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?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

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

like

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.

like

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

like

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.

like

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.

like

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

like

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

like

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

Related Posts

Process chemists/scientists! What was one interview question that you received when you interviewed with your current company? And what's one question you would ask a potential candidate during their interview?

likehelpful

FIS India WFH extended till Dec 2022 ✌️

likeuplifting

I am finally going to see a therapist for my depression and suicidal thoughts. Alot of bad things happened to me the past 2 years and I just can't handle it anymore. Just wanted to get it off my chest.

likeupliftinghelpful

I don’t like Chicago. It seems that I will have to move to Chicago in the fall. How do I survive this

like

I work remote from the west coast and I love it. I rarely travel for work but next week I’ll be in our NY office. I’m actually excited to wear work clothes again for 1 week 😂

like

LinkedIn is a garbage app where I can’t even post my opinion or experience because it will go against the mainstream ideologies. If I even “like” a post then I worry that my peers and managers see what I like and suddenly I need inclusivity training. What a load of shit! You can’t be who you truly are on that app. Which is why I like fishbowl so much, the anonymity is a game changer. If LinkedIn was a anonymous, we’d see a lot more support for Kanye and a lot less LGBQT material. Bet!

likefunny

How many of you already have life insurance and long term disability with a trusted provider? Is it worth getting?

like

Are all the Oracle certifications free irrespective of our team after we join Oracle? Or WT can do certification only of our manners assigns any to us?

like

Got offer from JPMorgan Chase , but variable pay percent was not mentioned in it. HR told it will be around 10-12% . Is it true? It's for VP/602/Commercial Banking? How much we variable pay will get annually? Can someone help as based on this only in have to decide whether, I can go with counter offer or not?

I got a 7.5 % hike despite a progression from Senior Grade 1 to Grade 2. Has it been the case with most of the fishes here or is it just me? SSL - EY Private( BTS)

like

Where can I see the reviews post manager discussion?

like

What were some circumstances where you have had to to let go of an internal company offer after accepting it?

like

What is she even doing?! 😂😂😂

Post Photo
like

Any trans in this bowl from India ?

like

Sap ABAP + data migration cockpit, cctc- 16.4 including variable. Yoe - 4.8 np - 3 months. If I switch, can I get 20 plus?

like

Anyone here who have given data engineer interview at rolls royce?

like

Any recommendations for books for desi parents ? Politics , economics, world order , self help

What are some of the perks offered by morgan stanley?
TIA

like

What’s VCCP’s reputation? Would it be considered a top creative shop?

like

I have 5.5 years of backend development exp, and getting paid 10.8 LPA, am i underpai? how much should i expect from my next company?

Additional Posts in Pharma and Biotech

I’m a PV consultant, typically coming in as interim Heads of PV and helping clean up disasters. Considering going back into Pharma- what si the base salary of a Head of PV typically? I currently command $250-300 per hour

like

So. I've been a Clinical Research Associate for a little over two years making $25.50 an hour. But with my company's CRA shortage and the fact that they are working to the bone, I'm ready to ask for a raise. What percent should I shoot for?

like

Anyone on here working/worked at Moderna Norwood location? What are you experiences and do you recommend? Are there any “buts” or red flags?

like

Which company is better for tech management role - J&J or Amgen ? Looking for comments around WLB, internal growth, compensation etc.

like

Anyone working for AstraZeneca or Pfizer within oncology?

Has Pfizer done away with Assoc. Director roles in favor of Sr. Manager roles?

like

What kind of roles do you guys recommend for a pharmacist trying to pivot into pharma? Where can you go to see all the different types of roles available? I graduated with my PharmD in 2019 and I did a managed care residency and am now at a healthcare startup so my background is primarily on the health plan/digital health side

like

Got an interview coming up for Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Position: Marketing Intern.
Any suggestions on how should I prepare myself?

Any open scientist positions in Florida ? TIA

like

I am project manager in clinical research industry (CRO). After earning PhD, I gave up my science dream to take a more stable job. After slowly climbing the ladders, I feel like I finally got a seat at the table. Half the days I like the hustle, but now I miss being creative. I want to take more brainstorming, decision making responsibilities but I don’t see that in the career path for PM. Career path usually goes like this- Sr PM, Director, Sr Director, and so on. But all do same work.

like

Anyone know any biotechs/Pharma (ideally oncology-focused) that are looking for a VP (or even SD for the right TC) of BD/CorpDev and allowing for remote/travel models (if not Boston-based) or at least a Boston-based hybrid model? I know someone with good biotech/Pharma BD&L experience that is looking for a new role given the current biotech layoff scene. Feel free to share any company names with open roles or DM, if preferred.

Does AbbVie have a four day work week?

like

Hello Fish Friends! Does a PhD count as project management experience?

like

I'm looking to get in to pharma sales and have a sales background but in medical device. Has anyone made this switch? Would you be willing to offer any advice?

like

Any big pharma directors here happy to chat? I'm a postdoc and was suggested to apply to Sr/principal scientist or asso. med. dir. positions. I'd be excited for positions that straddle research & clinical trial development but job postings seem to be on either end. I want to look at data and draw decisions like go to trial or not. Need some insight on org. structure and how to go about finding a good fit? If it help, looking for north east positions. TIA!

like

Hi all,
Looking for a career change, I’ve experience in project management, oncology, health promotion, engagement, inclusion and diversity and hoping to work for a pharma. Happy to relocate and would love some guidance and referral please 🙏🏾

like

Anyone working at Abbie willing to provide reference? Desperately need one

like

Please,needs a referral to Novartis. Thank you

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal