Ghosting

A question I routinely get from clients is about the turn-around time for responses from recruiters and talent acquisition leads in pharma.  Here is a typical situation that is shared with me: “I applied for the job online and I connected with the Human Resources team member via LinkedIn and shared my resume with him.  It’s been two weeks and I’ve heard NOTHING.  Is this routine? Is this normal?” 

Unfortunately, YES – 

IT IS ROUTINE, IT IS NORMAL…

But, here is the key piece to know:

IT LIKELY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU AND YOUR APPLICATION!

I titled the blog today “Ghosting” because that was a term a client used when we were discussing this topic of response to job applications.  My interpretation of the term is that it assumes there is something specific happening to you and it is about you.

The good news is that it likely has nothing to do with you or your application specifically.

The distressing news is… well, there is probably a lot that seems distressing, right? 

First, it is not at all like your experience in medicine; whether it be residency or fellowship applications or your first job application.  Someone always got back to you and quickly! 

Second, you are not getting feedback on your application so you can’t adjust or react.

Third, you may not know the “rules” about following-up.

Here’s the thing about applying to jobs in the “real world”:

• Most important to recognize:  The time frame is different than in medicine – realize that the talent acquisition team is likely running MULTIPLE job searches and the screening of resumes takes time.
• Multiple people may be reviewing an application before a decision is made to connect with the applicant for next steps.
• The talent acquisition (Human Resources) lead may be on vacation!
• The hiring manager may be on vacation!
• There could be re-organization occurring and the job you applied for has been put “on hold” or removed from the hiring plan all together.

The point is, most of the reasons have nothing to do with you or your potential contribution!

This is why you have to keep applying and networking.

If you have the thought “I’m not getting responses so I’m not the right candidate for any of these roles” it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Knowing the above, not making it a personal afront to you or your application will keep you moving forward.  

• Keep applying
• Keep networking
• Remember that the more opportunities you have to get your resume in the hands of a live person the better!

Ready to make a career transition to pharma/biotech… want to explore a way to use your medical training and knowledge in a fulfilling way without nights and weekends call or charting. Watch this webinar on Getting Past the Three Major Hurdles to a Career in the Pharma Industry HERE.