By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Are you frustrated by your MSL job search? You know you are destined to be an MSL but something is not working. Many aspiring MSLs find themselves in this position. They know they are stuck but don't know what to do next. If this sounds like you, keep reading. This article is for you! I'm going to teach you how to troubleshoot your MSL job search to help you pinpoint exactly what you need to do to get unstuck.

How to Troubleshoot Your MSL Job Search

If you have been trying really hard to land an MSL role without any success, this means you need to change something. You are probably thinking, ok, but what do I need to change? That's where the troubleshooting comes in. Break down the job search into the core stages and then ask yourself which stage you are getting stuck at. That's where you need to invest more!

MSL Job Search Stages

The main stages of the MSL job search are:

• Applying for the job
• Interviewing for the job

Troubleshooting Your MSL Job Search

Reflect on your job search so far. Which stages have you had success with? Are you getting requests for interviews? In other words, are you making it through the applying for the job stage? If not, break down this stage further to see where you need to improve.

If you are submitting resumes and not hearing back, it could mean:

• Your resume and/or LinkedIn needs to be improved
  • Are the right skills highlighted?
• You need to network more

If you are getting interviews but not offers, ask yourself what could be improved here? Does the recruiter or HR person schedule the next meeting with the hiring manager? No? Think about how you handle those calls. Do you sound knowledgeable and confidently express how you meet the job requirements? Is there something else that could be turning the recruiter/HR person off?

If you get interviews with the hiring manager but don't get invited for the presentation, think about what the problem could be here? Review this article on what hiring managers want. Are you demonstrating that you understand the role, are easy to work with, and that they can put you in front of KOLs? If you get to the presentation but do not get an offer, does your presentation need some work?

Systematically work through each stage of the job search and honestly reflect on where you are getting stuck.

Conclusions

Once you pinpoint the issue, then you know where you need to improve. Focus on improving that aspect and see if it helps you progress to the next stage. If you feel like something isn't working, don't keep doing the same thing. Recognize where you are getting stuck and focus on that! 

Have you tried pinpointing your issue and then improving that, but you still feel stuck? Reach out to me! I am happy to chat and try to help. I will take you through this troubleshooting process 🙂.

Or better yet, apply for the Aspire MSL program. Tom and Sarah's course is specifically designed to help aspiring MSLs get unstuck in their job search and they are amazing!