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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: How much money do pharmaceutical sales representatives earn?  What about getting laid off?

A:  As far as salary is concerned, my educated guess is that salaries start at the mid to upper 40's, topping off in the high 90's (not including bonus which can go as high as 50% of base salary).

Some super-stars have total earnings of as high as 140K but they are far and few between and likely to have lots of gray hairs (on their head, lol).

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After 10 years, top performers should realistically be making 100K or very close. (not including bonus)

District Managers start in the mid 70's or 80's  and top off at about 135K or so depending on tenure and ability with a similar bonus structure to the sales representatives.

You also have to factor in perks such as:

- company car including insurance, tags, gasoline, repairs, tires, car washes, etc  (a $5,000/year value).

- Company paid high speed internet access ($40 - $60 per month)

- Company paid garage space (where applicable; in NYC, LA or Boston  this can easily be worth $5,000 per year.

- Cell Phone allowance.

- Company lap top, printer, PDA.

- Full benefits medical (usually including IVF ), dental, eyeglasses, adoption, prescription benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, company matched 401K,

- Paid vacation and holidays (usually in the 4 - 8 week range depending on tenure).

- Incentive trips to places like the Caribbean, cruises, etc.

Most pharmaceutical sales representatives become wealthy from their 401K plans and their stock options rather than from their salaries.

I personally know several successful pharmaceutical representatives who have retired in their mid fifty's or early sixty's with multi-million dollar retirement nest-eggs due to their company's generous benefit packages.

As far as layoffs are concerned, the industry is somewhat cyclical. At the present time we are in the midst of a gold-rush of new product introductions.

If you are hard worker, you do not need to worry about getting laid off. Consider this -- the reps bring in the money -- the rest of the company spends the money. Good reps are always in demand.

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