In 2013, the primary source for locating job candidates was from applicant tracking systems. After this, qualified applicants were located through referrals and social media. In 2013, it took the following time frames to fill three types of positions:
- Temporary placements: Six days
- Contract placements: Eight days
- Permanent placements: 32 days
In 2014, prospective employers participated in a survey about placing skilled candidates in their positions. It was found that 71% of these employers admitted that there was a lack of skilled applicants. This number was higher in 2013, however, at 76%.
Each industry, of course, has specific skill requirements. While many of these skills may be transferable from similar fields, others may not be.
It’s obviously important that a prospective employee has the skills necessary to perform their desired job. While employers usually provide some level of on-the-job training, many specialized fields, such as life sciences, may expect employees to have the necessary skill set once they assume a position.
There will, of course, be some employer-specific training provided. This usually pertains to relevant regulations and office policies and procedures. Promotional opportunities also vary depending on the position. Some may require advanced degrees, particularly in the life sciences.
If you’re interested in a career within life sciences, there are a variety of specialties from which to choose. Becoming a pharmacy technician or pharmacist are just two potential career paths.
In 2014, for example, there were 368,760 pharmacy technicians employed in the United States. Within the same year, there were 290.780 employed pharmacists.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment opportunities are expected to from three percent between 2014-to-2024.
Two other areas of life science that may be of interest are biochemistry and biophysics. When meeting with life sciences recruiters, they can provide recent updates on employment opportunities within these fields.
The BLS, however, indicates that employment for biochemists and biophysicists is expected to grow eight percent between 2014-to-2024. More people skilled in these areas will be needed, reports the BLS, to
increase knowledge through conducting research as well as developing products and processes.
In addition to other specific areas of emphasis, the BLS states that the fields of biochemistry and biophysics focus on these and other areas:
- Chemical and physical principles
- Biological processes
If you become a biochemist or biophysicist, the BLS indicates that your research speciality might include studying one or more of the following biological processes:
- Cell development
- Cell growth
- Heredity
- Disease
One of the most effective ways to locate the right position is to contact a recruiting firm that specializes in your field. If you are a pharmacist technician or pharmacist, then you want to contact a life sciences recruiing firm to learn more about your employment options.
If you are trained in the fields of biochemistry and biophysics, then you also want to contact a life sciences recuiing firm. Life sciences recruiters will be able to discuss your options within these areas of expertise as well.
Life sciences recruitment services can also provide you with information on what to expect in a specific position. They will work closely with you to determine your salary requirements as well as discuss other important facets of the life sciences recruiing process.
In 2013 alone, a survey showed that 5.9% of various companies’ external hires were handled by search firms. This was nearly double the percentage from 2012. Furthermore, recruiting firms have reported that they have filled more positions in the past ten years than they did in 2012.
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If you’re curious about the life sciences recruiing process, contacting recruiting services can assist you with learning more. If you are a recent university graduate, or are seeking a more challenging position, contacting a life sciences recruiing firm can assist you with finding a position.
