the big companies have tuition reimbursement perks, as long as the degree is from an accredited academic institution, has a direct relationship to your job or will make you eligible for a job upgrade within the company. Adult education or non-matriculated course matter is usually not reimbursable.

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recommendations:  Pharmaceutical  Sales Book; - Of all of the Pharm sales books I have seen so far, the best one is "Insight into a Career in Pharmaceutical Sales", by Anne Clayton.
>Click Here to read my review of Ms Clayton's Book
>Click Here to see Pharm Rep FAQ from Anne Clayton's Website

recommendations: Resume Writer; The man who I think is the best resume writer in the industry - He did my resume (twice) and I recommend him highly.  Scott Burke of TCA has 25 years experience writing pharmaceutical resume's and cover letters.  Click Here for Details

recommendations: Resume Blaster:  Submit your resume to more than specialized 750 recruiters who deal only with pharmaceutical and medical device companies.  Click Here For My Review

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