Common Mistakes When Online Job Hunting
- Only using big name websites: The big name online job boards like Monster are not always the best choice for those who are looking a specialized regulatory affairs job. It is far better to use a website that is specific to the scientific industry, such as CK Regulatory.
- Being unprofessional when emailing:
- Avoid having a weird or crazy email address, keep it professional.
- Be careful about the content of your email messages.
- Use short paragraphs.
- Have an effective subject line – it should contain enough information to catch the recipient’s attention.
- Add a signature at the bottom of your email.
- Avoid sending your message to a lot of recipients at the same time – make sure you tailor it each time.
- Don’t fire off your CV to everyone.
- To one is a fan of receiving anonymous emails, especially HR managers or recruitment agencies within the scientific industry.
- Not being on Linkedin: LinkedIn is one of the best tools you can use to help you find that dream regulatory affairs job. LinkedIn is a business networking site which was launched in May 2003 with only 300 users. Since then it has seen unprecedented growth with 50,000,000 users in October 2009, and 1,400 new users each day. It is essentially your chance to showcase your strengths, thus encouraging not only the right people, but also the right opportunities to come to you. For tips to help you create a great Linkedin profile, please click here.
- Failing to have an electronic version of your CV.
- Remove incriminating pictures of you on social networking sites: After all, scientific recruiters and employers are more than likely to ‘Google’ you at some stage. For more tips to help you use social media to get your next job in regulatory affairs, please click here.
- Monitor your Twitter account or blog: Avoid writing anything here that makes you look lazy or dishonest.
- Applying for the sake of applying: You’re bound to get rejected if you apply for a regulatory affairs job you’re not really interested in.
