As a Commercial and Executive Life Science recruiter, I often receive unsolicited LinkedIn notes from persons looking for new jobs in our market. This is certainly one way to go but there are many other avenues. I will deal with this in two parts: Recruiters and Other.

RECRUITERS: Frankly, the best way to find new opportunities if done the right way.

DO’s for working with Recruiters:

• It can never hurt to ask/reach out to a recruiter. They may focus on Life Sciences but not specialize in the type of role you are seeking, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
• When writing to a recruiter give them a VERY brief background overview and what you’re looking for.
• “Work with recruiters”. By that I mean, if you’re contacted and asked for help networking, try to help. With an established relationship, you are more likely to hear from that recruiter in the future with a good opportunity.
• Something you are not likely to hear from other recruiters: I believe that sharing your resume with multiple recruiters can help. We all have our own networks, companies we work with and jobs to fill.
• “Link” with recruiters. You won’t get fired for having recruiters as connections.

 

DON’Ts for working with Recruiters

• Don’t send a note asking recruiters to keep you in mind; it’s impossible. Once you have established communication, send a resume for their database.
• Don’t send multiple recruiters your resume for the same role or apply to the company and the recruiter. You are wasting your time and theirs. Pick one avenue and use it.
• Don’t close yourself off to inquiries from recruiters. Keep an open mind. Even if you are not looking, their position could be a great opportunity. Recruiters can be a resource if you allow them to be.
• COMPANIES: If you are a manager, use recruiters. DON’T try to do it yourself. You will waste more money (in the form of your time) doing it alone, your network is not as extensive as someone who does it for a living AND while you are spending half your time recruiting, you are only doing your job half the time.

OTHER METHODS:

• Large companies often use internal recruiters or post positions on their sites. Go directly to their sites to find out what is available. Still use recruiters but know that some companies prefer to use this approach.
• Network: Your friend, or your friend’s friend may know of an opening. Create relationships and make LinkedIn Connections. It certainly can’t hurt to be connected to a lot of people.
• Join LinkedIn discussion groups that are pertinent to what you do: Most have “jobs” pages which include paid-for ads and a “Jobs Discussion section” where you will find many more potential opportunities.
• If you are actively looking, call your friends. Don’t just email. Emails are easy to blow off but calls are not.
• There are other sites to look for jobs besides LinkedIn (“Indeed” is one).
• Post (relevant) updates on your profile and in the Discussion groups. If you have interesting info related to your field of endeavor, the update will get you seen by your network and potentially by others.
• Try many things, not just one or two. The more you do, the greater is the likelihood of success.

The key to an effective search is NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK.