Debunking Job Search Myths for Women in Pharma and Biotech

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Are you stuck in your job search, unsure of why your efforts aren’t paying off? Well, it might be because you're believing in outdated myths that are holding you back. As a woman in Pharma/Biotech, you're navigating one of the most competitive job markets out there, but it's also an industry full of opportunity, if you know where to look and how to strategize.

Instead of getting lost on Biotech Reddit or an endless LinkedIn scroll, let’s bust some of those common job search myths that are keeping your career stuck. 

Myth 1: "I need to wait for the job market to improve."

Busted: The Pharma/Biotech industry is having a lot of movement but market fluctuations are normal for our industry. Yes, it's competitive and the strategies that worked before aren’t working as well today. That doesn't mean there aren't opportunities right now. What matters most is your clarity on what you want and your ability to stand out against the competition. Spoiler: being a high performer with a great résumé isn’t enough, you need a strategy that puts you in the driver’s seat of your career and positions you as a stand-out candidate.

What to do instead: Start targeting roles that align with your long-term goals and use your network. Tap into the hidden job market, and make sure you're the obvious best choice for the job you want by aligning your strategy and brand with your desired role.

Myth 2: "I just need to perfect my résumé."

Busted: I’ve seen too many people agonize over their résumés, thinking that’s the golden ticket to a new job. But here’s the truth: you get the job, not your résumé. Yes, it’s important, and yes, it should reflect your accomplishments, but your résumé isn't the deciding factor. It’s subjective to whoever is reviewing it. Spending hundreds or thousands on a resume writer doesn’t get you the job and can even decrease your interview chances if done wrong. They can make you more generic and less in integrity of what you want and what you are seeking.

What to do instead: Focus on how you present yourself and what you bring to the table beyond the résumé. Build relationships, practice storytelling in interviews, and let your skills and value shine through in conversations, not just on paper.

Myth 3: "The job I want doesn’t exist."

Busted: If you believe the perfect job isn’t out there, you’re not looking in the right places or you're not clear on what you want. I've helped clients not only find roles they love but also create roles where they do their best and most fulfilling work, even when they didn’t think it was possible.

What to do instead: Get crystal clear on what your ideal job looks like and don't be afraid to ask for what you want, whether that's creating a new position or negotiating your current responsibilities.

Myth 4: "Dream jobs don’t exist."

Busted: Only the people who don’t have their dream jobs say they don’t exist. I've worked with clients who not only landed their dream roles but had to adjust to the idea of being happy in their careers because it was such a new feeling for them!

What to do instead: Believe that your dream job is out there. It may take some refining of your goals and expectations, but it’s possible. Don’t settle for a job that leaves you drained and unfulfilled.

Myth 5: "It takes forever to find a new job."

Busted: I’ve seen people land roles within weeks once they got clear on their goals and implemented a solid strategy. If you're dragging out your job search, it's likely because you're focusing on the wrong things.

What to do instead: Stop overcomplicating it. Get specific about the role you want, target the right companies, and leverage your network. Once you’re clear and strategic, the right opportunity can come quicker than you think.

Myth 6: "My skills aren’t transferable."

Busted: Whether you're moving from the bench to the boardroom, or from one department to another, your skills are transferable. It’s all about how you position yourself and connect the dots for potential employers.

What to do instead: Emphasize your experience in a way that makes it obvious how your skills apply to the new role. Don’t expect hiring managers to figure it out for you—tell them!  Avoid starting your responses with, “I don’t have experience in X, but I do have…”.

Myth 7: "I need another certification or degree to get the job."

Busted: While education is valuable, it's not always necessary to get the job you want. I’ve had clients who thought they needed a new degree or certification to move forward, only to find out that what they really needed was a better strategy.

What to do instead: Before you invest time and money into another credential, get clear on what’s truly required for the roles you're targeting. You may already have everything you need to land that job, and the right strategy will get you much further than another certification.

Myth 8: "I have to meet 100% of the qualifications to apply."

Busted: Job descriptions are often wish lists. Confidence is more important than competence in many interview processes. As long as you're around 70% qualified, apply.

What to do instead: Apply for the job. If you’re missing a critical technical skill, that’s one thing, but most job descriptions have flexibility. Let your confidence and clarity about the role shine through, and don’t be afraid to apply even if you aren’t the “perfect” fit on paper.

There is a lot of outdated advice out there.  The strategies from 5 years ago don’t work as well today but remember, your dream job is out there - you just need a different approach.         

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Want more strategies to land your next role, even in a tough market? I have a brand new private podcast training coming in November. Get first access by signing up to get the exclusive feed at www.yourworthycareer.com/private. 

Melissa Lawrence is the Founder of Your Worthy Career and is an industry insider Career and Leadership Coach that helps women in Pharma/Biotech identify their next best role, get a new job, promotion, and build their skills to be a stand-out leader. To learn more about working with Melissa, check out her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.