When pharmaceutical professionals launch a job search, they sometimes underestimate the importance of their resumes. Simply attaching the same version you did the last time you applied for a job can be a major misstep. If you want to craft an attention-grabbing resume for a pharmaceutical job, here’s what you need to know.
Your resume must be honest and accurate, but it’s important that it specifically addresses the points presented in the job post. Analyze the nuance of the position’s requirements to determine which parts of your job history are most relevant and mirror the language used by the recruiter.
The days when jobseekers typed up a resume and made 100 photocopies are long behind us. Your resume is a living document, ready to adapt to each opportunity. Its core should be made up of your job history, skills and experience, but it must be carefully edited to suit the position you are pursuing.
One way to achieve this is by including a bulleted list of relevant skills and experience at the top of the page, just below your contact info. Include as many keywords as you can. Hiring managers skim resumes for an average of six seconds. You need to grab attention fast to earn the “further review” pile.
Targeting Your Resume is a Must
When you create a resume for a pharmaceutical job, you want to make sure it is targeted to the role you want to land. A generic cover resume isn’t going to stand out. Additionally, a non-targeted resume may include details that aren’t relevant to that specific hiring manager, creating a missed opportunity for you to connect.
Before you begin, review the pharmaceutical job description carefully. Make a note of the high-priority must-have skills, experience, and education, and use that as inspiration to tailor your resume to the job. If you speak to the higher priority points, your resume is more relevant, making it more likely that the hiring manager will value what you shared.
Use Pharmaceutical Industry Keywords That You Find in the Job Ad
Using keywords in your resume is essential Review the job description and look for key pharmaceutical industry terms that relate to your skills and experience. When you find one, use it when you describe your expertise.
Ideally, you want to use the same spelling that you see in the job ad. That way, if your resume goes through an automated screening process before making it to the hiring manager, the screener is more likely to view your application as a strong match.
Ultimately, by following the tips above, you can write a compelling resume for a pharmaceutical job. If you’d like to learn more about advancing your pharmaceutical career, partner with top pharma placement agencies like Alpha Consulting.
