If you are considering a new role or a change in career, the new year is an excellent time to start your search. January is a favourable month for those wanting to explore new opportunities and new contract roles as positions open up as people move on, additionally new hiring budgets for the year ahead leads to the creation of new positions and filling these positions becomes a priority for hiring managers.
Moreover, the thriving life sciences market, adds another layer of opportunity. The market is exceptionally busy and there has never been a better time for people looking to break into contracting or to find their next challenge within the sector. To help you navigate your search for your next contract role, our Resourcing team have put together some of their top tips and some things you should consider before applying.
Before you apply: What to Consider
Be clear on what you want – Before you begin your search, take some time to understand what’s driving you to change roles. Make sure you’re clear on what you want (and don’t want) from your new role, including what the deal-breakers are. Remember, this is entirely personal, and there are no ‘wrong answers’ here. You could be looking for career advancement, experience with new technology or a new project, a better culture fit, or simply a shorter commute. Whatever your reasons, knowing what your priorities are is critical to achieving your goals and finding the right role for you.
Research, research, research – Research the company and role before applying or interviewing for a new position. LSC will give you all the latest information on our client companies, but don’t be afraid to do your own research also. Consider digging deeper and taking this a step further by using additional resources, such as Fierce Pharma which provides you with the latest news and trends shaping the industry. This multifaceted approach ensures you possess a comprehensive understanding, allowing you to make informed decisions and stand out during the application and interview process.
The Application
Tailor your CV – Once you have a particular role in mind, it’s time to go through your CV. Hiring teams are increasingly adopting automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in their hiring processes, using computers to quickly filter and screen out candidates at application stage. To ensure that your application doesn’t get screened out, make sure that you integrate the keywords from the job description and showcase how your skills align with what the position demands.
Remember, don’t look at your CV as simply a chronological history of what you have done in the past, think of it as a sales document. The purpose of a CV is to get you the job you want, so it needs to portray your ability in the best possible light. If you’d like more in-depth CV tips, have a read of our recent blog which includes 5 tips on how to craft a compelling CV.
Preparing for Interviews – While an impressive CV helps you to get your foot in the door, a great interview is what will secure you your ideal job. Make sure to brush up on your interview answers and if it has been some time since your last interview, be sure to familiarise yourself with the different types and styles of interview questions. Don’t forget to prepare some questions that you can ask at the end of the interview. If you’re not prepared to ask these during an interview, you risk missing the opportunity to gain deep insights into what is expected of you in the role. At LSC, we will spend time working closely with you to prepare and advise you on some of the questions that you could potentially ask in an interview that will help determine whether the opportunity is the right fit for you.
How can LSC help you find your next Contract Opportunity?
At LSC, we put people at the heart of everything we do, and our team of Resourcers work hard to match you with the right contract that meets your personal and professional requirements. We offer support from application to your interview, as well as ongoing personal development opportunities throughout your contract as part of our unique Consultant Success Programme. If you want to be a part of this exciting sector, we currently have multiple contract positions open with some of the industry’s top companies. Explore our open roles here or get in touch with us at [email protected]!
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