| |
Pharmaceutical Sales
Contract Companies-
A Great Way to Break Into Pharmaceutical Sales?
Pharmaceutical Sales Contract Companies and Contract Sales Positions are Growing in Popularity. With all the difficulties candidates experience in obtaining regular pharmaceutical sales jobs, should this be your goal? We report...you decide!
First, let's start with the basics. Pharmaceutical Sales Contract Companies provide temporary pharmaceutical sales representatives to pharmaceutical companies. Pharmaceutical sales reps working for these organizations are often referred to as "flex reps" and may work on a full or part-time basis.
Obviously the
compensation from pharmaceutical sales contract companies
is different than the salary and benefits from pharmaceutical companies. Flex reps may be paid a salary or paid per physician signature, depending on the terms of the contract. In addition, flex reps are not typically provided a company car, but given a mileage allowance for using their personal vehicle.
Pharmaceutical Sales Contract Companies are in more and more demand as pharmaceutical companies increasingly utilize them for a variety of reasons:New Product Launches,Sales Force Expansions, or even for aTemporary Boost in Their Sales Force to Meet Their Product Goals.
As a result, many flex reps enjoy permanent pharmaceutical positions within the contract sales organization.
Now to the nitty gritty...the positives and negatives of working as a flex rep in a pharmaceutical sales contract sales force:
The POSITIVES of Pharmaceutical Sales Contract Sales Positions:It's a great opportunity to gain experience in the pharmaceutical sales field.Many flex-reps enjoy the variety that comes from working on different contracts with diverse pharmaceutical companies.Entry requirements are usually less strict than those of the pharmaceutical company, so it's easier to get in.Flex reps that work hard and produce great sales results will often get "rolled over" to the pharmaceutical company's permanent sales force.
The NEGATIVES of Pharmaceutical Sales Contract Sales Positions:The total compensation package is usually significantly lower than those packages provided with permanent employment.Because it is a "contract" sales force, flex reps are not guaranteed a steady supply of continuous employment.As recruiters, we've seen a fair amount of negativity towards "flex reps" from hiring managers. Many mid-size and smaller pharmaceutical companies seem to think flex reps are those that couldn't gain employment with pharma companies, and so they're simply not as good. While we know this is an incorrect assumption, it unfortunately affects who gets interviewed and who doesn't. However, this should cheer you up...the larger pharmaceutical companies don't seem to have this issue, and readily hire flex reps over those without previous industry experience.
Listing of Pharmaceutical Sales Contract Sales CompaniesFor your convenience, here's a listing of pharmaceutical sales contract organizations:Ventiv Health, Inc. http://www.ventiv.comProfessional Detailing Inc. http://www.pdi-inc.comQuintiles http://www.quintiles.comDendrite International, Inc. http://www.drte.comPro-Pharma (Canada) http://www.pro-pharma.comMcKesson Corporation http://www.mckesson.com/Publicis Selling Solutions http://www.psellingsolutions.cominVentiv Health http://www.inventivhealth.com
How Do I Prepare for Interviews with Pharmaceutical Sales Contract Sales Companies?The same manner in which you would for a pharmaceutical company. Prepare for the telephone interview and STAR interview questions, create a brag book, and don't forget to close! Go into the interview prepared and confident...and you'll smoke the other candidates!
In summary, pharmaceutical sales contract sales companies are a good way to go, especially if you need to obtain a job quickly. If, however, you're still employed, I suggest taking your time to research, fine-tune your resume and cover letter, practice those interviewing skills, and go for a permanent position with a pharmaceutical company. Of course, without knowing your personal situation...you have to decide what's best for you.
NEWS....NEWS...NEWS...NEWS...Want insight into the Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Process?
We have created a pharmaceutical sales interview coaching blog.You'll find a link to this blog on our home page, or click on this link, now! Our Pharmaceutical Sales Interview Coaching Blog contains cutting-edge pharmaceutical sales career/industry information, plus incredible interview tips, questions, and strategies. Get answers to your questions...we update on a consistent basis. Your personal pharmaceutical sales interview coach is only a click away!
By the way, you may want to check-out the latest pages added to our site. We're simply your best source for everything related to Pharmaceutical Sales Careers!
WAIT!...Don't Go Without Reading This! Don't Even Consider Bogus Pharmaceutical Sales Certification Courses until you've read this!
|
