How the Pandemic Shifted the Job Market

Written By: Jessica Gerber

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted all aspects of our lives, and the job market is no exception. In particular, we have seen many changes to the trends of the pharmaceutical industry job market. In the beginning of the pandemic, COVID caused many uncertainties that may have resulted in people leaving jobs or lay-offs. While for other industries it may seem that job seekers are at a disadvantage, the pharmaceutical industry is a very candidate-driven market right now.

Now that some sort of stability or resemblance of certainty has been maintained with the pandemic, companies are having open positions and needing talent to join their team. It seems common these days that when pharmaceutical professionals are actively looking for new opportunities, they have many different options to choose from.

As recruiters our job has always been to be an advocate for both our client and the candidate. However, since candidates are presented with so many different opportunities, transparent communication has become even more important. This includes communication with both the candidate and the client. Since there are so many open positions right now, understanding the true motivation for the candidate looking to make a move, will better allow us guide and present the candidate with opportunities that are a fit for their career goals and growth. Additionally, as the candidate goes through the interview process, it is important for us to advocate for quick and clear feedback regarding next steps.

One example of this is when we were recently working with a candidate that not only had multiple offers, but once the candidate accepted the offer from our client, their current employer presented a counteroffer (which is becoming more common). Since we had transparent communication and understood the pain points of why the candidate wanted to leave their current employer, we were able to help them navigate this decision.

While it is always tricky to navigate the process of making the next career move, and the pandemic has certainly added layers of complications, consistent and honest communication has allowed us to assist professionals as they take the next step in their career.