Does anyone here do pharmaceutical sales? I'm thinking about perhaps heading my sales career in that direction. Anyone know about the credit checks, background checks etc? I'm just trying to search out some more information and see if it's right for me. Thanks for any replies.
Hey slow down there...drugs that can help people, not hinder them. There are so many drugs out there that have made my life so much easier. Imitrex being one of them. In a way it is like a drug pusher, but I'm want to help, not hinder.
It's a GREAT career. I know somebody who does that. Makes really solid money and has a company car and benefits Expect a full check. Credit and background. You would be handling and handing out sample drugs. You're accountable for them until the samples make it to the dr's office. So... expect that they're a bit strict on background... and perhaps credit. That being said... apply and if you have any credit issues... if they offer you the job it'll be contingent on the background and/or credit. When you make it this far.. tell your recruiter (or HR) if you have mischievious credit... tell them before they see it. It'll show you're honest and it'll help the impact. They don't expect perfection.... but different companies have different standards. I would not tell the first interviewer if you have bumpy credit... but if they offer you the job and you're signing the paperwork for the background and credit check... tell someone then... it'll help your chances Merck and Abbott do full checks. Good luck It's a growth industry... normally you get full benefits including stock options... Oh... and since you're interviewing for a sales job... if you're offered a position.. negotiate base salary and stock options if you can. If they're set (they're normally in a range) then you might get a bit more.... if not.. you can always approach it as "well... you wouldn't respect me in a sales position if I didn't negotiate with you... so..." Most starting sales reps don't negotiate... and it impresses them when you do (politely shows initiative and that you'd be a solid sales rep). The more experienced reps in all fields negotiate... they know to do it and the recruiters expect it.. that's why they have a base salary range and not one base salary for all reps ask about career growth... training... research any company you apply at and KNOW about them b/f going in.. learn their history... market.. what drugs they're marketing... ask what drugs they're hiring for.. for example... the reps who do Propecia are making a killing on bonuses... the upper respiratory drug reps are doing well.. but not so much as others.. ask what drugs you might rep and how they're doing ask how well the other reps are making or exceeding quota (7 out of 10...10 of 10... 1 of 10...) it'll tell you if you're likely to make your full bonuses... and if you want the position at the end of the interview...tell them that you're very interested. they like to hear that kind of enthusiastic feedback if that's how you feel. When you make it to a second interview (or round of interviews likely)... tell them if you really think the fit is good... you'd do well... you're really excited about the opp's at their company... Enthusiasm really can make you a top candidate ... all other things being equal.. Good luck You can laugh at anyone who teased you when you're driving a company car... enjoying a nice salary and bonuses...and are racking up stock options and a great retirement package Besides... if you rep Viagra...you'll be everyone's favorite person (even though legally you can't give any out.. you can tease them with the idea that if they just buy you another beer you might be able to get them some... this one works almost forever, I'm told....
Thanks a ton for the response Marie! I have been researching this for the past two days. I was on a pharma rep bb earlier and I saw a thread about a guy who got denied at Wyeth because of some pesky mischievious credit. My credit is still a little mischievious, and will be for another year or so, but that will give me enough time to do research and market and network right This credit sentence is almost up, thank god!
