Once you’ve done your research, you want to make sure that you’re focusing on the elements most important for the job roles you’re applying for.
This is why it’s so important to consider which types of jobs you’re applying for (and the other elements discussed above).
Take a look at some of the job descriptions of roles you’re interested in.
Which skills are most commonly highlighted? Which type of degree/academic background are they looking for? Which transferable skills can you include from your previous roles that are highlighted in the ads?
Knowing the industry and the language used is important, because it means that you can tailor your CV well enough that a hiring manager or recruiter can easily pinpoint the attributes you have that are ideal for the job.
Use the STAR method for writing your CV – Situation, Task, Activity, Result – and highlight not only any key career achievements you have, but the evidence and context to back them up.
Keep in mind that hiring managers are looking to see how your skills can impact the specialisms and processes driving their organisation, so you need to customise your CV accordingly.
3. Take a look at your online presence
In the same way that you’ll search life sciences organisations online, hiring managers are likely to also be looking at each candidate’s online presence too.
This doesn’t just apply to making sure that your social media accounts are appropriate and set to private, but also the use of networking platforms such as LinkedIn.
LinkedIn can be a great way for you to be approached by hiring managers and recruiters for life sciences job roles.
If you optimise your profile properly by putting all of your relevant experience and using relevant keywords that hiring managers would be looking for, then it makes it easier than ever for you to be approached.
Advertising jobs via platforms like LinkedIn is increasingly common, alongside the use of LinkedIn as a means to screen potential hires.
Make sure that your profile is a condensed, concise version of your CV, including all of your achievements – ideally, you’ll also be able to post some content and share your thoughts on relevant industry topics and news.