Navigating the New Talent Landscape: Your Guide to Landing Your Dream Job

The talent market is dynamic these days; exciting new opportunities abound, but competition is as high as ever and as soon as you think you understand the landscape, it changes yet again. As Talent Acquisition Advisors, we see the challenges firsthand, but we're also here to be your guide. Let's break down some of the biggest job-searching hurdles.

Challenge #1: The Great Talent Hunt

As of June 2024, the US labor shortage was at 70%, meaning that 70% of employers are unable to find suitable employees for their job vacancies. What does this mean for you? It means your qualifications and experiences are valuable, but it also means there’s more competition for top roles and you need to stand out.

Here’s how:

• Your resume and cover letter should be tailored for each specific job you apply to. Speaking directly to the job posted and highlighting achievements using specific metrics and results will go a long way.
• Your online presence carries more weight than you may realize. Make sure your LinkedIn profile showcases your updated skills and experience and that you are engaging with relevant companies and articles. Be careful though – being too boisterous online could be a turn-off for some companies.
• Network strategically. The key to networking is to always be doing it, not just when you are searching for a job. Attend industry events, make a concerted effort to connect with other professionals on LinkedIn, and stay in touch with past colleagues.

Challenge #2: Dodging the Scammers

Unfortunately, with a hot job market comes the opportunists. Phishing emails, fake job postings, and impersonation scams are all on the rise. And unfortunately, West is no stranger to the scammers. It seems we’ve seen it all, from scammers pretending to be a West Recruiter and inviting job seekers to interview for nonexistent jobs, to fake job offer letters aimed at stealing your personal data.

Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Here's our top tips to stay safe and avoid the scams:

• You will typically be asked to apply through a company’s official website, regardless of how a Recruiter reaches out to you. Research the company that is contacting you and check their website and social media presence for credibility. At West, our Recruiters will always direct you to apply.
• Look at the email address of the recruiter reaching out to you and research it to ensure validity. Our West employees will only use an email address with our company’s email domain (westpharma.com). If a Recruiter is reaching out to you with an email address from a free email account like Yahoo, Hotmail, or Gmail – exercise caution and ensure validity before proceeding too far.
• Be wary of job offers outside of the standard interview process. West Recruiters will always complete a formal interview process with you over the phone before you continue in the interview process. West Recruiters never conduct interviews through text, through apps like RingCentral, or via a chat room such as Google Hangouts. While we do utilize WeChat to share top jobs in our APAC region, all candidates will still be directed to the official website to formally apply.
• You should never share financial information, passwords, or personal information of any type during the interview process. If you are asked to pay for equipment fees, travel fees, or make a payment of any kind, even if reimbursement is promised - Pause and check another source to ensure this is a valid opportunity.
• When in doubt, double check. Companies typically have a general recruiting mailbox set up and will be able to confirm the validity of the opportunity you are discussing. At West, you can reach out to us at Talent@westpharma.com and we will verify the job information in question.

Challenge #3: The Post-Pandemic Workplace

The pandemic redefined the work experience. Now, more than ever, job seekers prioritize flexibility, work-life balance, and a positive company culture. So, how do you find a company that gets it? Ask the right questions during the interview process. Interviewing is a two-way street. Yes, you need to focus on selling yourself, but you also need to understand what the company is all about to ensure it is the right fit for you.

• Remote work policy: What is the company’s RTO (return to office) policy? Do they offer full-time remote work, a hybrid model, or requirements to be in the office full-time? At West, we’ve implemented a hybrid model, which is the perfect combination of working in your pjs a few days a week and then going onsite to meet in person. Figure out what is important to you and your family and then ask the right questions to get a better understanding of the company’s stance.
• Work-life balance: The company itself will represent important aspects such as paid time off and mental health resources but don’t forget to understand from the person that will be your direct Manager what their philosophy is. Are they rigid with the hours that they expect you to be onsite or are they willing to be flexible? My boss is fantastic about giving me the flexibility to come into the office after the kids get onto the bus and leave in time to beat the traffic. And for me, this is huge.
• Company culture: What is the overall vibe of the company? Is it collaborative, innovative, and supportive? Do they value philanthropy and strive to give back? What about employee resource and diversity groups? You can learn a lot from employee reviews and the company’s social media presence. Try searching specific company hashtags on LinkedIn for even more information. Example: #OneWestTeam.

What You Get at West

At West, we touch the lives of millions of people, and we’re proud to ask the question – how can we strive for better? As #OneWestTeam, we offer a collaborative space where everyone feels listened to, respected, and valued. West is a place where you can thrive, and as a team, we are purpose-led and values driven. Working at West means you will have a career built by curiosity, where we share a global ambition – and never stop improving.

West offers a culture that goes beyond just a paycheck. We are not only by your side for a healthier world, but by your side for a healthier you. West offers comprehensive health plan options (available after day 1!) as well as a variety of different programs such as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Tuition Reimbursement Program, Service Recognition Program, and a Dependent Scholarship Program.

In addition to attractive benefits offerings, West has nurtured a culture of philanthropy and community involvement. For over two decades, West has focused its philanthropic efforts on charities that aid cancer research and care, STEM education, and children with special needs in the communities where our employees live and work – and we’ve raised over $10M for charities located around the globe.

Finding the right job is about feeling valued and empowered. By understanding the current landscape, continually networking, and keeping your guard up against scams, you'll be well on your way to landing that dream role at a fantastic company (like ours!). Check out our careers site for a list of our global opportunities.