Cover Letter for a Pharmaceutical Sales Job

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The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most lucrative and exciting career paths a salesperson can choose, but it is also one of the most volatile and demanding. The salaries and bonuses can be extremely high, but the industry is also highly competitive, and it can be very difficult to get your foot in the door. 

Here's how to help give your job application an edge. 

Sell Yourself Before You Apply 

To get your application even viewed, you need to sell yourself. Particularly in sales, people expect salespersons to be aggressive and persistent.

The best way to sell yourself is through networking. By attending industry conferences, participating in networking events, and connecting with people on LinkedIn, you can meet leaders in the field and even get linked to potential opportunities.

A well-written LinkedIn Profile summary can help you get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. When it comes time to apply, you'll have an advantage over the other candidates since your name and face will be recognized. 

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

Writing a strong, targeted cover letter is an important strategy for getting hired in pharmaceutical sales. 

Demonstrate Your Knowledge. Use your cover letter to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and its product base. For instance, if the company focuses on biologics rather than medicines with broad appeal, you need to mention this as it is a huge differentiating factor for the company.

Showing that you understand the difference means that it will be easier to train you on pharmaceutical regulations, drug specifics, and safety information once hired. 

Before you write a cover letter, research the company. This background knowledge will help you write a letter that's compelling to hiring managers. 

Describe Your Experience. You'll also want to describe your relevant experience. If you're looking to switch over to pharmaceutical sales from a different type of sales, show how your skills are transferable.

Showcase Your Achievements. Plus, show off your accomplishments. If you landed big clients or hit sales goals in previous roles, make sure to mention it within your cover letter. 

Include Your Most Relevant Skills. Review these in-demand pharmaceutical sales skills that can be included in your resume and cover letter.

Pharmaceutical Sales Cover Letter Template

This is an example of a cover letter for a pharmaceutical sales job. Download the pharmaceutical sales job cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a cover letter for a pharmaceutical sales job
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Pharmaceutical Sales Cover Letter Example

Pharmaceutical Sales Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Valerie Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
valerie.applicant@email.com

January 28, 2021

Christopher Lopez
Director, Human Resources
Merrick Pharmaceuticals
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lopez,

It was with much interest that I learned from Joe Greene, your Assistant Director of Marketing, that Merrick Pharmaceuticals is currently increasing its sales force. As a Sales Representative with 5 years’ progressive experience establishing a powerful network of long-term relationships with outside clients in the metro Chicago area, I am eager to transfer my sales talents to the field of pharmaceutical sales.

The skills and training I can bring to this position are unique. Although I have successfully built a reputation as an engaging and productive Sales Representative for the software industry, in college, I minored in Microbiology. I can thus bring to you not only proven consultative sales skills, but also an understanding of laboratory protocols and scientific terminology which will ensure my swift mastery of the applications and counterindications of your line of diabetes medications. A few of the qualifications I bring to the table include:

  • A consistent record of heightening YOY sales production for my current employer, Genius Software Solutions, generating $1.6 million in sales over the course of the past twelve months.
  • Enthusiastic pursuit and capture of Genius’ top annual sales awards for the past three years running.
  • Solid experience planning and executing exciting trade shows to increase brand awareness, build contact lists, and capitalize on rising industry trends.

My clients will tell you that I am both perceptive and analytical in discerning and responding to their individual needs – because I perform extensive client research well before our initial contact, it is easy to swiftly build rapport and make effective use of narrow appointment windows. I also work closely with our internal sales and R&D teams to guarantee that my knowledge of both our current and emerging product lines is spot on. 

Eager to learn more about the challenges and growth opportunities you offer your sales team members, I would be grateful for a personal interview. Thank you for your time, consideration, and forthcoming response.

Sincerely,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Valerie Applicant