Setting up for success: finding your first job in #medcomms
You're nearing the end of university, having spent three, four, or more years immersed in academic research. While the world seems full of possibilities, there's also that uncomfortable sense that the future is fast approaching…
Embarking on a career journey in medical communications is an exciting and rewarding endeavour. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in areas such as medical writing, regulatory affairs, and healthcare marketing is on the rise. However, breaking into the field and securing your first job can feel like a daunting task, especially for newcomers. You might be reading this article because you’ve already decided that a career in healthcare communications is for you and you’re ready to crack on, or, if you’re anything like I was when I graduated, you’re freaking out about finding your first job with little-to-no idea about what you want to do next.
Most people that choose to pursue a career in healthcare communications have one thing in common: they really don’t want to spend their life working in a lab. So how do you convert that intent to reality? This article will explore ways for you to find that first job, and help you work smarter, not harder, in your job search.
Step 1: Research
What is #medcomms? What does a medical writer actually do every day? What does all the jargon mean? Am I a writer, or an account manager?
These are all questions that you should wrap your head around before you click ‘apply’ on any job advert you see. If you know exactly what you want to do, you’ll be able to craft an application that suits the type of role that you’re applying to, and you’ll be able to interview with conviction about the career path you’re hoping to follow. There are some essential resources listed below, including a variety of detailed careers guides written by healthcare communications professionals about their chosen career path:
There is also a variety of videos available about industry topics and careers at different agencies at NetworkPharma TV:
Step 2: Putting together your CV and covering letter
Having a great CV and covering letter is an essential part of any job application. Some websites have lengthy application forms as an alternative, but there is no substitute for a nicely formatted CV and well-written cover letter. Follow these three key tips, and you should be OK…
1. You’re applying to a job in healthcare communications
The companies that you are applying to specialise in communicating highly complicated information to a wide variety of audiences. The work they produce is well written, exceptionally accurate nicely designed and formatted, and carefully crafted to tell a story to a specific audience and achieve an outcome.
Your audience? Potential employers.
The story? Your experience so far.
Target outcome? Getting hired!
2. Covering letters: absolutely necessary
The guidance above should be applied to what you produce. Because you’ve followed Step 1, you’ll know exactly what type of role you’ll be applying to, so you can create a general template and adjust it for different companies. Consider the following structure:
[Intro] Addressed to the person or company you’re applying to
[Para 1] Why you’re applying for this particular position
[Para 2] Why you have an interest in science communication, with a brief reference to any relevant extracurricular or work experience
[Para 3] Why you’re applying to their company
[Close] Short and professional closing remark
And REMEMBER! This is a letter, NOT an essay!
3. Time invested in your application materials ALWAYS shows
Someone once told me that your CV is the most important document you will ever write. Applying for jobs is time consuming and at times it will feel completely futile, but the care and time you spend on your CV and cover letter could determine the difference between no job, a good job, or a great job. It will open doors that you probably haven’t thought of yet, and unlock professional experiences and connections. It will determine your immediate and future earning potential. No stress!
Step 3: Your personal brand
Curating an online presence that reflects the objectives of your job search is more important than ever. Employers can, and probably will, look you up online and you’ll want to make sure that you leave a good impression. As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to lock down your personal profiles on most social media platforms (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, TikTok...), with the exception of LinkedIn, which is a really useful tool for finding jobs, and networking with employers and like-minded professionals. View your LinkedIn profile as a ‘lite’ version of your CV and make sure your profile has a casual yet professional picture.
Consider that every potential point of interaction between you and a prospective employer will leave an impression – even your email address. Might be time to retire xXxlordofthegothsxXx@###.com for something a bit more straightforward…
Step 4: Finding jobs online
The best approach to searching for jobs online is to keep your sources varied. Not every job will appear on LinkedIn or Indeed, as employers will choose to post in different places depending on cost, prior agreements or brand objectives, so it’s important to diversify your search. Some will post directly through universities that are close to office locations or have relevant courses, such as an undergraduate or masters course in science communication. Follow these top tips to make your job search more efficient:
Set up job alerts by title and location on as many of the top job boards as possible. These alerts will notify you by email as soon as a new job is posted
Use Google Jobs. Google’s job search works differently to other job boards, and scrapes job posting information from across the web. It will sometimes turn out information that you would have otherwise not found
Use the agency directory on the MedComms Networking website, and search the careers pages of each company for relevant opportunities. Some companies will only post on their company websites, and others will only have an email address for applications. Some larger agencies will use careers platforms that you can register your details on and receive alerts as soon as a new job becomes available
Check out specialist job boards, like Pharmiweb
Step 5: Network!
If you’ve followed through Steps 1-4, you will already be making good progress with your job search. Next up - networking! Using LinkedIn you will be able to find contacts in talent acquisition and HR at the bigger agencies, and department/agency leadership at the smaller ones. Don’t be afraid to hit ‘connect’ and politely enquire about job opportunities. Healthcare communications is a friendly and supportive industry and you will find plenty of people ready to offer a bit of advice, or point you in the right direction.
There’s also no substitute for attending events IRL. MedComms Networking and FirstMedCommsJob organises careers events throughout the year - many agencies and key industry employers attend, and you will be able to meet both talent acquisition/HR and colleagues working as medical writers and account handlers. I’ve known many prospective healthcare communications professionals to be hired as a result of attending these events and they are an invaluable opportunity to meet and learn from people who work in the industry.
And finally… GOOD LUCK! It will take persistence and perseverance to obtain that first job, but you can do it.
Written by Tom Davies, pobl. founder and life sciences recruitment expert
At pobl. we are always open to enquiries about careers in healthcare communications. Connect with me on LinkedIn to see more updates about the latest jobs and industry information.
