Are you tired of wasting time sending your MSL job application into the “Internet Black Hole”?
And when you DO get a response, are you sick of the constant rejection?
I wrote this book for people who want to break into the MSL Career - even when they don't have MSL experience, even if they have been rejected before, even if they've gotten no response.
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By Jane Chin, Ph.D.
Founder, Medical Science Liaison Institute
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Over the years, I have heard the same story told by different MSL job seekers. It usually goes like this:
You hear about the MSL career and realize that this is your dream job.
You get on the internet and look for MSL job postings.
You fill out pages of MSL job application forms, click "send".
Then you wait.
One week goes by. Two weeks go by. No one's calling. Not even a courtesy "thanks-we-got-your-resume-bye!" email.
Since you're not one to sit around idle, you apply for more MSL jobs, including the ones in different states that aren't paying for relocation. You'd move for the right career, and you know the MSL career is the right career!
You wait some more.
You feel a bit deflated this time.
You check your email spam folder just in case a company contacted you and it went to spam. Is the ringer "ON" in your cell phone? Yep.
You begin applying for any job with the word “MSL” in the title, including jobs that say “MSL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!” You hope for a lucky break, that someone will look at what you have to offer and see that potential MSL inside you. You get a call! The recruiter found your background interesting!
But now the recruiter is asking about prior MSL experience.
The recruiter tells you that she’ll keep your resume on file and quickly hangs up. The recruiter disappears into The Big Black Hole of MSL Job Hunting. Your emails and voicemails go unanswered.
You suspect that you resume and cover letter are not optimized for the MSL job hunt. Your chances may improve after some key changes! But you have already blasted that sub-optimal resume all over the Internet! Who knows how long this sub-optimal resume version will be kept in company databases – forever? Now you back-peddle to all those MSL jobs you've ever applied to, praying your improved resume goes through and that you'll get another chance at a medical science liaison job.
At this point, any attempt at updating your resume becomes FUTILE.
I'm not joking. As recently as 2007 March 2010, I have gotten calls from a recruiter who somehow has a copy of a 5-year old version of my resume, when I was applying for MSL positions.
I have seen so many aspiring MSLs run into the SAME OBSTACLE, the SAME REJECTION, and the SAME "CATCH-22" OVER AND OVER AGAIN that I titled my MSL Career book, "All MSLs Started with No MSL Experience!" (Since this is a mouthful to type, I abbreviate it as "AMSWNME")
This book focuses on a point:
Every new MSL employed today did not magically come equipped with MSL experience.
This means: Every MSL – before they became MSLs – faced the same objection that has tripped up so many new MSL job seekers today.
This also means: New MSLs who know about the secrets in this book can competitively position themselves to break into this career even without MSL experience.
This more importantly means: You can get your hands on the same secrets these new MSLs have, and make this information work for YOU.
This book is different because it focuses specifically on aspiring MSLs like you and gets to the root of the "no prior MSL experience" objection.
This book does not waste your time with "page fillers" and is not written as a "general MSL" book. Instead, this book deals with questions you'll have, like:
- "What do MSLs actually DO?" What's a typical week/month in the life of a MSL?
- What MSL hiring managers actually mean when they're looking for "a team player"?
- The pros and cons of starting out as a contract MSL, beyond the obvious.
- What font face to NEVER USE if you want to be taken seriously as a MSL candidate.
- What item you need to count in any cover letter you send out, because chances are, the hiring managers are counting it!
- #1 reason why recruiters don’t call back a MSL job seeker (it's not just because you "don't have prior MSL experience").
- THREE CHECKLISTS to help you Overcome Catch-22. If you can meet the criteria for most or all of the items in this checklist, you WILL increase your chance of getting a response from recruiters and employers!
- Don't want to read the rest of this page? Go to Product Profile Now!
"The Only Credible and Comprehensive Source I Could Find."
I decided to invest the money in your book because it was the only credible and comprehensive source of information I could find on the subject of becoming an MSL, especially without having any direct MSL experience.
I realized that the only way to put my best foot forward would be to educate myself first about the field and find out what hiring managers are looking for, and therefore would make me stand out as an applicant in a sea of resumes and cover letters.
I also wanted to make sure that the role was right for me before I took the time to apply, which was not easy to find out through vague job descriptions.
The email [articles] that came with the book helped gave me bits and pieces of information that I could think about specifically, and they also helped me to stay motivated to learn more about the role.
I deeply appreciate the personal touch you give to those who purchase your book through emails and specific pieces of advice.
The most important aspect about your materials is that they make the position seem attainable without experience.
Dr. Melissa Olivadoti
I've asked (and answered) many of the questions you want to ask, even questions you should ask but may not yet thought of, like:
- How do I inspire confidence at interviews so the employer is willing to give me a chance (i.e. Hire You)!
- "How long is too long" for you to keep applying to MSL jobs?
- Can I become a MSL right out of grad school?
- Will working as a pharma sales rep or as a CRA be my "foot in the door"?
- Will putting "MSL" or "thought leader development" in my resume help me?
- How can I get a current MSL to help me? How do I network with MSLs?
- How do I demonstrate teamwork or leadership if I haven’t worked in a corporate setting?
- What if I come from a basic science research background? How do I get the clinical skills?
- Are certain degree types (example, PhD v. PharmD v MD v. other non-doctorate degrees) preferred over others by MSL hiring managers? What if I don’t have a doctorate degree?
- Do MDs enjoy a certain advantage when applying to MSL positions?
- How much travel do MSLs really do? I keep getting different numbers from different people.
- How can I get an internship for a MSL position? or is this possible?
- Can I moonlight/freelance on the side or do consulting or teaching while working for a company as a MSL?
- Don't want to read the rest of this page? Go to Product Profile Now!
"I Thought I'd Be Able to Power Through [the Book] But..."
I finally received your book in the mail and I read it from cover to cover... The book's small size was very deceiving -- I thought I would be able to power through in one day -- but I quickly found that it was 'thick' with info, and as such, I took my time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and find myself continually referring back to it. Thank you very much!
Prior to reading your book, I was discussing career transitioning with James Mangraviti of SEAK, Inc., and he suggested I explore MSL careers, which lead me to you. I have also read his 'Non-Clinical Careers for Physicians' book, which enabled me to generate a list of questions I wanted to ask you. Lo and behold, as I made my way through your book, most of my questions were answered one by one!
Dr. Laina Peiler
Fact: We're going through one of the toughest MSL job markets right now.
Many MSLs who were laid off in 2008 and 2009 are STILL looking for employment, at least here in the U.S.
... But this hasn't stopped aspiring MSLs who have no prior MSL experience from breaking into the MSL career and becoming EMPLOYED medical science liaisons! They simply didn't leave this to chance or luck.
People who have had access to the INSIGHTS I share in this book get responses when they were ignored before, receive offers from a MSL position when they are competing with people WITH MSL experience (i.e. working MSLs), and even get calls about other careers that they had never considered before!
"I love the company and the position!..."
I was working as a consultant when you published your book... I had been interested in an MSL position for some time, but found the "experience" catch-22 in job descriptions to be a conundrum. Your title said it all, so I was in the first group to purchase your book.
Fortunately for me, following your sound advice in the book led to a happy new beginning for me! Back in September, I attended [an industry conference] that was in San Diego. I introduced myself to many people... Thus, the networking aspect discussed in your book certainly assisted!
Later in the fall, I decided to get more serious on applying for positions. I worked on my CV to make my experience sound more akin to MSL activities, as suggested in your book, and send out an email to some of those I met. I interviewed at the beginning of the year and they called me while I was still waiting to board the plane to make me an offer.
I've been working since late March, and I love the company and the position thus far! My family and I are about to relocate to Northern California, which is my assigned territory, and we are all excited about the move.
I'm sure that you appreciate success stories, so I wanted to send you a quick note. I very much appreciate the informative services you provide for the MSL community and those who are trying to tap into it.
Keep up the great work!
Name Withheld by Request
This is Not just "a Book": It's a Program
I'm not going to send the book to you and then let you figure things out on your own. That's like throwing someone still learning to swim into the deep-end of the swimming pool and expecting that they will figure things out on their own.... some can, but others may drown.
This is why I've continuously added resources to the book since its first publication in July 2009 (and that printing of the books sold out in 14 days).
Today, when you buy the book, you literally get a "program". This program contains:
THE BOOK
You will be able to immediately download the 140-page book upon purchase and registering an account on this site. View Book Profile Now!
You can then have access to your book membership "page" where you can check to see if I have added new bonuses or goodies. No more fumbling through your email archives trying to find the important MSL career tips and articles!
Plus, I periodically update the book, and as long as you are subscribed to the Vault membership, you will automatically have access to the most updated version of the book.
What MSLs and Industry Professionals Say about All MSLs Started with No MSL Experience!
Most MSLs are high achievers and tough to impress, and here is a sample of what MSLs have to say about the book:
"...Jane did a marvelous work, as I expected. I cannot possibly commend her enough for the fine work on this... 'All MSLs Started with No MSL Experience!' is not only a good piece of writing but a real contribution to the field. Thanks Jane for all you are doing."
Mike Chandler, MSL Trainer & Director
"I wish Dr. Chin’s book 'All MSLs Started with No MSL Experience!' was a available five years ago when I made the transition from the corporate world of the pharmaceutical industry to the challenging and fulfilling role of an MSL. This guide is equipped with an accurate description of nuances of the role, the pros and cons of working as a contract MSL, how to communicate the value your experience and education brings to the table via cover letters and CV/resumes, and practical tips on how to prepare for and succeed in the phone and face-to-face interview process. This is a 'must read' for anyone who is thinking about becoming an MSL."
Dr. Daniel Snyder, MSL
"The role of a pharmaceutical Medical Sciences Liaison (MSL), is at best, poorly defined, and landing an MSL position can be a very daunting process. Dr. Chin has described the role and the vocational approach to make this a somewhat manageable task. For her definition alone, the book is worth the purchase price. Dr. Chin provides intuition into the mind of the MSL Director, giving the prospective candidate a competitive advantage on the competition. For anyone wishing to become an MSL, interviewing for an MSL role, or even functioning currently in this role, Dr. Chin’s book is a must-read."
Dr. Jim Williams, MSL
"Reading your book gave me deja vu of when I was looking for a MSL position. You are right on in all aspects of this book. If I had this book when I was looking to become a MSL, I would have saved myself lots of time and agony! I personally had to go through several phone and live interviews (only to be rejected and learn from my mistakes) to finally get a MSL job. This book could have saved me from my novice approach because you broke down all aspects of the job application to make a candidate successful. I've read top selling job interview books. What makes your book unique is that you get right to the point, is concise, and focuses on the common mistakes that candidates make when looking for a MSL position. Other books wastes the reader’s time on basic etiquette and background information that does not usually apply to the interview!"
Dr. Nicole Tran, MSL
"I have recruited for Medical Science Liaisons for 12 years. During those 12 years, I have spoken with, and had e-mailed correspondence from, many candidates interested in becoming a Medical Science Liaison. Many have heard about the role, but do not really know how to go about becoming an MSL. I think that Dr. Chin's book is a wonderful resource for those candidates. She has touched on everything that these candidates need to know: what the MSL role is, working as a contract MSL, how to work with recruiters, writing their C.V./resume and cover letters, and finally how to prepare for both their telephone interview and their in-person interviews. Anyone considering becoming an MSL should read Dr. Chin’s book. "
Dot Werner
One MSL director liked the book so much, she bought a second copy for a colleague she was mentoring, because "this book is the best resource out there on the MSL career."
EXCLUSIVE MSL CAREER ARTICLES
As part of this program, you get exclusive MSL career articles that are not available anywhere else.
You will learn why being a Contract MSL is more than a full time job, what hiring managers look for during interviews, 8 Domains Assessed in MSL Interviews, what exactly does "crossfunctional collaboration" really mean, what you should start doing for the rest of your MSL career (or professional career for that matter), and more!
MSL INTERVIEW TEMPLATE
You get a real MSL interview template that is used by hiring managers at some companies to screen their MSL candidates and see if they should bring you back for a second interview or hire you!
I recommend that you use this template in conjunction with 2 of my exclusive MSL career articles from above. These articles directly discuss this template and how you should prepare yourself as a MSL job candidate.
BIG LIST OF MSL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
This is where you drill down to the actual interview questions themselves. Use this list to practice your MSL job interview skills so you can ace your MSL job interviews.
I am giving you this list because I never, ever want to hear you say "they brought me in for an interview and I blew it because I wasn't prepared"!
If you were to spend one-on-one time with me to COVER EVERYTHING I GIVE IN THIS BOOK, you will need to spend at least 20 HOURS and pay me over $10,540 in consulting session fees. That's not counting the time you will spend to figure out what questions you should ask to get the knowledge that makes a difference in your application. I've distilled the most important information you need into this easy-to-read, easy-to-understand book.
UPGRADING TO AMSWNME PROGRAM PLUS?
If you decide to upgrade to Program-PLUS! level, you will also receive:
SPECIAL ISSUE OF MSL QUARTERLY
One of the MSL Quarterly issues that MSL Institute published in 2009 focuses on medical science liaison training and a particularly important topic of "Business Acumen" in the MSL skill set.
This is an issue that you will want to read cover to cover to find out just exactly how MSLs are trained so they can do their jobs!
If you want to buy it separately, you can expect to pay $470 for the digital PDF version (this is what pharma companies pay to be able to use this reprint for their MSL department).
Or you can get it for Free as an upgraded member!
MSL CAREERS PRIMER WEBINAR
This is a 68-minute, full-length webinar in which my special guest – a MSL trainer – shares his advice, wisdom, and insight on the MSL career with you.
This is a rare insider’s perspective on the formation of the MSL role 40 years ago, how the MSL role evolves today, and what key competencies all medical science liaisons must have to be successful at what they do.
This webinar will teach you how to differentiate yourself from your competitors by knowing more about the MSL profession, and by correctly using (not randomly throwing around) the right jargon in your MSL resume!
You cannot buy this primer webinar anywhere else - and I no longer offer it for individual purchase. You can try putting a price on spending more than an hour getting MSL advice (I charge $527 an hour, for example), but the value of the insight you will get from this webinar is many times more than even what I charge per hour.
Or you can get it for Free as an upgraded member! (via immediate access from your membership downloads page)
7 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPELLING MSL RÉSUMÉ PROGRAM
This is the COMPLETE 7 Fundamentals of Compelling MSL Résumé Writing course that was offered for sale on this site - for a limited time (through the end of 2010 year) I am making it part of the MSL BOOK PROGRAM UPGRADE.
Here is what you will learn in the full length, 80-Minute Audio Program:
- You will learn why 99% of the resumes and cover letters get [Delete], even some of the most promising MSL candidates... REGARDLESS OF PRIOR MSL EXPERIENCE.
- You will learn how to craft a compelling resume, step-by-step. There is No Guessing. I am not going to tell you generic stuff like "check for typos" (of course, you are doing that already, right?).
- You will learn from example! I take you through a snapshot series of resume "before" and "after" - you can see the difference for yourself and apply the fundamentals to your MSL resume!
- Finally... this course is the only place where I break my own rule about never give out MSL resume templates. In fact: You will get NOT ONE (1) BUT TWO (2) MSL resume templates. Use the version that best showcases your expertise and experiences and YOUR UNIQUE SITUATION.
- You will hear REAL LIFE questions about MSL resumes from aspiring MSLs of different backgrounds, and learn what makes MSL resumes work and why MSL resumes fail.
"...COULD NOT STOP READING UNTIL THE END"
Thank you so much for the Medical Science Liaison resume seminar course! I saw it had arrived and could not stop reading until the end, as every segment had valuable information as to what to do, AND what to avoid, in a very easy to apply manner.
Your course is an excellent way to greatly improve one’s chances of successfully acquiring an MSL position.
After reading your course, I am much more confident in crafting a resume and cover letter that reflect my experiences and that will result in interviews and subsequent offers for MSL positions. Many of us want a "foot in the door" to convince companies of what we have to offer them, and your advice will help to maximize that chance.
I highly recommend your discussion for anyone who seriously wants to be an MSL. It is easy to say so, but this information greatly improves one’s knowledge as to how to achieve that goal.
Being hired simply one day earlier already covers the cost of your valuable advice. A serious applicant cannot reject such a prospect!
Dr. Mark Nichols.
You will hear answers from frequently asked questions from MSL job candidates - including current MSLs - questions like:
"MORE CONFIDENT AND EMPOWERED AS AN MSL APPLICANT"
Jane's resume seminar is definitely a valuable training for anyone considering the MSL career path.
She has explained every facet of writing MSL Resumes, which helps me effectively communicate my background and work experiences for the MSL role.
Jane has demystified the whole process for me about what exactly the MSL role entails and how my present skills can translate into the role.
Her guidance has helped me feel more confident and empowered as an MSL applicant. I highly recommend her course to anyone considering the medical science liaison career.
Dr. Dilip Chary
You are going to use the information you get in this teleseminar - not only for your MSL resume - BUT for all the resumes you are going to write for the life of your career - it is THAT powerful.
I know that you have been looking everywhere, doing everything you can to boost your "MSL resume" presence.
So it is not for the lack of effort that your resume has failed to garner the attention it deserves - it is simply the lack of specialized expertise aimed at the MSL job application process. This MSL resume writing program is full of this specialized expertise that you need to turn things around.
You can get it for Free as an upgraded member! (via immediate access from your membership downloads page)
"Jane is an exceptionally talented and insightful professional! As President of The MSL Institute, her invaluable expert advice and metrics continue to be a leading force supporting the MSL field. I had the pleasure of hearing Jane as a keynote speaker and director of an interviewing skills workshop. I’ve also worked with her directly. Her innovative approach is refreshing and straight-to-the-point. If you have the opportunity to hear Jane or work with her, you won’t want to iss it. Importantly, she is a pleasure to work with, always a professional, and has an intuitive knack for noticing the details others miss."
Dr. Meredith Burgents
"I took Jane's ‘Becoming a MSL’ course in February after several months of applications with no feedback or interviews. Jane’s help reworking my CV and description of the skills and attributes that I bring to the table was very helpful. Since taking her course, I have limited my applications to positions that I feel more closely match my skill set. Further, since completing the course, I was contacted and encouraged to submit an application for a relevant position. I have had a phone interview, and am awaiting the next step. I found Jane's program both insightful and rewarding, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in breaking into the MSL field."
Dr. Laura Bender
"I have found your book very helpful in obtaining my first interview. In fact, this was the first time I apply for an MSL position. I also enjoyed you book. It is written in a very friendly, clear and simple style that allowed me to easily extract the information I was looking for.
Your book had clearly demystified the MSL position and the hiring process for me, since I have found very useful and detailed information about the skills and background that are necessary to excel as an MSL. Using this information I was able to decide whether I should pursue this career or not. Moreover, after reading the book I had a clear idea on how to wisely select and present relevant information in my resume.
In addition, the many situations and examples described in your book, based on you own working experience as an MSL, helped me evaluate whether or not this job would fit my expectations and whether or not It is something I would enjoy doing.
Finally, I have to mention that I liked you epilogue. In particular, it make me realize that as an MSL I would be doing what I always wanted to do."
Dr. Karina F.
"After reading Jane’s book: All MSLs started with no MSL experience! The guide to becoming a medical science liaison, I realised quite quickly how to best market myself for maximum exposure. Reading Jane’s book along with her personal and tireless efforts and suggestions we were able to re-write and strengthen my CV. My new CV has had immediate success, I am being looked at for roles that I was in no contention previously. If your interested in becoming a MSL, or any role within the pharmaceutical sector I would highly recommend you buy and read Jane’s book."
Dr. Steve Bouralexis
"Want to be a Medical Science Liaison? Then you need to have Jane on your team! In my successful endeavor to become a Medical Science Liaison, Jane provided me with critical insights into the profession and helped me understand what I could bring to the table. Jane’s book “All MSLs Started with No MSL Experience!” is a culmination of important information which you need to help understand what hiring managers are looking for. Look around and you will find more and more MSLs who are thanking Jane."
Dr. Kyle Jensen
READY FOR A HEAD-START IN THE MSL CAREERS RACE?
MSL BOOK PROGRAM SPECIAL OFFER
Regular Option
UPGRADED Option
140-Page PDF Book [version 2010.06.08]
10 Exclusive MSL Career Articles
MSL Interview Template
Big List of MSL Interview Questions
BONUSES
MSL Résumé Writing Course 80+ Minute Audio Course MP3
MSL Résumé Writing Course 30+ Page Transcript
2 MSL Resume Templates (layouts)
MSL Resume elements "before" and "after"
MSL Quarterly Special Issue on MSL Training
MSL Careers Primer Webinar
50+ Minute Audio MSL Careers Q&A
MSL Resume PLUS Cover Letter Personally Critiqued by Dr. Jane Chin
Special Price
$257
$3,686 additional value for
$297
Once you successfully complete payment, you will be directed to your personal registration page to create your membership account. When you log into your membership account, you will be taken to your download page.
The starting salaries of the new MSL often breaks 6 figures and when you tally up salary and benefits, you may potentially earn more than $150,000 per year in total compensation as a new medical science liaison. It's no surprise how intense the competition is for these MSL positions.
Where will you be 30 days from now, if you keep learning by trial and error, or pray for luck?
I want you to get a head start in the MSL Careers Race.
Jane Chin
