What exactly does a pharmaceutical sales representative do in the field?? What his day looks like? You probably have a rough idea of this in your head – perhaps from our interview with pharmaceutical representative Alice Di Benedetto. Today we would like to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the job description by describing a typical day of a pharmaceutical sales representative in the field:
The morning
The workday of a pharmaceutical sales representative starts early: even before the first practice opens. On average, there are eight to twelve visits to doctors and clinics on the list in one day – and the appointments with pharmaceutical representatives usually take place during regular opening hours.
The preparation
Before the tour starts, the company car is loaded with all the documents needed on the day, such as. B. Information material and samples. The service tablet must not be missing either – here the pharmaceutical representative takes notes or can show presentations and other information to the doctors in a vivid way.The upcoming route is entered into the company car's sat nav and off we go.
The dates
With the doctor's offices and clinics that will be approached, the pharmaceutical sales representative has, in the best case, already made appointments in advance. Sometimes, however, this is not possible. This can then mean waiting a while or two. A pharmaceutical sales representative uses this to go through his notes once again. The discussions with the doctors are professional discussions: The doctors want to be informed. The pharmaceutical representative knows about the market. This also includes knowledge of current studies on products, on new preparations and their modes of action, and on health policy issues. The doctor, in turn, reports experiences with certain medications and may ask queries. Following an appointment, it is confirmed by signature of the respective doctor.
A pharmaceutical representative can supervise about 200 doctors in his area of operation. A relationship of trust develops with many over time – this is especially important in the pharmaceutical industry. Employees in the field should therefore reliably. Always be there for any questions. If an answer is not immediately available, the pharmaceutical representative can always contact the office and get the information.
The second part of the working day
After the doctor's visits, the desk work begins. The documentation of the day is especially important. This includes z. B. Notes on what was discussed in each case, so that the pharmaceutical representative can address it on the next visit. Personal attention is vital in the pharmaceutical profession.
If the doctor has provided feedback on products, they will now be passed on to the regional manager or head office. Here, the pharmaceutical representative takes on the role of a mediator between the doctors and the pharmaceutical industry.
Then it's time to prepare for the next day. For this purpose, the appointments are gone through once again, the route is put together and the work material is prepared. Regular team meetings with colleagues and superiors have to be scheduled.
The workday ends with reading and writing important communications to the company, as well as researching news from the industry. Pharmaceutical representatives are well connected through their employer and personally, so they don't miss any important information. After all, a doctor may have a question about it the very next day.
You are interested in becoming a pharmaceutical sales representative? Then take a look at our blog post Successfully applying for a job in the pharmaceutical industry or simply go directly to our job board.