If you’re actively seeking a Medical Affairs role in pharma or biotech and finding less traction than expected, you’re not alone. The current job market is challenging, even for highly qualified professionals. Here’s a little about why, and some things you can do to stay competitive.
The Reality of Today’s Market
The pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are in a period of cautious hiring.
- Many companies, especially in biotech, are still operating with lean teams and hiring freezes, only recruiting for critical or highly specialized positions.
- Layoffs continue to ripple through the industry: according to this LinkedIn article 24,000 jobs were cut in 2024, following tens of thousands in 2023. Meaning more candidates are competing for fewer roles.
Why It Feels Harder Than Ever
Several factors can contribute to longer job searches:
- Fewer remote roles: Many employers have minimized or eliminated some of the remote roles we saw during COVID, returning back to more of a traditional or at least hybrid in-office structure. This can be a major disadvantage for those candidates that are outside the hub regions and are unable to relocate.
- Overqualified applicant pools: As you’ve likely noticed on LinkedIn, it seems every posting attracts hundreds of applicants, including senior professionals competing for mid-level roles. Due to layoffs, there are a lot of very experienced and well-qualified candidates actively looking for new roles and increasing competition.
- Seasonal slowdowns: Biospace.com says that historically, job postings dip in Q4, with a 14.7% drop in late 2024 and similar patterns expected for 2025.
- According to this LinkedIn article, job postings for biotech roles dropped 12% year-over-year, while applications soared by 50%.
What You Can Do- FOCUS ON THE THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL
- Tailor Your Resume for Impact
Highlight strategic contributions, not just responsibilities. Show how you influenced outcomes like KOL engagement or launch success. If you need additional guidance or inspiration, please check out this link. - Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Use a clear headline and engage with industry content to increase visibility. Here are some additional pointers for your LinkedIn profile. - Stay Current on Trends
Upskill in areas like digital engagement, RWE, and AI applications in Medical Affairs. - Network Strategically
Leverage professional associations, webinars, and specialized recruiters who know the Medical Affairs landscape.
If your job search feels harder than expected, it’s not a reflection of your value-it’s the market. Stay persistent, you got this!