Do I have the right background to get into the pharmaceutical and medical sales industry?

Entry-level pharmaceutical or medical sales positions most often require a Bachelor’s Degree preferably in the sciences and at least 1-2 years of successful selling experience. Without this experience, it is extremely difficult to get an interview. Most medical companies want at least 1-2 years of outside sales experience, preferably selling tangible products in a business-to-business environment. Examples of this would be experience selling in telecommunications, business products or consumer product sales.Your resume should focus on your sales achievements and sales rankings. If you are a top achiever, your resume most likely will get noticed.

For some medical sales positions, at least 1-2 years of medical sales experience may also be required. Often times, medical sales positions require a specific background or education in a certain product line. These types of positions are more difficult to secure since the employer needs a more extensive background than an entry-level candidate can provide.

What skill sets are necessary for pharmaceutical and medical sales?

Each position requires a different set of skills and education. What we find most important, however, is the candidate’s sales abilities. An employer will measure your future success against your past successes. Because of this, it is important to bullet your achievements on your resume to draw their attention to those accomplishments. Hiring managers want detailed information up front about your sales rankings, quota attainment, awards and percentage of market share growth. Make these numbers available on your resume.

What is an average income for entry-level position in pharmaceutical or medical sales?

Obviously, income levels vary according to the type of position, travel requirements, and difficulty of the work involved. Most companies offer a competitive base salary with potential to make additional amounts in bonus or commission. Typical entry level salaries are in the 50K range with added commission potential.

Is it possible to switch from a career in pharmaceutical sales to a career in medical sales?

Employers look at experience level and sales accomplishments first.  If you can prove outstanding sales accomplishments, most employers will generally consider your experience.  It is easier to switch, if you have some relevant experience selling products to the same customer base  or physician specialty groups.   (Example: If you are currently selling cardiovascular drugs and calling on cardiovascular physicians then a medical device company selling cardiovascular devices may consider your background a fit. In addition, the medical device company may give more weight to your experience, if your resume shows proven sales accomplishments in that specific specialty.

The same concept is true if you are leaving medical sales to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals.