Guide to finding jobs in biomedical science

There was a time when the biomedical science profession suffered from recruitment and retention problems. Now, with improved pay and conditions compared to a decade ago, pathology modernisation, workforce re-structuring and uncertain economics the situation is very different with fierce competition for posts.

However, all is not as bleak as it seems and we asked regular contributors to the IBMS web discussion forums to give us their tips and thoughts on finding a job.

Finding vacancies

The IBMS cannot find anyone a job but it does have an affiliated careers website at careerscene.com and its monthly publication, The Biomedical Scientist, is one of the biggest sources for information on vacancies. The NHS also has its jobs website at www.jobs.nhs.uk and www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk. Many employers do advertise on these media but others will use other means or other websites because of costs.

Charlie Houston further added that job seekers "should look beyond the NHS to the private sector (especially with forthcoming changes and reform), veterinary labs, universities, food microbiology and nature." Biomedical scientists can also be found in the Health and Safety Executive, armed forces, academia, journalism, and related commercial fields.

Other lab managers used local newspaper groups for their medical laboratory assistants (MLAs) and A-level entrant trainees. So when looking for vacancies think beyond the obvious and don’t rely on the usual few sources.

Having the right degree

Students graduating with IBMS-accredited degrees do have a big advantage over those with non-accredited degrees because their degrees are designed to give tailored scientific knowledge and training to enter the profession.

Graduates with 'non-standard' and non-accredited science degrees can enter the profession but may need to supplement their degrees with additional modules that are an integral part of accredited biomedical science degree courses. You can get advice on topping up your degree by contacting the IBMS. However, the harsh truth is that applicants for the trainee positions who do not have an accredited degree, are likely to fall at the first hurdle as employers are not generally prepared to engage someone who still needs a top-up qualification when they can attract applicants trained, registered and ready to practice from accredited degree programmes.

To MLA or not to MLA

In the past one solution to finding a job has been to secure a MLA position to get a foot in the door and then apply internally. Several of our contributors disagreed with this approach. David Phillips believed that as "a graduate in biomedical science, trainee job should be the aim, graduates would get frustrated, I believe, as MLA's. Whilst some may argue foot on the ladder I can't see it myself."

Michael Gayler agreed: "I would be very suspicious about a qualified candidate who was applying for an MLA job as a 'foot in the door' or 'step on the ladder' - MLA jobs are just that. While they might give someone who has a relevant degree some valuable insight into working life in a hospital laboratory, they shouldn't see it as a leg up into a qualified job."

Ian Lancaster, however had a very different point of view. He believes the current routes to becoming a biomedical scientist is hit and miss with a system that produces more graduates than there are posts. "We have a non-accredited university near here that produces dozens of such graduates a year who after accumulating substantial debt find they have to take top-up modules before they can even apply for a training post. The closest these people get to working in a lab is as an MLA…most won’t make it that far as some people feel they are over qualified for an MLA post. But why would you turn down a graduate biomedical scientist for an MLA post, given the education system that is in place? They will apply for MLA posts in the hope that their laboratory experience will put them ahead of the crowd when a trainee post does come up."

Unrealistic expectations is also off-putting to prospective employers. Applicants should be aware of job progression and career pathways in a routine NHS lab or indeed any work environment. Employers will be put off by applicants who think that a job in a lab will lead to research.

Your application and CV

Application forms and CVs are unlikely to get you the job, but they will get you shortlisted for an interview or rejected at the first hurdle. There’s plenty of advice on the internet on what makes a good CV, which this article does not intend to recreate, but several of our forum contributors pointed out several pitfalls and bemoaned the poor quality of received applications and CVs. David Phillips recommended that applicants use spell checks, refrain from text speak, show some effort and improve on their applications "as personally I have seen some dreadful applications, some people are unable to sell themselves and the application form is the only way open to get an interview."

Tina Whitham talked about "one of the things we always measured against was the standard of written English grammar and computer literacy. It’s surprising how many people didn't seem to know how to use a spell checker yet they would tell us how many software applications they'd used!"

Many trusts and hospitals use scoring systems to shortlist applications. Scoring systems are mostly based on the specification of the person wanted to fill a vacancy so it’s important that the applicants read and understand this. If the correct information isn't obtained from the application form, then they might not score as highly as they could and might not be shortlisted.

Lynn Fellows discussed how she received 300 applications for one post which at first sounds intimidating, but for all kinds of reasons, such as wrong qualifications, poor spelling, poor presentation, lack of understanding for the job, this can be reduced in number very quickly. What struck her was that for a majority it was not obvious that they were applying for her vacancy. "Where we asked for specifics there was no definite mention that they had the specifics required. Where we offered a choice of work area very few applicants stated a preference. Also, there were a lot of sweeping statements e.g. 'I have always wanted to do this' / 'I was excellent at this at University' / 'I am just what you are looking for' without any evidence to back it up."

Katherine Mounce agreed saying "NHS Jobs has made recruitment a bit of a headache as people just seem to 'blanket' apply for all trainee jobs without updating their applications to be specific for your post. I have had so many applications which say 'I have always wanted to be a biochemist'...when I am looking for a cytologist! We get hundreds of applications for each post and the applications needs to be pretty special to stand out, even if experience is minimal then research the topic and write this up, always state why that job in particular...please at least mention cytology!!!"

In other words tailor your application to the job and avoid a generic 'send one version to all'. Your application should show, with concrete examples where possible, that you have the skills and attributes that the lab is looking for which should be clearly listed in the job and/or person spec. Lynn Fellows said she would be so relieved to find an application that did this that "I would whisk it to the front of my interview shortlist straight away!"

So at the very least make sure your application and CV does not count you out. Don't lie on your CV and answer the questions on an application form honestly and accurately. Explain any gaps in employment or college history and use references that are suitable such as an employer or college lecturer, and not a friend.

If you are not getting shortlisted yet you feel you have the qualifications honestly assess your CV and/or applications and ask yourself if you can make improvements. Ask friends, colleagues or IBMS members to check it over and suggest improvements in content and presentation.

Finally if the advert for a vacancy gives a contact to discuss the job then use it and get in touch. Robert Simpson believes "it can be an opportunity to sell yourself. Although this will
not be part of the formal selection process in the public sector it just might be in the commercial world. Have some specific questions about the job to ask, and be ready to succinctly answer any questions you may be asked about yourself during the conversation, for example your qualifications or any experience you have"

At the interview

Interviews are nerve wracking times for people and a good panel will attempt to put the candidate at their ease as best they can. Tina Whitham emailed in a useful rundown of tips for the dreaded interview. "If you're not invited to remove your coat/ jacket, then ask at the start. If the sun is in your eyes, then ask if the blind can be adjusted. Try also to think a little about body language. Address answers to all of the panel, not just the person posing the question. Speak clearly and please don't whisper – it’s horrible to have to keep asking the person to repeat what they've said. The person should be invited to ask any questions of their own at the end of the interview, so take advantage of this. If this isn't offered, then ask."

Several on the forum pointed out that the interview provides an opportunity to set yourself apart from the crowd with some of your own intelligent questioning. Nick Kirk suggests researching your lab on the internet and news feeds "to search for any local news or plans that might be in the offing for the health economy in which the lab sits. That way you can ask some enlightened questions when you look around, or get shortlisted, at interview." At the very least make sure you know about the job description and person spec properly and try to find out a little about the organisation so that answers are pitched correctly

If the advert includes an invitation to look around a department first, make sure you do. If it is geographically difficult, phone up before you submit the application and explain you can't visit but ask that if you are shortlisted, please could you arrange to look around on the day (but before the interview time). An informal visit after interview is a missed opportunity to get a better feel for the lab and its workforce.

Courtesy is obvious but often overlooked. Tina Whitham wrote "once offered an interview, please confirm attendance, as it's frustrating to wait for someone who doesn't show up and has not phoned to say that they're still stuck on the train. How long does the panel wait? If someone has changed their mind about coming, then please let us know and we can offer the slot to an alternative. I've had people end up on the wrong site, which has added to the pressure they are already under, so make sure that you know exactly where to go and allow time for a freshen up."

Dress appropriately for a professional position, although it is rare that interviewees don't, and finally Warwick Davis pleas for people to turn up for interviews or call to confirm they can't keep the appointment. "We have just held interviews and none of the seven external people shortlisted had the decency to show up even though some had confirmed they were."

How to add value to your CV while job seeking

While looking for a job there are ways you can be involved and stay in touch with your profession. Signing up to newsletters such as the Institute’s will ensure you are kept informed of the latest developments. Reduced IBMS membership rates for full unemployment means you can still access benefits of IBMS membership which, pertinent to finding a job, include networking, events, publications, continuing professional development (that shows a willingness to stay professionally up to date) and local activities. The Institute’s monthly publication, The Biomedical Scientist, which is available to all members, will keep you up to date with professional developments and new knowledge.

Stephen Crosier believes that another good way of getting yourself noticed is by joining the Institute, getting involved in professional activities or investigating what events are being run by various IBMS branches. "By attending branch or other local events held in the locality that you want to work you can potentially network with the staff working in these areas. If you can afford it try to attend Congress because the range of people who you meet will be very useful, and it would also show prospective employers that you are seriously interested in getting into the profession as well as boosting your CV."

Les Phipps talks about adding value to your CV. "There are at least three areas of additional responsibility in labs: training, health & safety and quality. If you can attain an additional qualification in one of these areas it may make the difference between rejection and selection. Many online courses are very cost effective, we are not talking MBA here just something to show you are willing to make an effort."

If there's nothing...do something

"It's much easier to get a job if you can show you have worked somewhere, even Tesco” commented Charles Houston. Joanna Battley agreed saying “I had two virtually identical applicants who applied for a post after their previous labs had closed down 6 months previously. One had gone on to work as a classroom assistant and dinner lady whilst applying for jobs, the other had a 6 month long holiday. Guess which one got the job? It was a unanimous decision amongst all the interviewers".

Aside from getting involved in professional activities Michael Gayler believes that a new graduate who is job hunting, and otherwise not gainfully employed, could do worse than volunteer in the wider healthcare community, to get a feel for how parts of the health system work. "I know our WRVS takes teenagers and twenties (of both sexes) - this could have the effect of making a job seeking 'youngster' more socially and politically adept in healthcare settings. I know volunteering gets a bad press, but it can be a very valuable experience."

In general do as much as you can to help your cause and add to your CV, stay focused, think laterally, keep busy, don’t give up...and the best of luck!!

My thanks to all the contributors who helped with suggestions and tips for this article and added to the debates on the web discussion forums at ibms.org.

Further information

Members' area

Newsletter

Guide to finding jobs in biomedical science

Finding vacancies

Having the right degree

To MLA or not to MLA

Your application and CV

At the interview

How to add value to your CV while job seeking

If there's nothing...do something

Further information

Vacancy websites and publications

Information on careers and degrees

Help with CV

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