Are you actively searching for a new job, or are you more interested in expanding your network and learning about various pharma and biotech companies? Wherever you are in your career journey, having connections with specialized recruiters is vital! Recruiters can help identify the best jobs for you, give you key details on a typically complex interview process and notify you of those smaller companies who may be hiring now or in the foreseeable future. Sounds simple enough, right? But really, what is a recruiter, who are they, and how best should you work with recruitment firms? I’m here to help break all of that down for you!
First off, it’s important to understand the difference between in-house recruiters and agency recruiters. PharmaFinders is a specialized agency recruiting firm, which means we partner with numerous small to mid-sized pharma, biotech and device companies across the United States on positions within the Medical and Clinical Affairs space. We often are looking to fill jobs with multiple companies at the same time within our industry. In-house recruiters on the other hand work with one company as a direct employer. To find out more on PharmaFinders and what we do, I highly recommend you check out our website!
Both in-house and agency recruiters will typically find and reach out to you directly, but never be afraid to take that initiative yourself. Recruiters are fundamentally relationship builders no matter the method, but how you engage with them can significantly impact your success.
Below are some top tips to keep in mind when you are looking to work with a recruiter and establish that important relationship:
- Always personalize your message to a recruiter. It’s too easy nowadays to rely on AI or other tools to send a generic, pre-formulated message. Always avoid sending generic messages, especially when making a strong first impression matters. Recruiters get contacted numerous times a day so if your message isn’t unique or show that you took the time to really care about what you are sending them, odds are you won’t hear back.
- If you are making a first introduction with a recruiter via email/LinkedIn, keep your message short and straight to the point. Long, multiple-paragraph messages should be avoided. In your initial messages, highlight the key aspects of your background and clearly outline what you’re seeking. All those additional details can be covered during an introduction call.
- Make sure to share your resume along with detailed information about what you’re looking for in a company and position, including your preferences, dislikes, and compensation expectations (If you need a resume template, check out our resource tab!). Never be afraid to share your career goals, whether that is in the next one, five or ten plus years. The more information recruiters have, the better they can match you with the ideal role. At PharmaFinders, we prioritize confidentiality, so feel free to share openly to help us support your career journey effectively!
- Maintain a consistent relationship. You don’t need to be in contact with each other weekly, even monthly. However, checking in even once a quarter can help keep both parties in the loop and engaged/informed. Make sure you stay responsive as well!
- Be open and honest. If you’ve already applied for a role the recruiter is telling you about, give them that information. Great recruiters will return the favor and make sure all communication is upfront and transparent from our end as well.
- Ask questions! How does the recruiter like to be contacted? How often? What is their process like? The more questions you have, the more your interest will radiate through the conversation!
- Stay open to new things. You never know when the ideal role will come across a recruiter’s desk and the perfect role may even surprise you. Never shut down a role without additional information first so that recruiters don’t automatically rule you out before you get the chance to hear it.
- Be mindful and respectful. Recruiters are a free service to candidates so make sure you are aware of their time while also maintaining a professional relationship. The space (Medical and Clinical Affairs) that we work in is very small! You never know who might be connected to whom, so always present yourself in the most professional and respectful manner.
This isn’t a comprehensive guide to working with recruiters, but it will help you get started on building and maintaining effective relationships. If you are ready to get started, reach out to Crecia, Ashley or myself.
Happy networking!