Home > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At The Carolan Group, we know that navigating a career in medical affairs or building high-performing teams can raise many questions. Whether you are a candidate aspiring to become a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) or a company looking to scale your medical affairs capabilities, our team has compiled answers to the most common questions we receive.

Career Guidance for Candidates

What does a medical affairs recruiter do?
A medical affairs recruiter specializes in connecting pharmaceutical and biotech companies with top talent in roles such as Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), Medical Directors, and senior leadership positions. They act as trusted advisors—identifying candidates with the right scientific expertise, communication skills, and cultural fit to succeed, while guiding professionals toward meaningful career opportunities.

How can I find a job as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)?
Most MSL candidates hold advanced degrees (PhD, PharmD, MD) and have strong experience as a clinician, researcher, Pharmacist or other scientific or therapeutic expert. To secure an MSL role:

• Network with industry and with industry and or medical affairs professionals, organizations. associations.
• Work with a recruiter who specializes in medical affairs recruitment.
• Tailor your resume to highlight therapeutic expertise and communication skills.
• Build a strong LinkedIn presence and add connections to grow your network.
  The right connections might be able to lead you to exclusive opportunities. .

What qualifications are needed to work in medical affairs?
Most professionals hold advanced scientific or clinical degrees (PhD, MD, PharmD, or NP/PA with industry experience). Companies also value:

• Deep therapeutic expertise.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Adaptability and strategic thinking.

What support is available for professionals transitioning into an MSL role?
Transition support may include:

• Career coaching from specialized medical affairs professionals and or recruiters.
• Training programs and courses such as the ASPIRE MSL course offered through MSL Mastery.
• Mentorship through organizations like MAPS (Medical Affairs Professional Society).
• Networking opportunities at medical conferences and scientific congresses. That could lead towards mentorship. This guidance helps candidates successfully reposition their skills for industry roles.

What are the most common interview questions for MSL candidates?
Some of the most common include:

• “Can you describe your therapeutic expertise and how it aligns with our pipeline?”
• “How do you build and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs)?”
• “Tell me about a time you explained complex scientific data to a non-scientific audience.”
• “How do you stay current with advances in your therapeutic area?”
• “Why do you want to work as an MSL for our company?”

How do I prepare for an MSL panel interview?
Panel interviews require both scientific depth and collaborative skills. Preparation tips include:

• Research each panelist’s background.
• Practice concise, structured responses.
• Be ready to provide examples of teamwork and compliance.
• Engage all interviewers with eye contact and inclusive communication.

Are there resume writing services specifically for MSLs?
Yes. Some professional writers specialize in resumes for MSLs, emphasizing publications, therapeutic expertise, and communication skills. Recruiters also provide feedback to tailor resumes for medical affairs hiring managers, which can significantly improve interview prospects.

Recruitment Process & Hiring

What is the difference between a contingency and a retained search?

• Contingency Search: Recruiters are paid only if a candidate they submit is hired. Often used for mid-level roles and may involve multiple firms.
• Retained Search: Recruiters are engaged exclusively and paid upfront to conduct a dedicated executive search. This is common for senior leadership roles and ensures a highly tailored, confidential process.

What is a contract-to-hire position in pharma?
A contract-to-hire role begins as a temporary assignment with the potential to transition into a permanent role. This approach gives companies flexibility and candidates the opportunity to prove their value before securing long-term employment.

What does the recruitment process look like for medical affairs positions?
Typically, the process involves:

1. Initial recruiter screening.
2. Hiring manager interview.
3. Panel interviews with cross-functional teams.
4. Case study or presentation (for MSL and leadership roles).
5. Final interview with senior leadership.
6. Offer and onboarding.

Do recruiters help with interview preparation?
Yes. Specialized recruiters often provide guidance, instruction, and feedback to help candidates sharpen their communication and presentation skills. This support can make a significant difference, especially for first-time MSL candidates.

What’s the best way to negotiate a pharma job offer?
Approach negotiations professionally and with data. Research salary benchmarks, highlight your unique qualifications, and focus on creating a mutually beneficial outcome. Recruiters often act as intermediaries to facilitate smooth, effective negotiations.

Industry Insights

How do companies build MSL teams quickly?
By partnering with specialized recruiters who already have access to qualified candidates. This accelerates screening, interviews, and onboarding while ensuring therapeutic expertise and compliance remain top priorities.

How do outsourced field medical teams work?
Outsourced field medical teams are employed by a staffing partner but deployed to represent a pharmaceutical or biotech company. This model allows companies to scale flexibly, reduce administrative burden, and maintain consistency in scientific exchange without committing to permanent hires immediately.

What therapeutic areas hire the most MSLs?
MSLs are most in demand in oncology, immunology, neurology, cardiology, and rare diseases, with growing need in cell and gene therapy, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders.

What’s the difference between MSL and HEOR liaison roles?

• MSL: Engages healthcare providers and KOLs with clinical and scientific data.
• HEOR Liaison: Focuses on real-world evidence, health economics, and outcomes data, primarily engaging payers and policy decision-makers.

What are the pros and cons of using a recruiting agency for medical affairs roles?
Pros:

• Faster access to exclusive opportunities.
• Guidance on resumes, interviews, and negotiations.
• Deep industry expertise.
• Reduced risk of mis-hires.

Cons:

• Some agencies prioritize speed over quality.
• Candidates may feel limited to clients the recruiter represents.
  Working with a trusted, specialized recruiter helps ensure the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Closing Note

At The Carolan Group, we are more than recruiters—we are partners in building careers and teams that drive innovation in pharmaceutical and biotech medical affairs. Whether you are an aspiring MSL, a seasoned executive, or a company scaling quickly, our expertise ensures the right fit at the right time.

📩 Connect with us today at jobs@carolan.com or call (973) 808-0857 to take the next step.

“The Carolan Group – Connecting Talent, Science, and Opportunity.”