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Becoming a Life Science Recruiting Subject Matter Expert

biopharma+diversity-1The need for specialized expertise increases as the life science industry continues to evolve. Your life science recruiting team must continue learning and be Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) within their space. Putting in the work to become an SME sets you apart as an authority in your field, and people will look to you for your expertise. If you need more convincing to better yourself and your career, here are some compelling reasons to become a life science SME and tips for how to get there.

 

WHY BECOME A LIFE SCIENCE SME?

The life science industry encompasses various fields, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services. Within these fields, countless sub-specialties and niches require specialized knowledge and expertise.

Becoming a subject matter expert recruiting in life sciences can benefit you and your organization. For the individual, it can lead to career advancement, increased job satisfaction, and higher earning potential. As a recruiter within life sciences, you also feel a sense of accomplishment and pride, and you see different drugs, devices, and clinical trials you worked on hit the market and help the public.

For your organization, having a team of SMEs can help you place the best candidates for the job, improve your processes, and generate tremendous overall success. The pharmaceutical/biotech industries have also displayed the wherewithal to fend off the downturn within the job market during recession times.

How To BECOME A LIFE SCIENCE SME

 

Becoming a subject matter expert in life sciences requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Here are some steps I have personally taken to develop my expertise:

1. Build a Network of Experts 

My network of experts begins and ends with the candidates. They, along with the clients, are the keys to our team’s success. I learn mostly about new Life Science and Validation roles, technologies, and developments by simply talking with candidates. They know the life science verbiage, new technologies on the forefront, and the current industry's pain points. Their valuable insight and perspectives help me continue my education and allow me to give market feedback to our team and clients.

Communication with candidates is never wasted; if you do not have a role or a life science candidate at the time, odds are they can refer you to another candidate who might be a better fit.

Candidates can also be a strong source for leads for future business; they are the eyes and ears of the current marketplace. The goal is to always be networking, learning from the experts to stay with, or hopefully ahead of our competition.

 

2. Stay Up-To-Date on the latest Developments

As I mentioned previously, this industry is constantly evolving. SMEs need to stay current on advancements and trends. Attending events and conferences is key to networking with other SMEs. They provide an opportunity for you and your team to learn about the latest findings and regulations in the field from SMEs on all levels. 

Obviously, over the last three-plus years, events and conferences have been placed on the back burner. However, we are seeing in-person meetings coming back to the forefront. It will be great to go out and meet potential candidates in person again and not rely on just the phone or video chat. There are true rewards to face-to-face encounters; they are the starting point of a trusting relationship.

3. Work with a Dynamic Team

Building and maintaining a team of life science recruiting SMEs is an ongoing task. As a team leader, it is crucial to continuously provide training and professional development to the new members of the team while working in tandem with the experienced members to push forward; we have the divide and conquer mentality.

The Yoh Life Sciences team has different skill sets and backgrounds. We are constantly learning from each other and collaborating to develop our skills. Some team members have hands-on experience in the life science field, which allows us to utilize their expertise while recruiting qualified candidates. We use our backgrounds to communicate effectively and create efficient processes to reach our goals and grow our business.

 

Conclusion

When becoming a life science recruiting SME, my advice to you is to be a sponge. Always ask questions when collaborating with your peers or candidates. Do not be afraid to make mistakes or ask what you might think are silly questions. If you have a good work ethic and are willing to put in the time to develop your skills to become a life science recruiting SME, you will succeed and be rewarded for your success.

The tangible results of being an SME in this industry are particularly rewarding. When placing candidates for Life Science or Validation roles, we improve their life by giving them a better growth path, a better opportunity to enhance their earnings, and a better job while helping our clients succeed. By prioritizing subject matter expertise in your hiring and training processes and creating a culture of expertise within your organization, you can position your company for long-term success in this rapidly evolving industry.

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