The Resume IS Dead!

Now that I have your attention…CALM DOWN…and hear me out.

There is so much talent available in the marketplace and it has become abundantly clear that people need to find a way to differentiate themselves. With Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and other such outlets dominating the Social Media space, how does one stand out anymore? Everyone is selling something. The marketplace is crowded and is becoming diluted. The same thing happens when you apply for a job opening and submit your resume along with hundreds of others to be considered for one position. What will make your resume stand out? It has already been determined that recruiters spend approximately 6 seconds reviewing a resume. What can a recruiter see in 6 seconds? If you do not possess the specific experience or qualifications that the position requires, it is highly unlikely that you will receive a call or response. Until now…

If you follow the advice given by David Meerman Scott in his YouTube video entitled Inbound Job Search you just might have a chance. In his presentation he gives an example of what successful implementation of the inbound job search process looks like. His example recounts the story of Lindsey Kirchoff, who started following Meerman Scott as a college student after reading his book, “New Rules of Marketing & PR”, where he recommends that every job hunter should have a blog (see Scott’s blog here). The bottom line is this – when you share relevant and valuable information people take notice. Whether that is via a blog, LinkedIn, Twitter or another popular social media outlet is up to you.

So, of course the resume is NOT dead. But, one must ask him/herself, “How relevant is it in this age of social media, inbound marketing, etc.?”

Happy (inbound) job hunting!

NEVER GIVE UP!

I am not a football fan.  If I watch a football game on tv, it is by default, not by design.  You see, we have ONE television in our home and when sports is on I am often overruled.  So, to keep the peace, I join in.  However, this afternoon, as I watched the Seattle Seahawks play the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game I became a fan.  Not so much of football, but of the underdog.  The score was 16-0 at the half (Green Bay).  In the 4th quarter, the score was 19-14 (Green Bay) with only a little over 2 minutes left in the game.  Then the unthinkable happened...Seattle scored a TOUCHDOWN!  Now, the score is 19-20 (Seattle Seahawks) with 1 minute & 25 seconds left in the game.  Then the unbelievable happened...the Seattle Seahawks scored a 2-point conversion to give them a 3 point lead.  NEVER GIVE UP!  The announcers said the Seattle Seahawks scored 15 points in 44 seconds.  The Green Bay Packers were not ready to concede, though.  They answered with a field goal from 48 yards with 14 seconds to play.  NEVER GIVE UP!  Finally, the improbable happened when Russell Wilson hit Jermaine Kearse for a 35-yard touchdown 3 minutes and 19 seconds into overtime to win the game for the Seahawks.  The Seattle Seahawks beat the Green Bay Bay Packers in the NFC Championship.  NEVER GIVE UP!  I'll never forget one of my district managers' favorite inspirational words, "It's not how you start, but how you finish."  Those powerful words never rang more true than on today as I watched the Seattle Seahawks pull out an astonishing win against the Green Bay Packers to earn a coveted spot in Superbowl XLIX.






As you look to transition from pharmaceutical sales to another career or a more fulfilling job NEVER GIVE UP!  You won't always find the right job opportunity.  NEVER GIVE UP!  You won't always get a call when you submit your resume.  NEVER GIVE UP!  You won't always get a call back after the phone interview.  NEVER GIVE UP!  You won't always get an offer after the face-to-face interview.  NEVER GIVE UP!  Keep searching, keep applying,  and keep interviewing.  You have to stay in the game in order to win!

Until next time-

Off the Pharm

New Year, Same Mission!

Happy New Year! 

I am looking forward to some exciting changes to come with Get Off the Pharm. As each new year comes to an end and we look forward to new beginnings, we tend to evaluate our successes and failures and make plans to improve ourselves or circumstances for the coming year. During my time of reflection and planning, I realized that I had slightly gotten away from the mission of Get Off the Pharm - "to encourage, engage, equip and empower pharmaceutical sales professionals who have been displaced and/or are searching for career alternatives."  Unfortunately, I got sidetracked by my desire to make money instead of remaining true to my original desire to help others by sharing my story and the stories of others who had successfully made it off the pharm, as well as offering advice on how to successfully transition out of pharmaceutical sales into a new career or business.  

So, in case you haven't already noticed, I have removed the Events page of the blog that was designed to advertise fee-based webinars and the Services page where I offered one-on-one consulting services.  I am making the transition to a new blog format that will offer completely free advice, information and resources AND I am excited to introduce it to you in due time.  In the meantime, I am looking for former pharmaceutical sales reps who have successfully transitioned into a new career or started a new business.  Please email your "success story" to GetOffthePharm@gmail.com and I will respond with next steps.  Finally, please comment below with the type of content and specific topics you would like to see addressed on this blog.   This blog was originally designed to be a community and a community we will be.   

Until then, 

Get Off the Pharm

com·mu·ni·ty

kəˈmyo͞onədē/

noun

1. 1. 

   a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.

   
   
2. 2. 

   a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

Each One, Reach One!

I must admit that I was a little disappointed that I hadn't received any comments/feedback in response to my most recent blog post, "What's It Worth?"   

The word "discouraged" would accurately describe my state of mind...until I answered my phone early one weekday morning.  I received a phone call from a friend/former colleague offering accolades for a well-written blog and appreciation for the content shared.  When my friend said that she enjoyed reading my blog, even though she "hates" to read, and that whatever I do I need to keep writing, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and humility.  I decided at that moment, if my experience, advice and thoughts could reach just one, it is all worth it.

So, to my "buddy" who made that fateful call - THANK YOU!  For your encouragement, for your unwavering support and for your business (she is my first official client), 

I am forever grateful.  

Muah!  

What's It Worth?

"How To Get Off the Pharm (in 90 Days or Less)" - 
a webinar presentation.  

For an investment of only $49 (includes a complimentary Resume Review - a value of $62.50) you will:

• meet the blogger/career consultant behind "Get Off the Pharm"
• hear my story of how I got Off the Pharm in 30 days - YES, it's true! 
• get advice on how to figure out your next career move
• learn how to appropriately use Social Media in your job search
• learn how to craft a cover letter and/or resume that will get results
• learn how to stand out in a crowded job market 
• receive practical interview advice
• gain confidence in negotiating the compensation you deserve
• have an opportunity to take advantage of my consulting services at a discounted rate

* If you have not already done so, subscribe to "Get Off the Pharm" by Sunday, November 30th for a chance to win free admission to "How To Get Off the Pharm (in 90 Days or Less)".  

* Refer a friend to receive 50% OFF!

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Wasn't that a great advertisement?  I think so.  However, as I have been excitedly preparing this wonderful webinar presentation and going back and forth about what to charge, I have come to the conclusion that I can't determine its worth as the producer of the product.  

While producers of products and services attempt to set the value of products and services everyday by offering them for a certain price, only the consumer can determine their worth by buying or not buying.  Everybody is selling something, whether themselves (becoming a brand is the new buzz), a service or a product.  Honestly, the constant advertisements have become overwhelming, especially via Social Media.  I am not on Facebook, but as an avid user of LinkedIn I am bombarded daily with professionals promoting themselves and often, their products or services.  So, lately I have struggled with whether I should even continue with this blog and even offer the webinar because (1) there are already so many blogs (I follow a lot of them) and (2) there are so many career blogs.  That's why I haven't posted anything in a while.  I wondered, "Is it worth it?"  "Is anyone getting any value from my thoughts and experiences?"  Well, here is your chance to let me know and your answers/comments will give me insight into whether I should continue with this endeavor.  As I simplify my life I have realized that there is no point in continuing in efforts that are not fruitful.  So, honesty is critical here.  I am a big "girl" (now you know - my anonymity is fading) and my feelings will not be hurt.  

Therefore, only those who need (or don't need) this webinar can determine its worth.  And that's YOU.  So, I have decided to allow my blog audience, followers and readers to determine how much it is worth to receive practical advice on "How To Get Off the Pharm (in 90 Days or Less)".  

Please comment below on (1) whether this blog is helping/has helped you in any way and (2) how much you would be willing to invest in the webinar presentation.  Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Until next time (maybe)-

Off the Pharm

Make the Call

Referees have a tough job.  They have to make difficult, and sometimes controversial, calls in front of thousands and, often, hundreds of thousands of people.  And those decisions effect hundreds of people (the players, coaches, etc.).  And, here we are agonizing over a decision of whether to go or stay in a job/career that is sucking the life out of us each and every day.  A decision that affects the most important people - us and, often, our families.  At some point, we have to "make the call".  

Here are 6 ways to know if it is time for you to "make the call" and Get Off the Pharm.  If you are:


1.  Displaced.  Well, you are off the hook.  The often dreaded decision to leave pharma has been made for you.  Do you know how many times I secretly hoped and prayed that I would be displaced from my pharmaceutical sales job, so I wouldn't have to make the decision (and follow through) to leave?  I'll never forget December 2007, the first round of layoffs with my final pharmaceutical company.  The sales team was invited to the conference call that announced the upcoming "realignment". - I love how they try to make you feel like your job is safe and they are doing what's best for the company and its customers. - It went a little something like this, "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.  All reps are asked to stay home on [pick a date] and wait to receive a call about your new assignment."  "Here we go.", I thought.  In the back (really, the front) of my mind I was secretly hoping and praying that I would be "displaced", laid off, "realigned" right out of a job, so I wouldn't have to make the decision (and follow through) to resign and find another job/career.  Please be advised, sometimes a layoff is the best thing that can happen to you.  It is often the catalyst that prompts us to make a badly needed change.  

2.  Discouraged.  Do you feel like you will never reach the pinnacle of success in your pharmaceutical sales role?  What's it gonna take to actually make President's Circle?  Why is it so hard to get promoted to Executive Sales Rep?  When are they going to realize that I am District Manager material?  Is it really possible to get out of the bottom third?  Been there, done that and I have 3 t-shirts!  There is nothing worse than feeling like you have reached the peak of your success and wondering what is left.  You start to doubt yourself and your abilities.  Am I really cut out for this?  Did I make the right decision pursuing this coveted position?  All the pep talks in the world won't help you now.  

3.  Dissatisfied.  I got into pharmaceutical sales to educate physicians and help patients.  I got to the point where I was constantly questioning whether I was making a difference anymore.  I couldn't "get no satisfaction".  I started to wonder, "Why am I here (in this doctor's office, that is)?"  "According to the current edition of The Conference Board Job Satisfaction survey, and for the eighth straight year, less than half of US workers are satisfied with their jobs."  I have read that job satisfaction is more important than salary for more than half of workers.    

4.  Disengaged.  "Huh, doctor?  What did you say?  I was thinking about how I would prefer to be lying on the beach right now.  As a matter of fact, I would prefer to be anywhere, but here."  Ever had that kind of thought cross your mind?  I could be in the middle of detailing a doctor and in another place all at the same time.  It was bad, people!    

5.  Demotivated.  When you are no longer moved by the district/regional and national sales meeting cheerleading sessions, it may be time to "make the call".  I simply got tired of all the clapping and yelling.  The patient success stories no longer moved me.  The marketing presentations were a bore.  No, I am not going to give you a standing ovation for doing your job.   I just didn't feel it anymore.  

6.  Depressed.  This was the straw that broke the camel's back for me.  When I no longer wanted to get out of bed in the morning to go to work I knew it was time to "make the call" and make a change. When my spouse came to me and told me to "get a new job because when you are miserable we (our family) are miserable" I had all the confirmation and motivation I needed to "Get Off the Pharm".   While I was not officially diagnosed and do not make light of this disease, I knew the signs.  I sold Prozac in my inaugural position as a pharmaceutical sales rep, so I knew what I was facing.  I was snapping at everyone in my family and feeling miserable was the norm.  

I am NOT, I repeat, not, advocating that you leave your pharmaceutical sales position if you are only occasionally experiencing 1 or 2 of the aforementioned emotions.  However, I had gotten to the point where I was experiencing all of them on a regular basis, so I knew I needed to "make the call" and move on.  As always, I am here to help you sort through your emotions and experience in pharma to determine whether it is time for you to "make the call" and make a move.


Best-

Off the Pharm

Career Spotlight: Healthcare Recruiter

I am a firm believer in not reinventing the wheel.  To that end, I have found a very comprehensive description of the Healthcare Recruiter role that I would like to share for this month's Career Spotlight.  It can be found here.

In addition, since this is a role that I coveted and pursued for approximately 10 years and finally, currently find myself in, I would like to add my two cents.  As a Physician Recruiter, I have come to realize a few things:

1.  Recruiting is SALES.  Okay, I already knew this.  This was the angle I always took as I tried to convince other recruiters and hiring managers that I would be a great fit for recruiting.  Not only are you selling the candidate on the opportunity, but you are selling the hiring manager on the candidate. As a (former) pharmaceutical sales rep you are uniquely qualified for this role.  Rejection, as a by-product of sales, is also prevalent in recruiting.  Where someone else may cringe at the thought of rejection, you are well-equipped to handle it with ease and grace.   As with pharmaceutical sales, you will find that your performance is measured by various metrics, but the nice thing is many of them will be within your control.  But, cheer up...there are no district manager ride-a-longs!  ;-)

2.  Recruiting is a learned skill.  There are many recruiters/hiring managers out there that would have you to believe that recruiting requires an extensive amount of experience to be successful.  As a (former) pharmaceutical sales rep you have already demonstrated your ability to learn new information and adapt to challenging situations quickly.  There is an extensive online offering of articles, blogs, certifications, experts, training, webinars and websites that can help you prepare for and excel in your new role.  As with any new skill, practice makes perfect.  In addition to sales, recruiting involves sourcing (finding candidates), interviewing, and negotiating, among other skills.  These, too, can be learned and perfected over time.  I am still learning and have been for the past 10 years, since I first became interested in recruiting.  

Sidebar: My interest in recruiting came about after I realized how much I enjoyed helping others find careers they enjoyed.  As a miserable pharmaceutical sales rep I was constantly in the job market.  I learned through experience how to (1) find jobs at lightening speed, (2) create a resume tailored to that specific job , (3) draft a "creative cover letter" that engages the decision maker, (4) bypass recruiters (I know what you're thinking) and connect with hiring managers, and (5) sell myself in an interview when pursuing a position that I lacked specific experience in.  This experience helped me to help others in my same situation.  I started to explore how I could combine my newfound passion of providing  career advice/services with my pharmaceutical sales experience. Recruiting was the result.  

Sales + Career services = Recruiting.    

3.  Industry experience is key.  The most successful recruiters have specific work experience in the industry for which they recruit.  Having worked with physicians for all of my professional career has made me uniquely qualified to recruit physicians.  In addition, I recruit psychiatrists, on whom I called for the vast majority of my pharmaceutical sales career.  As a (former) pharmaceutical sales rep your options are almost limitless in the field of healthcare recruiting.  You have worked and developed relationships with various members of the healthcare industry from nurses (including nurse practitioners) to physicians to pharmacists to medical practice managers, and the list continues.  Any of these professions are within your scope to recruit.  Heck, you could even recruit pharmaceutical sales reps if you so desire.  If recruiting is the career you choose to pursue, you are definitely a perfect candidate to recruit others like yourself.

4.  Recruiting is a great entrepreneurial venture.  Recruiting, as a small business, has very few barriers to entry.  Literally, all you need is a computer and a phone.  With all of your pharmaceutical career contacts, finding clients and candidates should be a "breeze".  Well, almost.  I don't mean to suggest that starting a business is as easy as pie and a mindless task, but you are one step ahead of the game with all of your industry and professional connections.  It can be as easy as choosing a niche (which is suggested in the world of recruiting) and reaching out to clients and candidates.  Did I mention that independent recruiters command an average of 20%-25% of the candidate's first year salary?  So, imagine recruiting a physician with a $200k annual salary for a 20% fee.  You just made $40k.  Now, keep in mind that the average recruiting cycle for a physician is 6-9 months, but $40k for half a year's work is a pretty good living, if you ask me.  And very close to, if not more than, what you are/were probably making as a pharmaceutical sales rep.  Becoming an independent healthcare recruiter is definitely worth exploring.    

Even if entrepreneurship is not in your immediate future, a significant number of healthcare recruiting opportunities exist within the marketplace.  You even have the flexibility to choose from a host of settings, including, but not limited to, corporate, agency, staffing, etc.  Working from home, as I do, is also an option.  You can earn a salary plus bonus or work on commission.  The choice is yours.

As always, I am here to assist in your transition.  You know where to find me, if you need me.

Best-

Off the Pharm

P.S.  I have an exciting announcement coming soon about my upcoming webinar.  Stay tuned...