In the world of medical writing, showcasing your impact isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a career-defining skill.
Whether you’re crafting a medical writing portfolio, pitching for new clients or applying for an entry-level medical writing job, effectively communicating your achievements separates you from the competition.
But forget the tired tropes of being “passionate” or “detail-oriented.” These expressions are fast becoming over-used tend to lack impact.
Instead, embrace results-driven language to clearly communicate the tangible value you bring to the table. Here’s how.
Shift from personal traits to accomplished victories
Move beyond simply listing your skills and qualifications. Focus on specific projects you’ve led and the measurable outcomes you delivered.
| Generic | Results-driven |
| skilled medical writer | increased drug awareness by 20% through crafting patient-centric brochures |
Highlight concrete actions and results rather than generic qualities.
Move from potential to accomplished
Move beyond stating what you intend to do and focus on what you achieve or have achieved.
| Generic | Results-driven |
| may provide insights | we developed and implemented a new treatment protocol, resulting in a 30% reduction in hospital readmission rate |
Replace ambiguous phrases with the confidence of accomplishment, and highlight concrete actions instead of general intentions.
Speak the language of data
Numbers add weight to your narrative. Don’t be shy about using measurable metrics to quantify your achievements.
| Generic | Results-driven |
| improved clinical trial documentation | streamlined clinical trial documentation by 30%, reducing review times by 50% |
| the intervention was effective | the new surgical technique led to a 50% decrease in operative time and a 20% increase in patient satisfaction scores |
Data adds legitimacy and showcases your efficiency.
Specificity is your currency
Vague claims are forgettable. Be specific about the problems you solved and the impact you made.
| Generic | Results-driven |
| produced accurate medical content | developed and implemented a new style guide, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all medical communications, leading to a 95% client satisfaction rate |
The more specific you are, the easier it is for potential clients or employers to visualise the value you offer.
Remember your audience
Tailor your language to your specific audience.
Whether you’re targeting a pharmaceutical company or a healthcare provider, connect your achievements to their needs and priorities.
| Generic | Results-driven |
| authored scientific articles | wrote clinical review articles published in top medical journals, directly impacting treatment decisions for more than 10,000 patients |
Demonstrate how your work translates into real-world benefits for them.
More before and after examples
Here are some more examples to help you see how these concepts relate to your personal situation.
| Generic | Results-driven |
| We conducted research on a new treatment approach | My research-driven medical writing for a new drug launch increased patient enrolment by 15% and achieved regulatory approval 2 months ahead of schedule |
| Developed educational materials for patients | Crafted clear and accessible patient education materials, resulting in a 25% increase in medication adherence and improved understanding of treatment options |
| I’m a passionate medical writer with excellent research skills | I successfully transitioned a medical device company from paper-based to digital patient education materials, resulting in a 40% decrease in printing costs and a 25% increase in patient education completion rates |
Remember
Writing about your medical writing career isn’t just about listing experience. It’s about crafting a compelling narrative that showcases the tangible impact you’ve made. By employing results-driven language, specific details and audience-centric benefits, you can attract clients, impress employers and solidify your position as a valuable asset in the medical writing field.
Bonus tip: Using visuals like charts, graphs or infographics to showcase metrics can make your impact even more easily digestible. Remember, a well-crafted story with data support is always more compelling than dry resumes and generic statements.
