Is it true that directly applying to commercial roles at big pharma/ med devices never gets an interview? Has anyone had luck getting interviews with any pharma/med device directly through applications, instead of referrals/networking?

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I've gotten interviews through direct applying. Although I'll echo what others have said about the current market. My rate is like 4 interviews out of 200+ applications within the past 6 months, not even hearing a peep from jobs I feel I'm very much qualified for. It's a very competitive market rn

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I've gotten interviews - made it through the (slow, painfully lengthy) process to get all the way down to a choice between me and one other candidate before I lost out to them. However my success rate is painfully low.

A lot of it is because the job market in pharma is so bad right now. There's been so many layoffs that every time a job opens, dozens of candidates who perfectly fit the role requirements have already applied. Not coming from pharma puts you at an immediate disadvantage vs those candidates, so you're less likely to make it through candidate screening.

If and when the pharma job market turns around things could get easier.

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4-5 months. The job I finally took was literally 10 months.

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Been unemployed for 7 months now. It’s been rough. Been through tons of interviews but all have been because of referrals. Stalled out due to hiring freezes which was upsetting for a role I was absolutely perfect for.

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Hi, I’m so sorry about the job search. Im currently interviewing with Vertex. Would it be okay if I dm you?

I recently got a job through a cold application at a biotech - I was a perfect fit for the job description though with some experience in a unique drug class.

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I’ve cold applied to 5 big companies in last 3 months and go interviews for all 5 so it’s there but also heard otherwise have gotten nothing. Sometimes it’s luck of the draw

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100% all the time through direct applications
To HR screenings, hiring managers may be looking for something specific in your resume

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I was hired via direct application to my current role. It all depends on what the hiring managers are looking for and if / how your profile stands out. Referrals definitely help, but it’s not the only way.

Look for consulting opportunities. Your exp in the industry will be highly valued

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