THE BIOTECH INDUSTRY
By Barb Benkwitt

The healthcare industry sector is growing and changing as a result of continuing consolidations. We have recently been engaged in exciting and interesting assignments in the expanding biotechnology sector.

For example, we recently assisted a biotech company in their search for a senior pre-clinical drug development leader. Requirements included specific therapeutic expertise, a solid understanding of the drug development process in order to commercialize drug candidates effectively, and ability to effectively liaison with universities and research institutions.

We researched numerous large pharmaceutical firms, identifying those in pre-clinical and development in specific departments in the proper therapeutic area. In smaller firms we identified senior and mid-range individuals with the broad base of skills needed for the client biotech firm. We also provided related contacts for use as sources.

The client firm is now well on their way with more than three solid candidates to lead their pre-clinical effort, and we are pleased to have assisted.

NEW DRUGS
By Barbara Benkwitt

The FDA's new fast-track policy regarding drug approval leads to strong growth in the regulatory affairs area in pharmaceutical and biotech companies. We've been involved in a number of searches in the regulatory area for companies all across the country and have a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this area.

CONTINGENCY VS.
RETAINED SEARCH
By Pat Pagana

Contingency searches are commonly used when a company is hiring for an entry level to mid-management position.

The fee is paid to the recruiter who successfully places the candidate.

A contingency agreement can be exclusive (only one recruiting agency) or non-exclusive.

Contingency searches work well when there are a large pool of candidates. A good recruiter can narrow the field quickly and present a handful of qualified candidates.

Retained searches work better for executive-level positions. Some of the reasons for this are:

• The pool of candidates is usually smaller than for mid-management;
• To get the higher caliber candidates, a recruiter will target industry contacts; and
• The recruiter will be well experienced in that industry.

The Brentwood Group offers recruiters who specialize in specific industries. Along with our extensive database, research skills and expertise we are able to handle contingency along with retained searches.

TECHNOLOGY ABOUNDS
By Florene Stawowy

Whether you are an employer or someone looking for an opportunity, there are many interesting recruiting sites for you to use while searching.

A great place to start would be large recruiting sites; there you will have access to quite a few databases.

Company web-sites are also very informative. You can find information about the company, positions available and the locations of the company throughout the US.

Searching the Internet by industry is always a plus. This is a great way to develop referrals, especially focused on the specific industry needed.

There are also on-line classifieds. If you are focusing in a certain location it is always a good idea to search the city/state local web-site for open positions and resumes as well.

Associations can be of tremendous assistance; many great referrals will come out of individuals active in certain associations. It is always a good idea to start with job postings here as well. Chapter members almost always stay in contact with each other and are often aware of individuals searching for new opportunities.