This one really gets under my skin. A recent New York Times article pointed out that pharmaceutical companies look to hire young ladies who have recently turned their spirit fingers after long careers as cheerleaders. As a pharmaceutical rep, I knew over 500 other reps - by name. I can tell you the name of one who was a cheerleader in college. I've got nothing against cheerleaders. The ones who cheer in college or professionally work very hard to get where they are. In my view, that's why the make good pharma reps. As far as looks go, I think you'll be hard pressed to find a sales person of any kind who isn't nice looking. Professionals take care of themselves. They rely quite heavily on first impressions.

If you take care of yourself, have good hygeine, eat right, and exercise, you will be nice looking. If you currently don't consider yourself to be nice looking, please take care of your self image before you start your job search. It sounds harsh but you'll thank me for it later.

4. You don't have any sales experience

These words often come straight from the horses mouth - the interviewer. I would guess that 80% of the time, this is an excuse. It's a way for the interviewer to let you down softly. We all have sales experience, we just have to portray it in that light. Kids sell the idea of a new pair of shoes to their parents. Teachers sell the excitement of learning and knowing. Nurses sell treatment compliance, hope, and healthy living. We all sell something. Spend some time determining what you sell and relate that to the job you're seeking. With a bit of practice, the ideas and words will flow like crazy.