Recruiting Across Borders In Life Sciences

In an industry where skilled talent is in high demand, organisations are extending their candidate search around the globe.

Life Sciences (and the STEM sector more widely) has a talent problem. There just isn’t enough talent to go around. This means that competition among employers is fierce while skilled life sciences candidates have more opportunities than ever to advance their career around the globe. But what does this mean for hiring managers? Their talent pool is smaller and more dispersed than ever before. They need to not only be experts in local recruitment but also in discovering top candidates on the international stage. If they haven’t got the skills to go global in their talent search, they need to get them, and fast. However, finding candidates across borders presents some challenges, which we explored here.

We’ve brought together our top advice for cross-border recruitment in Life Sciences, below.

Use technology to overcome logistics.

OK, so it’s probably not practical to fly that impressive candidate from Dubai into your London office for a preliminary chat. But video conferencing is a practical and useful option for getting to know remote candidates better. Video conferencing provides insights into body language and personality as well as practical skillsets. Make sure you use technology to stay connected throughout the recruitment process.

Do your research.

Different regions and countries have varied cultural norms and attitudes to the recruitment process. Move into a country without doing your research and you’re unlikely to successfully attract the attention of in-demand candidates. Instead, leverage local know-how from inside your business or connect with expert local recruiters to make sure you are the employer that candidates want to get to know better.

Don’t forget candidate engagement.

It’s easy to forget some of the talent basics when you start searching for candidates outside of your comfort zone. Candidate engagement is a key part of your toolkit in a skills-short market and that engagement has to extend outside of your major locations. Ensure candidate materials and articles are available in multiple languages and that you engage smartly over social media in countries with a strong life sciences community. Want to learn more? Check our blog on how to keep your talent pipeline hot.

Be engaged with the global life sciences community.

If you want global candidates to see you as a desirable employer, then you need to ensure that you are a visible part of the global life sciences community. This means attending events, sharing content and being a thought leader in the field. Industry influence and prestige is highly attractive to international candidates looking to build an impressive resume.

Create an international talent pool.

An international approach to talent shouldn’t start with a candidate search. You need to prepare for a globalised talent market by creating a truly global talent pool. This means connecting with potential international candidates on social media, researching competitors and maintaining a relationship with second and third place candidates over the long term.

Offer attractive relocation options.

In a busy global talent market, relocation packages can be a huge defining factor in attracting highly sought-after candidates. Make sure yours is generous enough to be worth a closer look. Relocation can also be a stressful process for candidates however much they want the job. Providing proper support during this period can help you retain the very best talent in the long term.

Understand the legalities.

Bringing people across borders and into your organisation is tied up in all sorts of intricate legalities. Make sure you get expert advice on work permits and regulations before you get started on your candidate search. This is an area of the global recruitment process where it pays to be prepared.

Are you looking to expand your team? Our life sciences experts can help you stand out in a competitive market. Get in touch to find out more.

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Navigating Career Crossroads: Your Guide to a Fulfilling Your Next Career Move!

12 Feb, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.

September Surge – Our Top Tips for Job Seekers

by Shazamme System User • 07 Sept, 2023

Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer, this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices. co.uk. Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!

Change. How to turn your fear into fuel for a rocket move and wake up in a different reality.

28 Aug, 2023

Rephrasing the famous song, “Love is in the air”, let’s talk about change is in the air – and everywhere. We grow. We change. Look at your childhood photos. Watch your kid, your nephew, your niece. The change is there, and it’s incredible. Nature is constantly changing. We wait for summer as the time to enjoy outdoor activities and gardening, for a quick visit to the beach, or simply take time to relax and spend time with family, friends and loved ones. We wait for winter (even if we never see snow falling) to decorate the house for the holidays, pack presents for the people we love and unpack our own. The colour of the leaves changes, the weather shifts, and flowers blossom in their time – the landscape is constantly transforming. The world around us is changing. We travel to other countries and learn new things, cultures and languages. We take on new hobbies. We get new skills. After a couple of minor kitchen accidents (sometimes), we can cook delicious dishes and get compliments from family and friends. We transform our bodies at the gym or simply by creating the habit of walking every day. We meet new people, we sometimes fall in love, we build families, we have kids. And if you step back for a second, you realise you might have met your other half by pure accident. But you took a leap of faith into the unknown. We embrace many types of unknown change, except for the one that can change how we live five days a week – to change jobs. “I am too old/too young to change”, “I’m used to this environment; It’s my comfort zone”, “Well, I don’t get any promotion, and what I do doesn’t change the world, but it’s stable”, “I am afraid to ask for more interesting projects. What if my manager fires me?”. We often don’t want to change because that step requires a vision, courage, external support, and a leap of faith into the unknown. Scary? Yes. But also promising. A step into the unknown? Yes. But it can open a new door. Do your inner values marry what you do? Yes, it is essential. There is nothing terrible about staying in your comfort zone. At some stage of your career, staying put can be an excellent decision. But if you feel that you need a change – talk to Kelly. We don’t mind going the extra mile and support your wish to embrace the change. The one which will give meaning to what you do, feel proud, motivated and fulfilled. Ready for changing? We’ll make sure your talent can truly shine.