6 Ways to Enhance Life Sciences Hiring

Although the life sciences industry is thriving, with healthcare now the largest employer by industry in the US, several key challenges are generating significant competition when it comes to talent acquisition. According to Grant Thornton Global, skills and skilled people have become rare and in-demand commodities, and the rising expenses associated with inflation also have the power to limit profit growth in the foreseeable future.

Moreover, life science occupations had the second-lowest unemployment rate of all occupations in the US as of mid-2022, according to insights from CBRE. There is also an increased focus on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices, leading to a rapidly changing regulatory environment and a stronger focus on technology playing a key role in R&D investment trends and scientific progress.

This article describes six ways you can address these talent acquisition challenges secure essential talent to keep your own organisation robust and efficient.

1. Deliver a personal candidate experience

One of the most efficient methods for establishing your talent acquisition strategy is to provide a personalised candidate and hiring experience.

Get to know your interviewees on a personal level to gain more insights into their unique motivations, goals, and preferences, whether that’s a higher compensation package or more flexible working arrangements.

Overall, it’s important for candidates to feel valued throughout the hiring process, particularly when seeking talent at senior levels within the life sciences industry.

2. Nurture relationships throughout the hiring process

A streamlined hiring process will enable your business to attract the best talent while minimising the risk of encountering challenges in line with increased competition.

Maintain clear communication with your applicants at all times and check in with each candidate from the very first touchpoint to the final interview. Not only will this help to build a stronger working relationship with professionals, but a company that actively cultivates relationships during the hiring process demonstrates its commitment to securing top talent. By going the extra mile, you can make a lasting impression on candidates, setting yourself apart as an employer of choice.

3. Provide valuable feedback

Transparency and timely feedback are essential parts of the talent acquisition process. In addition to helping candidates enhance their own professional development, providing constructive feedback contributes to a positive candidate experience. Feedback should be delivered promptly to maintain a sense of momentum and highlight a company’s dedication to the process and employees.

Offering your candidates a chance to report honest feedback about their experiences may also create opportunities for referrals and improvements.

4. Utilise life sciences contractors

Life sciences contractors and freelancers provide specialised expertise and offer a variety of benefits, making them a viable option for expanding your team alongside professionals looking for permanent roles.

These benefits include flexibility, cost savings, reduced overheads, faster turnaround times, lower risk, fresh perspectives, and increased productivity.

5. Make compelling offers

Your organisation’s offers should align with the motivations of your candidates. These motivations can range from compensation and benefits packages to specific company cultures and flexible working arrangements, such as part-time and full-time remote positions.

Request honest feedback from your candidates about your hiring and talent retention strategies to ensure that you understand your potential hires’ key motivations and preferences.

6. Retain top talent

Prioritising factors such as positive company culture, employee recognition and appreciation, professional development opportunities, and attractive compensation schemes can improve your talent retention rates.

The life sciences career market is highly competitive, and implementing strategies to retain your top talent can help you give your organisation an edge.

Secure business-critical talent with EPM Scientific

EPM Scientific understands the importance of finding top talent for every life science's role. We offer the expertise you need to secure critical talent for your business’s future.

Submit a vacancy or request a call back from our team to learn how we can support your growth.