Employer Branding for Pharmaceutical Companies: The 7 Leading Strategies

The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and talent shortages are a growing concern for many recruiters.

With biotech companies, life sciences companies, and digital companies all competing for skilled professionals, pharmaceutical employers in 2025 must work harder (and smarter) to position themselves as attractive employers.

Staff shortages in healthcare and pharmaceuticals are increasing, with nearly 60% of pharmaceutical companies struggling to find quality talent (Nature Careers).

A strong employer branding strategy is one of the leading ways that pharmaceutical giants attract potential recruits, ensuring a steady pipeline of quality candidates.
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7 Employer Branding Strategies for Pharmaceutical Companies

As a company that builds tools for your employer branding, we know that healthcare recruiters are increasingly reporting on a growing gap in clinical talent, physician candidates, and technical roles, making it harder for pharmaceutical industries to hire the right people.

Potential employees also prioritize company values, career growth opportunities, and work-life balance when choosing an employer.

In the 7 Strategies below, we look at how you can stand out as a pharmaceutical employer of choice.

So, let's get started:

Strategy 1. Use Video to Build Trust and Engage Candidates

Video content is one of the most powerful ways to create strong employer branding.

Vouch (vouchfor.com) is a leading tool pharmaceutical companies can use to enhance their employer branding initiatives.

✔ Collect employee testimonials to showcase company culture and career progression.

✔ Give potential candidates an immersive experience by showing real employee stories.

✔ Strengthen your strong reputation by using recognizable employee accounts to build trust.

💡 Example: Johnson & Johnson uses video storytelling to highlight their career development opportunities, giving potential hires a first-hand look at life inside the company (Source: Johnson & Johnson Careers).

Strategy 2. Define Your Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

Your employee value proposition (EVP) defines what makes your company an attractive company for potential applicants.

Your EVPs should highlight:

✔ Career advancement prospects and skill development programs.

✔ A commitment to flexible working hours and work-life balance.

✔ Strong investment in personal growth and employee engagement.

💡 Example: Abacus Medicine Group promotes its mission of access to medicine as a core part of its EVP, helping them attract candidates passionate about making a difference (Source: Abacus Medicine).

Strategy 3. Strengthen Your Digital Employer Brand

A pharmaceutical company's online presence is key to attracting potential candidates. Investing in technology for employer branding can enhance your reach.

✔ Optimize your Career Site with engaging job postings and employee testimonials.

✔ Use social media to showcase aspects of pharmaceutical companies that set you apart.

✔ Leverage AI-powered tools to improve the recruitment process and reach a broader applicant pool.

💡 Example: Pfizer actively shares employee stories and job opportunities across LinkedIn, showcasing their employer brand to prospective employees.

Strategy 4. Develop Strong Internal Communication

Clear, transparent communication with current employees builds trust and loyalty.

A 360-degree approach to internal communication includes:

✔ Regular town halls to discuss company goals and values.

✔ Employee-led initiatives that promote company values.

✔ Strong leadership that fosters a sense of belonging.

💡 Example: Roche's employer branding strategies include employee-led discussions on diversity and career growth, strengthening its attractive reputation.

Strategy 5. Offer Career Development and Training Programs

Employee development is a top priority for potential hires in the pharma industry.

Companies must offer clear career paths and opportunities for career growth to retain quality candidates.

✔ Implement career development programs and mentorship opportunities.

✔ Provide training on soft skills and transferrable skills.

✔ Highlight opportunities for internal mobility and career progression.

💡 Example: Novartis has a strong focus on advancement in talent development, ensuring employees have access to career development opportunities throughout their tenure.

Strategy 6. Showcase Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

A compelling employer brand prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).

Candidates want to work for life science companies that embrace diverse perspectives.

✔ Implement policies that promote balance for employees from all backgrounds.

✔ Highlight diverse leadership and employee success stories.

✔ Ensure job postings reflect an inclusive workplace culture.

💡 Example: GSK regularly shares DEI success stories, reinforcing their commitment to an inclusive workplace.

Strategy 7. Improve the Candidate Experience in the Recruitment Process

A bad reputation in the application process can drive away potential applicants.

The hiring process should be an efficient recruitment experience that leaves a lasting impression.

✔ Simplify the ongoing process of applying with a candidate-friendly approach.

✔ Offer hands-on experience through internships and training programs.

✔ Personalize candidate interactions to create a thrilling experience.

💡 Example: Merck focuses on candidate opinions and candidate conversations to ensure a smooth and transparent recruitment process.
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Summary: Building a Strong Pharmaceutical Employer Brand

The pharmaceutical sectors are evolving rapidly, and strong employer branding is essential to attract and retain quality candidates.

By leveraging video storytelling with Vouch, defining a compelling employee value proposition, and offering career development opportunities, pharmaceutical companies can position themselves as strong science employer brands that stand out in a competitive talent market.
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FAQs

Why is employer branding important for pharmaceutical companies?

It helps attract quality talent and retain employees in a highly competitive job market.

How does video enhance employer branding?

Video storytelling, using tools like Vouch, builds trust and showcases company culture effectively.

What is an employee value proposition (EVP)?

An EVP highlights why a company is an attractive employer, focusing on career growth and work-life balance.

How can pharma companies improve candidate experience?

By streamlining the application process, offering transparent communication, and using AI-powered recruitment tools.

What role does diversity play in employer branding?

A diverse and inclusive workplace strengthens an employer's reputation and attracts potential employees.

How can internal communication improve employer branding?

Town halls, employee engagement programs, and leadership transparency help build a positive work culture.

What are the top employer branding strategies for the pharmaceutical industry?

Using video content, defining a strong EVP, optimizing digital presence, and offering career development programs.
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Attract Top Talent With Vouch

Loved by companies like Canva, Nike, Cisco, Stryker, HubSpot, Amazon, and more, tools like Vouch make leveraging employer branding strategies in your business remarkably easy.

Book a Vouch demo today and chat with an employer branding expert about your business needs.