Enduring the Downturn

This was intended to be a "good news/bad news" report on the current state of biotechnology hiring. As it turns out, the bad news is that I can't find anything for the "good" piece of that equation. With the war adding to the general insecurity that many feel, the job market isn't a real pleasure to be a part of right now. As a biotechnology headhunter, I've staffed young companies and helped them manage the development of new medicines. Now these same firms are in need of a fix themselves, as they face the single worst crunch of their existence: a one-two punch from the economy and turned-off investors. Every day I hear reports of companies cutting back, laying off, or just going out of business. Industry insiders are split regarding how long this retrenching period will last but they are unanimous as to what will result: closures and consolidations will mean far fewer players. Luckily for biotech recruiters, there will always be hot companies and career categories that will be in demand. We can simply change our focus. However, career transitions are not that easy for job seekers. If you've suddenly found the "fast-paced world of biotechnology" has taken a nosedive, there are some things you must do to position yourself for maximum advantage. The first thing you need to know is how to market yourself. Terms like "marketing campaign" are not generally in the vernacular of the scientist. But the job market will become even more crowded and competitive. Former employees with two to three years of experience, now laid off, are competing for the same jobs as new graduates. You need all the tools of a professional marketing campaign in order to identify just what elements separate you from the competition. Think back to your graduation from high school, when you targeted A-list universities. Do you remember what the competition was like? This isn't going to be much different. Marketing yourself means that you are intimately aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and not just a list of lab skills. Never before have the self-analysis exercises in books like What Color Is Your Parachute? been more appropriate. When times get this rocky, the job market tends to reward people who do all the little things right. The follow-up calls, the grammar and spelling in your letter, the thank-you notes.... All these little things mean something in separating you from the pack. The picture isn't all negative. Just like pruning a tree, consolidation is an essential part of a healthy economy; the industry you have chosen for your future career will be better off because of it. While it is unfortunate that your availability and this crunch coincide, paying attention to all the basics involved in marketing yourself to overcome heightened competition will provide valuable skills that you will often use throughout your work life. David G. Jensen (davej@commspeed.net), is a biotechnology consultant, writer, and speaker. function sendData() { document.frm.pathName.value = location.pathname; result = false if (document.frm.score[0].checked) result = true; if (document.frm.score[1].checked) result = true; if (document.frm.score[2].checked) result = true; if (document.frm.score[3].checked) result = true; if (document.frm.score[4].checked) result = true; if (!result) alert("Please select") return result; } .myradio{background-color : #94bee5} Please indicate on a 1 - 5 scale how strongly you would recommend this article to your colleagues? Not recommended 1 2 3 4 5 Highly recommended Please register your vote

Enduring the Downturn

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