Leverage Your Network to Break into Pharmaceutical SalesWritten by Ryan Stewart
Anyone who has tried to get a job as a pharmaceutical sales rep knows that is can be a bit overwhelming. You have to understand strategies of effective networking, like finding pharmaceutical sales representative groups, right questions to ask whenever you are in company of those in industry and other ways to break into pharmaceutical sales. A solid networking approach will focus on 4 distinct components: expanding your network of pharmaceutical representatives, searching e-boards of pharmaceutical job listings, partnering with a recruiter who specializes in pharmaceutical and medical fields and increasing your industry knowledge.When you become a networking expert, you will understand importance of asking, “Who do you know?” and “Does that person know someone else who should be in my network?” Remember old adage, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” One of best ways to break into pharmaceuticals sales is to speak with a sales representative or district manager in industry. Building these relationships is important for a few reasons. First, it is a great way to get a referral. When an existing pharmaceutical sales rep refers someone to his district manager that can increase your exposure, which is great. Also, your existing pharma industry contacts may be able to give you more contact names, like hiring managers and Human Resource team. Third, your contacts might also have inside track on any plans to increase sales team or potential plans for opportunity within pharmaceutical industry. Remember that your main goal of networking within pharma industry is to learn as much as you can and determine your strengths that make you a solid candidate. If you can, be sure to spend some time with a pharmaceutical sales representative while he conducts his client visits. A day in life of a pharma sales rep is best way to explore industry and can help you make an informed decision on your new career.
| | Organize Your Job SearchWritten by Ryan Stewart
Every successful pharmaceutical sales job search requires two basic elements: time and organization. All other components are secondary. If you are organized , you will find more time to conduct a full-scale job search. The rule of thumb in todays economy is that it takes 1 month of job searching for every $10,000 of target salary before you get an offer. As with all rules, this can vary depending on your location, target industry and other factors; but no matter how long your job search will take, getting organized before you begin will ultimately save you time and energy.So, what is best way to organize your campaign? Initially, you need to take a personal inventory on specifics of your search. To start, you should: * Identify your skills and experience. What are you looking for in your next position? What issues do you need to consider (commute, travel, childcare, etc). * Locate and begin researching your target market. Are you searching by pharmaceutical companies or within a geographic area? * Prepare your career portfolio materials, such as your résumé, generic or posting-specific cover letter s, professional biography, brag book , etc. After determining direction of your job search campaign, you should ensure you have an organized approach to 3 major areas. Follow these initial steps to effectively organize your job search efforts: * Time - Determine how much time each week you can realistically devote to your search. You will need to build in time to search for, read and apply for advertised positions, but you also need to make sure you allow time to continue your networking efforts, write follow-up correspondence, following up on leads and visiting any employment professionals; like recruiting agencies. Be sure to work within your natural energy patterns if possible. Most people have a preference for time they make telephone calls or search job boards so try to build this into your day. It is also helpful to tackle your least favorite tasks first thing each day to get them out of way. Try keeping a time log that tracks time you spend on certain activities. This can be an effective tool if you find that you are struggling to stay on task.
|