Attracting Talent in the Life Sciences Sector as an SME
Recruiting top talent can be a challenge. Despite SME’s accounting for 99.3% of the private sector and providing 60% of all employment, they often struggle to recruit the very best people in to their business. It can often seem impossible to compete against bigger companies with more resources and extensive benefits packages. But don’t despair! There are ways to attract the best talent to your SME, even in the competitive life sciences sector.
Here are some tips to help you get started.
Know Your Niche
In life sciences, there are many specialised areas of expertise that require specific skillsets and experience. Knowing where you have a competitive advantage will help you target the right people for your company and increase your chances of success. For example, if your SME specialises in cancer research or medical device development, make sure you emphasise this when recruiting new staff members. This will help potential candidates understand why they should choose your company over other larger competitors.
Cultivate Relationships with Universities and Research Centres
It’s important to establish relationships with universities and research centres that specialize in the same field as your company. These institutions often have access to talented young professionals who are looking for their next challenge within life sciences industry. Take advantage of these opportunities by attending events or offering internships so candidates can get to know your business better before applying for a full-time role.
Provide Clear Job Descriptions
When posting job descriptions on job boards or social media platforms, make sure they are clear and concise. Provide details about the job requirements, salary range and any additional benefits that come with the position so applicants know exactly what they’re getting themselves into when they apply for a role at your SME. This will also ensure that only qualified candidates apply for the role which saves you time when it comes to reviewing applications later down the line.
Utilise Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can be incredibly useful when it comes to finding potential candidates for your life science business. Use these platforms wisely—post job openings, share information about the company culture or upcoming events, or even just reach out directly to potential candidates who may fit the bill. You should also consider creating a website or blog that showcases what your company is all about and highlights why people would want to work there!
Leverage Referrals from Current Employees
Your current employees can be a great source of potential new hires! Ask them if they know anyone who might be interested in working for your life science business, and provide incentives for those who successfully refer someone who gets hired. This is a great way to find highly qualified individuals without having to spend time searching through resumes or conducting interviews yourself. Plus, referrals often come from trusted sources so you can rest assured that you’re getting quality applicants!
It’s time to find your Talent!
When it comes to competing against larger companies for top talent in the Life Sciences sector, SMEs need not fear – there are many strategies available to help you recruit quality employees who fit your needs perfectly!
By knowing your niche, cultivating relationships with universities and research centres, providing clear job descriptions when advertising positions, and showcasing your business correctly, you’ll be able to compete against larger companies for talent.
Scienta have ample experience recruiting for SME’s within Life Science, so don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your recruitment needs.
