How to Communicate with HR and Hiring Managers — and Be Remembered (No Matter the Outcome)

In the pharma and biotech job search, getting noticed is only half the battle. Being remembered, especially when you're one of dozens (or hundreds) of applicants, is where real strategy comes in.

And it all starts with how you communicate.

Whether you land the job or not, how you show up before, during, and after the hiring process can position you for future opportunities — or quietly take you off the radar.

Here’s how to make every touchpoint count:

Before the Interview: Make a Warm First Impression

Most candidates submit an application and wait. But in this competitive space, you can’t afford to be passive.

✅ Reach out to someone on the team (ideally the hiring manager) before applying.Ask a smart, informed question — something that shows you’ve done your homework and understand the business.

Example:

“I noticed your team recently launched X product — amazing work. I’d love to understand what this new hire would be helping to drive in relation to that.”

If you're applying through HR or a recruiter, still try to connect on LinkedIn. Send a short, polite note:

“Hi [Name], I just applied for [Role Title] and wanted to thank you for sharing it. I’ve followed [Company] for a while and am really excited about the opportunity to contribute.”

This small act often gets you remembered — and sometimes even gets your application flagged.

During the Process: Be Clear, Curious, and Consistent

Once you’re in the interview stage, every interaction builds your brand.

🗓 Respond promptly to scheduling requests.Sounds simple, but reliability = credibility.

💬 Ask great questions in the interview.Go beyond “What’s the culture like?”Ask about pain points. Ask what success looks like in the first 90 days. Ask what they’d want someone to come in and fix.

📩 Follow up after each stage.Send a thank-you email. Mention something specific from the conversation. Reiterate why you’re excited and how your experience connects to their needs.

This is not about being overly formal — it’s about being intentional.

If You Get the Job: Celebrate and Strengthen

If you land the role, amazing — but don’t stop there.

✅ Send a thank-you to everyone you interacted with — including HR.✅ Connect on LinkedIn with the broader team.✅ Drop a short message to say you’re looking forward to learning from them or working together.

People remember professionalism. They also remember genuine gratitude.

If You Don’t Get the Job: Play the Long Game

Rejection hurts, especially when you were a strong fit. But how you respond can shape future opportunities.

Here’s what to do:📩 Reply to the rejection email.Thank them for the opportunity. Express continued interest in the company. Let them know you’d love to stay in touch for future roles.

Example:

“Thanks so much for letting me know. While I’m disappointed, I really appreciated the chance to learn more about the team and mission — and I’d love to be considered for future roles. I’ve also sent a LinkedIn request to stay in touch.”

🤝 Connect with interviewers on LinkedIn.Don’t overthink it. Most people appreciate the professionalism and maturity.

You never know when a new role opens up — and if you left a positive impression, they might reach out before it’s posted.

Make Yourself Unforgettable (in the right way)

Your skills matter. Your CV matters. But how you communicate throughout the hiring journey — that’s what makes you memorable.

Especially in pharma and biotech, where networks are tight and roles can resurface months later, how you follow up is just as important as how you show up.

Whether you’re successful or not this time, let them walk away thinking:

“That person was impressive. I’d love to work with them someday.”