A New Year and New Opportunities

Here are 3 updates you can make to prepare you for the new year

Update Your Resume:

The beginning of the year is always a great time to update your resume. If you’re not looking for a new role, it’s still good to stay on top of your resume and keep up with your accomplishments from the previous year. We see a lot of candidates that will wait to update their resume until they’re actively seeking a new role. As a result, If too much time has gone by without updating your resume, you may be missing some important details. It’s always best to keep these things up to date in real time.

Here are some things to keep in mind when updating your resume:

  • Territory
  • Projects you’ve spearheaded or were involved with
  • Accomplishments or awards you’ve received
  • Training or interim management responsibilities
  • Major conferences you’ve attended or presented at
  • Any new drugs/compounds/indications or launches you supported
  • Updating the therapeutic type of KOLs you’re meeting with

If you’re having trouble getting your resume updated, feel free to check out our Experienced MSL Resume Template. If you’re an aspiring MSL, we also have an Entry-Level Resume Template as well that you can view.

Update Your LinkedIn:

It’s just as important to update your LinkedIn as it is your resume. Often, your LinkedIn is the first impression HR, or a Hiring Authority makes of you. When looking at your LinkedIn, you want to make sure that your profile mirrors your resume. You also want your profile to be clean and professional.

Here are some things to keep in mind when updating your LinkedIn:

  • Make sure that your profile picture is professional and up to date
  • Be sure that there’s no distracting colors or graphics on your LinkedIn banner
  • If you’re actively looking, be sure that you have “Open to Work” enabled on your profile
  • Make sure that all your experience is listed on your LinkedIn, and that the dates align with what is on your resume
  • If you have your contact info on your profile, be sure that is updated in case a hiring authority reaches out to you directly
  • Update your “Featured” section of your profile with any papers, projects, or accomplishments you’ve been highlighted in
  • Be sure that your skills are updated as well
  • It’s a great idea to ask previous or current colleagues for recommendations as well, and have those highlighted on your profile

We have more tips on LinkedIn in a previous blog you can view here: Is your LinkedIn Profile in Good Shape

Update Your Personal and Professional Goals:

Lastly, you want to be sure you’re building from 2024 and creating new and exciting goals for yourself. Having personal and professional goals set in January helps to set yourself up for success. You want to make sure that your goals are challenging, but also attainable.

Here are some examples of goals that you can use for inspiration:

Professional

  • Building a bigger medical affairs network
  • Improving time management
  • Becoming a mentor
  • Developing leadership abilities
  • Asking for feedback

Personal

  • Learn a new skill
  • Gratitude journaling
  • Find a new hobby
  • Spending 20 minutes a day outside
  • Get more involved in the community

If one of your goals is getting promoted in 2025, we’ve got you covered there as well. Check out our blog: How to Ask for that Medical Affairs Promotion!

We wish you a year of continued success and hope these tips help to move you in the right direction. If you have any questions on this info or would like a second set of eyes on these updates you’re making, feel free to reach out to the PharmaFinders team!

Do you have additional tips to help with preparing for the new year? Feel free to leave them in the comments below!

-Ashley

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