3 Questions to Ask Before You Look for a New Life Sciences Role

Got itchy feet when it comes to your scientific career? You’re not alone. Research from Prudential found that 26% of workers plan to look for a job with a different employer once the threat of the pandemic has decreased, and 1 in 5 had already made a career switch.

Maybe you’re looking to boost your work-life balance, grow your benefits package, or just get stuck into a brand-new challenge. But before you start handing out your resume, make sure you know what you’re searching for and why. You may even find you are happier staying put, even if it’s just for a little while.

These are 3 big questions you should ask (and answer) before you make a career leap.

1. Do you feel challenged?

Everyone needs to feel challenged at work – particularly curious and innovative life sciences workers. If you’ve accomplished everything you can in your current role and you’ve been treading water for a while, it may be a good sign that you’re ready to move on. But consider internal moves and opportunities too; this could be a great chance to look at a new part of the business or get involved in a new project or initiative. Make it clear to your colleagues and boss that you’re interested in stretching your wings, it may throw up an unexpected opportunity.

2. What are your values?

Your values make you who you are and when you match them with a job or employer, you’re likely to amplify your satisfaction levels. More and more organisations are realising that their purpose can’t just be something that they put on their value proposition or social media feed, it has to have a tangible connection to what their workers live every day. This is particularly important in life sciences where many organisations are having a meaningful impact on the wider world. Whether you’re passionate about changing lives, saving the planet, or improving health, think about how your values match with your current employer and whether someone else may be a better fit.

3. What is the most important thing in your life outside of work?

A career is about more than work. It’s about giving you the means and flexibility to support the other things that matter in your life. Whether you’re passionate about spending time with your family, travel, or a particular hobby, your job must help to fuel and accommodate the things that are important to you. Does your current role restrict or support your passions? Or could a new job provide extra flexibility to do what you love inside and outside of the workplace?

Ready to press go on your life sciences job search? Kelly can help. We’re experts in life sciences recruitment and we work with some of the biggest and most exciting organisations in the world. Click here to start your search and find a role that feels like you.

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