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You’ve worked hard to earn your credentials in sales or marketing, and the biotech field looks like a fascinating place to build your career. In fact, it looks a little too fascinating – even intimidating. Do these professionals even want someone like you on the team?

“Impostor syndrome” is the name commonly given to the doubts and fear that arise when our inner critic tells us we’re not good enough for the work we do. Perhaps you’ve already been working in sales and marketing, but your inner voice insists that you’re not as good as everyone else. You’re just faking it. It’s only a matter of time before everyone realizes you’re not cut out for the job.

The good news is the inner critic of impostor syndrome can be defeated – before it defeats your career. Here’s how.

Focus on your achievements.

When preparing your application materials for a biotech marketing or sales job, focus on your top achievements in each position you’ve held. When possible, put these into quantifiable terms, like “Increased my daily sales calls by 12 percent last quarter” or “Closed a $1.5 million deal with a client.”

Quantifiable achievements show employers what you can do. They also remind you that you have reached real, meaningful goals – and they aren’t just made up.

Talk to your network.

Trustworthy members of your professional network can help you better understand your own strengths. They can connect you with colleagues of their own who can offer advice and support as you seek a position in the biotech industry.

Plan to meet with at least one professional contact per week. For instance, you might schedule a lunch date with a colleague you haven’t seen in a while, go for a walk after work with someone in an adjacent department, or get coffee with a new connection at a conference. Make networking part of your daily routine to help maintain perspective and learn more about how others’ work can align with your own.

Put yourself in context.

One of the best ways to beat impostor syndrome is to get advice from someone who knows the context of your job and industry well. Your recruiter can help you understand exactly where you stand within biotech sales or marketing, pointing out where you do great work and offering concrete tips on how to shore up your weaknesses.

At SMR Group Ltd, our recruiters help sales and marketing professionals connect with some of the best jobs and employers in the biotech, medical device, and pharmaceutical industries. Contact us today to learn more.


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