Authors: Martha Navarro and Natalie Zimmerman
Martha Navarro is one of Sci.bio’s wonderful Senior Recruiting Associates. She came to life sciences recruiting from a background in STEM education and has been a valuable part of the Sci.bio team for more than two years.
Read below to learn more about Martha, including her greatest strengths and challenges in recruiting, her work volunteering and fostering animals outside of work, and her advice for new recruiters.
How did you get into recruiting, and how did you end up at Sci.bio?
As someone with a STEM education background, the most tangible options were to work lab related roles or apply to med school. I took a chance and applied to one of Sci.bio’s job posts. Turns out it’s a great fit and compliments quite a few skills I’m still developing here at Sci.bio!
What do you enjoy most about being a recruiter?
There’s spontaneity! Something is always changing whether it’s supporting clients or managing candidate relationships. As you support others, there’s so much to learn with great potential to keep developing yourself.
What do you find most challenging about recruiting?
If I had to name one challenging aspect of recruiting, it would be not being able to connect everyone to opportunities. The biotech industry is everchanging, and we all know of someone who has been impacted by layoffs. Safe to say, there’s amazing talent out there and not enough roles.
What are your passions and interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I spend my time volunteering with a non-profit TNR group. I’d love to continue fostering, but there’s only so many foster fails that can be had! I enjoy having coffee with friends, reading a good mystery thriller series, and listening to podcasts.
What do you think your greatest strength is as a recruiter?
My ability to connect with people and persevere has been incredibly helpful. To me, being a recruiter isn’t just about being on the phone or behind a computer. These are real people looking for their next role or clients looking to build out their teams.
What advice would you give to someone entering the world of biotech recruiting, or recruiting in general?
Recruiting takes time and focus. You truly learn once you begin immersing yourself in the role. Find what works for you, there’s no perfect recruiting method but always ways to improve. The industry and people that come with it are always changing. Take the time to understand each. You’ll be a better recruiter for it and know how to navigate unknowns.
What are your goals that you hope to accomplish as a recruiter?
As a recruiter, I hope to always be a reliable resource for candidates and clients. My aim by the end of each interaction is to have answered any questions or concerns. I’d like to continue supporting clients for hiring needs and utilizing my ability to connect with others to bring in my own.
If you’re looking to fill a role with a highly qualified candidate, Sci.bio’s recruitment services can help. We know that no two clients are the same, so we provide customized recruiting support that adapts to a given client’s structure and needs and have placed successful candidates with a variety of companies. Please contact us to connect with a recruiter and discuss your needs, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date.
Related Blogs:
Recruiter Spotlight: Lauren Money
Recruiter Spotlight: Carter Lewis
Recruiter Spotlight: Danielle Cox
