October 23, 2014
By Riley McDermid, BioSpace.com Breaking News Sr. Editor
Biotech companies large and small are looking to fill a host of roles after a booming year in the capital markets put many on a hiring spree. But what are these companies looking for—and do you have what it takes to compete?
BioSpace asked Eli Lilly‘s Janice Chavers, the director of human resources and diversity communications for the biopharma giant, and Jennifer Maguire, recruiting manager at midsize biotech Luminex, what qualities hiring managers are looking for in applicants looking to make a smart career move during these boom times.
It’s All About Character
Having an established track record in your field is a given, but making sure you are the right cultural fit for the company you are looking to join is the number one thing HR gurus look for when they receive a resume.
“The first thing I look for is applicable experience for the role,” said Maguire. “Whether it is in academia or in industry, I need to see experience that will translate well to the role I am seeking to fill.”
If you can demonstrate that you have leadership qualities and are open to new learning opportunities, all the better, especially for global corporations looking to keep their talent in-house for as long as possible.
“Education and technical knowledge are very important, but so are leadership and team skills and learning agility,” said Chavers. “We’re looking for people who can expand their expertise across multiple roles in the years to come. This versatility provides a more agile organization that is better able to respond to our customers’ needs.”
Be Patient with the Process
Most biotech and pharma companies take around six to eight weeks to hire someone, a process that can be prolonged by multiple candidates and the amount of time it takes to interview and vet each one. So when applying and interviewing, always remember that the “don’t call us, we’ll call you” rule of show business also applies in your field as well.
“The average speed of the hiring process is typically six to eight weeks,” said Maguire. “One of the best ways for a candidate to stand out in the crowd is to do research on the company he or she is interested in, and then somehow weave that information into the cover letter and resume.”
Then just be prepared to wait for a while—and if it’s any consolation, remember that hiring managers are doing everything they can to find the right candidate and their pressures and deadlines are just as intense.
“We strive to keep our process as streamlined as possible but the timeline will vary,” said Chavers. “There are so many factors, including the type of position, the business urgency for the hire, and the availability of the job candidate and the interview team.”
Know Your Stuff
Whether you went to a great school and are just starting out or have been plumping up your skills with continuing education, knowledge in your field is going to be catnip to HR headhunters looking for people with an established skillset in their field.
“Being prepared from an academic standpoint is critical. A majority of the roles at Lilly specifically, and the industry in general, require at least a four-year degree. Other roles require graduate degrees, and some will require doctorates and other advanced degrees,” said Chavers. “But it’s also vital to become involved with the student chapters of relevant industry, professional and academic organizations. Those will provide fantastic opportunities for learning, including connections with professionals already in the industry who can offer advice.”
More importantly, an ability to show recruiters that you are able to think outside the job description and be a proactive go-getter if hired is crucial. Even if that sometimes means you have to go against the grain a bit, said experts.
“At Lilly, we are committed to attracting top talent. We want people who ask the tough questions and are equally steadfast in finding the solutions,” said Chavers. “We want people who embrace our values [like] integrity, excellence and respect for other people, and manifest the qualities of true leaders. We also want people who are flexible and adapt. And we want people who are committed to making life better for people around the world.”
There’s No “I” In Team
In a field where solo work is often the norm, it can be hard for the more technical members of the biotech community to think outside their labs and pet research products.
But that’s exactly what needs to happen if companies big and small are going to take you serious, said human resource sources. So go into each interview proud of what you’ve accomplished, but humble about what lies ahead.
“When an interviewee uses the word ‘I’ too much, it’s a red flag,” cautioned Maguire. “There is a definite line between self-assuredness and overconfidence. At Luminex, a person must be collaborative to succeed. We certainly need to understand his or her technical accomplishments as related to the role, but not one person can achieve great things without a great team.”
Don’t Miss: Q&A
• Get The Inside Track: Hiring Tips From An Eli Lilly HR Exec
• How To Land The Perfect R&D Job: A Q&A With Luminex Corporation
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