Authors: Tara Smylie, Natalie Zimmerman
Each year, a fresh wave of grads hits the job market – eager, ambitious, and often overwhelmed by the prospect of searching for work in the biotech industry. If you’re a part of this group embarking on your first job search, know that it’s completely normal to feel both excited and anxious. Launching a career in biotech or biopharma takes time, research, and resilience. Luckily, there are some simple ways to begin the process and maximize your success.
1. Customize Your Resume
Most recruiters now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords. If yours doesn’t include the right terms, it may not even reach a human, even if you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Start by carefully reviewing the job description. Pull out 10–15 keywords that stand out – skills, certifications, responsibilities – and make sure they’re naturally woven into your resume. Understanding a company’s culture, current projects, and long-term goals will help you know what they value most and tailor your resume accordingly – so do some research before applying.
2. Check Job Postings Daily
It’s simple but true: consistency is key. By making the job hunt part of your daily routine, you’ll stay focused, increase your chances of success, and the process will slowly become second nature.
Most job boards let you set daily alerts tailored to your skills and location, and you can adjust your search filters to cast a wider or more specific net. However, new roles often get flooded with applicants within hours, so applying early – ideally within the first 24-48 hours – can give you an edge. Additionally, try following target companies on social media to catch new openings early and get a feel for their culture and values, insights which can provide an advantage in the interviews to come.
3. Tap Into Your Network
4. Stay Informed
Even if you haven’t yet landed in a position, you are in the process of building your career. Reading up on industry trends, scientific breakthroughs, and company news keeps you sharp – and your diligence will show in interviews.
Join professional LinkedIn groups, follow relevant publications or blogs, and engage in discussions with others in your field if you can. A strong digital presence can help recruiters find you, and staying informed demonstrates a genuine invested in the field which may give you a leg up in the hiring process.
5. Prepare for Interviews
Yes, interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation is your best friend. Research common interview questions and rehearse your responses out loud, especially the tough ones such as, “What’s your greatest weakness?” (Tip: be honest, but explain how you’ve learned to manage it, and how you’ve grown.)
Just as important: learn about the company. How long have they been around? What’s their mission? Where are they headed, and what help do they need to get there? This knowledge isn’t just a surefire way to impress employers; it helps you decide if the company is a good fit for you.
Go in with answers ready, but stay adaptable. Review the company’s website, follow them online, and be prepared for curveball questions – due diligence goes both ways!
Final Thoughts
Feeling stuck, stressed, or unsure along the way? Totally normal. Everyone goes through it – yes, even the ones who seem as though they have it all figured out.
Stay positive, be patient with yourself, and trust in the value you bring. You’ve worked hard to get to this point – and there’s more opportunity ahead than you think.
Here at Sci.bio, we work with a variety of candidates from new graduates to experienced executives, and have myriad open roles. We pride ourselves on connecting our highly discerning clients with candidates who fit their specific needs. Check out our job search page to see current openings and follow us on LinkedIn for more information.
