Hey Bobbie, tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Bobbie Bote, I am (technically) a first-generation immigrant who moved to the US 5 years ago. I was born in the US, but my family moved us back to the Philippines when I was just 2. I grew up and graduated university in the Philippines but decided I wanted to move to San Diego on my own at 22. Luckily, I had parents who fully supported this crazy decision, and I had relatives who kindly took me under their wing, helped me get my feet wet, and ultimately paved some directional future for me.
It was a big decision, leaving everything I knew behind, however, not for a minute do I regret it. I am glad to have experienced discomfort and unfamiliarity that comes with such transition at that age. It has certainly attributed and significantly molded me into the go-getter I am today.
These days, you'll usually find me with my husband and our dog hanging out at the beach or the park. I love listening to true crime podcasts and I've been really into being a plant mom lately. 🐶🪴
Can you tell us what you do as the Head of Research (Sourcing Specialist) at Phase 3 Search for those who are unfamiliar?
I own the candidate-facing process for Phase 3, we are a company dedicated to partnering future leaders that accelerate new treatments to market faster. I leverage my analytical, organizational, and research skills to efficiently and effectively find the right talented individuals in this biotech space.
How did you decide to pursue your specific career?
I started my career in HR for retail, I actually fell into it (like most people), but then fell in love with the talent acquisition and human capital part of it. My journey in TA started as a coordinator for a medical device company and was inspired by how companies in life sciences have changed the world and impacted the lives of patients. Now I am the Head of Research / Head Sourcing Specialist for Phase 3, I can really realize my motivation and passion even further.
With my current role, I have the opportunity to find and engage with people, build relationships, as well as help multiple biotech organizations find their "unicorn" that will help organizations achieve their mission to create cures, save lives, and give patients hope. A fight to make the unpreventable preventable.
Any advice on how to stand out and get hired for those starting off?
Find what you love and strive towards it. Recruitment/Talent Acquisition has a lot of different paths, and that's whats also great about it. You can find your passion within the field and build your knowledge/experience towards it.
Also, recruitment is a tough field. Especially in the agency world but it's a really rewarding role.
What are some must-have resources (books, tools, podcasts, etc.) you would recommend for your industry?
These are 2 of the books that my boss had recommended to help us with our roles, and I would definitely recommend them:
The One Thing by Gary Keller
The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon
What are 3 character traits that would make someone excel in your field?
Organization
Attention to detail
Being proactive
Most satisfying & difficult thing about your job?
The most satisfying would definitely be finding those unicorns and great talent for the roles I work on.
The most difficult thing is having to reject candidates. But with the relationships built throughout the constant contact and conversations, we still keep in touch with a lot of our candidates and reach out if similar roles open up in the future.
What would you like to say to your younger self?
Keep moving forward. It's definitely a rollercoaster, but every obstacle and every challenge you face will mold you and make you stronger.
Focus on things that make you happy, and try not to think or care about what other people think.
Best advice you've received/heard?
Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better. You'll be amazed to see how far you can go and what you're capable of when you surround yourself with people who believe in you.
