What does a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative do?
Published 3 min read
A pharmaceutical sales representative is responsible for promoting and selling drugs to physicians and other healthcare professionals. They must have a strong knowledge of the products they are selling, as well as the ability to build relationships with customers.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative job duties include:
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with key opinion leaders
- Planning and executing promotional activities
- Collecting market intelligence
- Managing budgets
- Coordinating with other members of the sales team
- Attending medical conferences
- Organizing and conducting educational programs for healthcare professionals
- Creating and delivering sales presentations
- Negotiating contracts
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Job Requirements
A pharmaceutical sales representative is responsible for promoting and selling drugs to doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. They must have a bachelor's degree, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher. In addition, they must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to effectively present information. Prior experience in sales, customer service, or the healthcare industry is also beneficial.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Skills
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Presentation skills
- Negotiation skills
- Time management
- Organization
- Prioritization
- Goal-oriented
- Persistence
- Self-starter
- Independent
- Driven
Related: Top Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
The first step to becoming a pharmaceutical sales representative is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Although a degree in science or business is preferred, any type of four-year degree is typically acceptable. The second step is to complete an internship with a pharmaceutical company. This will give you the opportunity to learn about the industry and the specific products that your company sells.
After completing an internship, you will then need to find a full-time position with a pharmaceutical company. Many times, these positions are entry-level and require little experience. However, it is still important to highlight any relevant experience you may have on your resume, such as customer service or sales experience.
Once you have obtained a full-time position, you will need to complete on-the-job training. This training will teach you the specific skills and knowledge needed to be successful in your role. After completing on-the-job training, you will be able to work independently and will be responsible for meeting sales goals set by your company.
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