Monthly Archives: March 2010

Using Social Media to Recruit

OK, this isn’t quite the magician sharing his secrets, but below are our views and what we believe are the advantages of using social media to recruit.

Facebook. Having 500+ fans, we can get our message to a large, active and interested audience immediately. From feedback to blog posts to actually getting candidates to respond through the medium, it’s an excellent resource for recruiting. In fact, we have made 2 active placements through Facebook, with both candidates seeing the job on their News Feed and getting in touch. As it’s a Client driven market, candidates appreciate the fact that they are alerted immediately, especially for roles where there are potentially a number of possible suitable people in our network.

LinkedIn. An essential bow in every recruiter’s arrow as far as we’re concerned. It’s important to build a strong network of like minded individuals, stay in touch with discussion in groups of professional (and sometimes personal) interest.

Twitter: we have 560+ followers on Twitter, which is another excellent medium to broadcast our message. This is probably the toughest medium to master (as suggested by Simply Zesty) as it’s the newest, requires constant management and sometimes it can be difficult to toe the line between getting too personal and broadcasting your corporate message. However, as Ben Dunne said in his recent Newstalk / NCI Interview: “Business is about to get dirty, politeness is dead (not a direct quote).” OK, it mightn’t be that radical in our industry, but we certainly see Twitter as being an essential tool for the future, especially as more and more people are attracted to it.

A blog is also essential to convey your message. It strengthens your brand, makes people feel connected and lets them know there’s real people behind the company.

Do you have any more suggestions? Let us know!

-Brian (bhc at lifescience dot ie)

Keeping your finger on the pulse (while not working)

So you’ve just graduated and are looking for your first job, or recently been made redundant? It’s important to keep that fire burning by staying in touch with current scientific issues. This will come across very well at interview when they ask you something along the lines of: “so what are your interests?” or “tell us about yourself.” If you can convey a passion for science and current issues, an organisation will be far more likely to believe you can grow and flourish with their organisation. Here are some resources to get you on your way:

Science Spin is both a podcast, mag and site dedicated to Science in Ireland. It’s aimed more towards environmental and discovery issues, but that’s science too isn’t it?! (apologies, I’m a medicinal chemist with tunnel vision!).

Twitter: I hate sounding like a broken record, but Science seems to be one of the major topics on here, along with tech, given that’s it’s bulging at the seams with geeks and nerds of all descriptions (along with some super cool people too!). Some humorous and / or interesting  scientists are here, here and here. By following these people and checking out who they follow, you’ll be in the loop in no time.

There are numerous video channels dedicated to science. TED (Tech, Entertainment, Design) brings together people from different walks of life who each give keynote speeches. Some very interesting scientific speeches can be found here. They are all remarkable in their own little way.

For more industry focussed information, B&F’s Life Science Review is excellent. It will give you a rundown of a number of companies operating in the Scientific space in Ireland, as well as some interesting articles. What a coincidence, we just had one published ourselves last month! But seriously, I would suggest its essential reading for anyone looking to pursue a career in science / medical devices in Ireland.

Podcasts are also a great way to keep in touch on the go. Stanford has a great series of “Entrepreneur Thought Leaders” talks which feature a number a high profile scientists.

Any more resources appreciated! Brian (bhc at lifescience dot ie)

Would you fire this person?

I had an interesting online conversation with a friend who is based in the States last night.The chat came round to a lab supervisor who was upset that a person they had recently hired had “embelllished” and added details onto their CV. Essentially, they had lied in order to get themselves ahead of the pack. Although upset, the supervisor was dealing with it and moving on, I assume because this person had been doing some solid work since they started. How would you react if you were the lab supervisor?

It’s a well known fact that people highlight their CVs to the best of their abilities, but there exists a fine line  between this and adding skills there which don’t exist (and which, if discovered would make your employer upset).

Personally, I would have to give this person their P45 – how could you expect a constructive business relationship to be built if the candidate effectively undermind you to get the job? The relationship is effectively undermined from the outset, and it’s tough to build confidence when this happens.

I think it boils down to passion for what you do. Do you see your job as just a job? Do you dread Monday mornings? Yes, there are expenses involved with firing and re-hiring. But if you have true passion for what you do and strive to build a team around you who echoes your values, then you have to be able to trust them implicitly. I can’t see how this can be achieved if your recent hire has lied on their CV to get the job.

For more on this, Seth Godin is a great resource (recent posts here and here).

What you you do if you were the lab supervisor? Fire or let it go?

-Brian (bhc at lifescience dot ie)

Career Advice from Industry Experts

I’ve tweeted and posted this on Facebook already (as well as blogged about it before), but I think it’s worthy of a lot more than that.

All Life Science jobseekers should check out this video: HERE.

Biopharma – Q & A from TCD Alumni on Vimeo.

It’s 4 Irish industry leaders: Owen Treacy (GM, Novo Nordisk Ireland), David Lloyd (Dean of Research, TCD), Joe Keenan (Director Sales & Marketing, Argutus Medical) and Michael Gillen (Bioindustry Ireland). There are various tips contained within about how to distinguish yourself from your peers, how to sell yourself to people like them in industry, and how to get that first step on the ladder.

We get a lot of call from graduates and people with <1 years experience who are seeking to advance in industry. Although there aren’t as many opportunities as 2 years ago, following the advice provided here will set you well on your way. The concept of working for free is mentioned. Although I would agree with Doug Richard that working for free is not a great idea (it can create the wrong dynamic), certainly being flexible in your approach is the way to go to get that first notch on your CV.

I’d love to hear any thoughts you have on the above.

-Brian (bhc at lifescience dot ie)