What MSL Hiring Managers Are Looking For

 By Patrina Pellett, PhD

The MSL job market is extra crazy right now. There are so many new PhDs, MDs,and  PharmDs looking to transition into the role. On top of that, COVID has resulted in many practicing clinicians getting burned ou,t and they are also looking to move to MSL positions.

With such a saturated market, it’s important to understand what MSL hiring managers are looking for. This will help aspiring MSLs and others looking to land MSL roles know what to emphasize in their resumes and interviews.

Here are the top concerns on MSL hiring managers' minds. 

What MSL Hiring Managers Are Looking For

 1. Willingness to travel

MSL roles require travel. Hiring managers want to feel confident that MSL candidates know this and will approach the travel requirements with enthusiasm and efficiency.

👉 If you’re not sure how to position this in your application, our Aspire MSL program walks you through exactly how to present travel readiness on your resume and during interviews 

2. Relationship-building skills

MSL hiring managers want candidates who know how to read a room and develop a strong relationship. No one wants to have mountains of data piled on them, especially busy KOLs. Stick out as an MSL candidate with great storytelling skills and the ability to demonstrate the “so what.”

If you want to develop this skill quickly, check out our advanced coaching in Elite Presentation Lab. It’s designed to help you communicate with influence—a key trait top managers look for.

 3. Being a good team member

Working with all different personality types is a core skill for MSLs. Hiring managers want people who are easy to work with and bring a positive attitude. They are also looking for balance on the team. This means having a group of MSLs with unique skills that complement each other. For example, are you passionate about data analysis and like to work in spreadsheets? This may be a unique skill that you could use to help elevate your team.

 4. Ability to stay on top of administrative tasks

Every job has administrative tasks that no one likes to do, but need to be done. The last thing any manager wants is to constantly nag an employee to get something done. MSL hiring managers are looking for individuals whom they can rely on to complete all their job responsibilities on time.

 5. Working cross-functionally

Medical Affairs serves as a conduit between functions, making it critical to understand the needs of cross-functional partners. Having an employee who doesn’t get along well with certain functions introduces more headaches for the MSL manager.

Conclusion

Notice how none of the things that MSL hiring managers are most concerned about are related to scientific or medical expertise. That is expected in an MSL role. MSL hiring managers are looking for people who are great at building relationships and whom they can trust to get the job done. Highlighting these qualities will help you stick out as an MSL candidate.

How do you demonstrate your relationship-building and reliability during the interview process?

Resources

👉 Follow me, Sarah, and Tom on LinkedIn

👉 MSL Visibility – How to Succeed in 2024 MSL Talk Podcast episode 186

👉 Relationship-building tips and tricks on the Medical Affairs Strategy Hacks YouTube Channel

👉 Aspire MSL Program -  Full step-by-step roadmap (resume, LinkedIn, networking, interview prep).

👉 Resume Mastery – Learn exactly how to highlight the skills managers want to see.

👉 LinkedIn Lab – Make your profile attract MSL recruiters.

👉 Elite Presentation Lab – Advanced communication & relationship-building skills.