Hey Elena...What are the best channels to find a job?

Welcome to the next edition of Hey Elena... answer me this! This is the space where I take time out from running Elemed and recruiting to answer YOUR questions relating to your Career, Jobs, LinkedIn and anything else you want to know!

Hey Reader,

Let’s be honest: job hunting these days feels like a marathon through an endless maze of algorithms, search filters, and CV portals, only to end up in a black hole with zero response.

Let’s dive into the most effective channels and tools for finding your next role, with a few tips to help you navigate each like a pro—and keep your sanity intact along the way.

1. LinkedIn: The “Professional Marketplace”

Think of LinkedIn as a bustling marketplace where professionals showcase their skills, expertise, and knowledge. Here, you can browse for opportunities, strike up conversations, and exchange ideas to build your reputation. For medtech professionals, LinkedIn isn’t just a place to display your credentials; it’s where you can engage in industry conversations, stay current on regulatory updates, and make yourself known to people who might be searching for someone just like you.

• Power Move: Follow companies that specialize in medtech, regulatory, or clinical fields. Comment on their posts, share insights, and engage thoughtfully—showing you’re up to speed on industry trends. A well-placed comment or shared post can be your way to connect without the “I’m looking for work” opener.
• Double power move: ensure you’re following Elemed’s page and have set up notifications on posts! And join Elemed’s discussion forum here.?
• Avoid: Posting your resume everywhere or sending out generic connection requests. Instead, focus on building meaningful connections and gradually positioning yourself as a knowledgeable, engaged voice in the medtech space.

2. Job Boards: The Deep Sea Fishing Method

Think of generic job boards like fishing in the ocean. Platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster are teeming with all kinds of jobs, from entry-level customer service to senior tech roles. The right catch may be out there, but you’ll need a sharp eye (and a lot of patience) to reel in that perfect regulatory, quality, or clinical role in medtech.

• Power Move: Use specific keywords to narrow the waters. Search terms like “medtech regulatory” or “medical device quality assurance” help filter out irrelevant roles, saving you time and sanity. Set up alerts for your keywords so you’re first to know when a job matches your skills.
• Avoid: Casting too wide a net. Applying to everything vaguely relevant often leads to wasted effort. Instead, focus on roles that match your skills closely—precision fishing is more effective than casting blind in a niche industry like medtech.

3. Recruiters: The “Personal Shopper” Experience

Ever dream of having a personal shopper? Enter recruiters. Some recruiters specialize in certain markets; (Elemed specialises in regulatory, quality and clinical roles), and they can match you with companies looking for people just like you. Imagine them as the savvy friend who knows exactly which shops have what you’re looking for and who’s got your taste down to a science.

• Power Move: Connect with recruiters who focus on medtech, particularly in regulatory, quality, and clinical fields. If you impress them with your specific skill set and experience, they might just bring opportunities straight to your inbox.
• Avoid: Assuming all recruiters are created equal. Find the ones who know the medtech landscape—someone who knows a 510(k) from an MDR application and isn’t going to toss you random roles that have nothing to do with your area.

4. Company Websites: The Direct Method

Going directly to company websites can be one of the most straightforward ways to find jobs. Many companies post open positions exclusively on their own career pages, but the process can be time-consuming—checking multiple sites regularly and navigating each unique system’s Applicant tracking CV portal and algorithm. Also it’s hard to know who is actually doing the initial screen on the company’s side - if it’s a human at all!!

• Power Move: Set up a routine to review career pages of target companies or create Google Alerts for job postings at specific organizations. This way, you’re notified of new roles immediately and can apply promptly.
• Avoid: Applying indiscriminately to any open role on a company’s site. Focus on positions that truly match your expertise, as companies are more likely to consider candidates with closely aligned skills and experience.

5. Professional Groups and Forums: The “Secret Society”

You know those exclusive circles where people talk about things outsiders wouldn’t understand? Well, for medtech professionals, that’s groups and industry forums where regulatory and quality people go to discuss the latest guidelines, compliance hurdles, or new clinical practices. Sometimes, they’re also the first places to hear about upcoming job openings that haven’t hit the big job boards yet.

• Power Move: Be an active contributor. Share your insights, join discussions, and attend events. People notice (and remember) those who contribute real value, and that can translate into leads for unadvertised roles.
• Avoid: Being a ghost. Showing up only when you’re job hunting is transparent—and people remember that, too. Building rapport in these spaces is a long game, so play it accordingly.

6. Networking Events and Conferences: The “Old-School Way”

Let’s be real: the term “networking event” might make you think of stale coffee and endless name tags, but industry conferences and workshops still hold immense value. In the medtech world, these events are where regulatory and quality experts gather, share best practices, and yes, its the place where you can make a name for yourself!

• Power Move: Get involved. Ask questions, introduce yourself to speakers, and share your unique insights. Virtual conferences are also a great place to connect if you’re looking to avoid travel.
• Avoid: Staying silent or treating it as a one-sided info dump. Networking is a two-way street, so bring something to the table—insights, questions, even an article you recently read on the latest AI act.

7. Word of Mouth: The “Trusted Source”

Sometimes, the best opportunities come from people you already know—former colleagues, friends in the industry, or even LinkedIn connections. When someone in your network knows you’re looking, they might have insider knowledge on upcoming openings before anyone else does.

• Power Move: Let your trusted connections know you’re in the market. Mention it in conversation, especially with those in similar fields. You’d be surprised how often jobs are filled before they’re ever posted.
• Avoid: Relying solely on this method. Word of mouth is great, but a proactive, multi-channel approach will give you the best odds of finding a role that’s the right fit.

Final Takeaway: Diversify Your Job-Hunting Toolbox

Landing a role in medtech isn’t just about applying widely—it’s about using the right channels to find opportunities that truly match your skills and aspirations. Think of each job-hunting channel as a tool in your toolkit. LinkedIn and job boards keep you informed, recruiters offer guidance, company websites provide direct access, and networking events help you forge genuine connections.

Job searching is a balance of strategy, persistence, and patience. With the right approach—and a willingness to connect meaningfully—you’ll not only find the right fit but might even learn something new along the way.

Elena Kyria

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