As a healthcare professional, you likely began your career with the intentions of helping others, expanding your knowledge, and growing with an organization. But when you find yourself on a path that no longer checks those boxes, you realize it’s time for a change. If you’re considering a career shift, here are a few tips to help you begin your healthcare job search.
1. Tidying Up Your Resume
There are countless nuggets of advice out there about how to structure and what to include on your resume. It can be confusing to decipher which suggestions make the most sense for your healthcare-based CV. What you can do, however, is look for unique ways to enhance your resume in a way that allows your name to stand out from the rest. Be concise about your previous work experience and healthcare credentials. But also consider customizing explanations, introductions, and cover letters to each organization you connect with when applying. Keep things brief but select those adjectives that best describe your work ethic and areas of expertise. Be open about what you’re looking for in an employer as well, including company culture, diversity, and science-leading technology efforts.
2. Do Your Research within Your Niche
You’ll dust off your CV and make the necessary updates, of course. But before you send it anywhere, it’s best to do a little homework first. It’s a job seeker’s market right now, and you might be surprised to see how many openings are available right now. Research your market and explore what particular job postings fit your niche. You’ll want to be familiar with what others are offering in terms of pay and benefits. These up-to-date details will come in handy when it comes time to interview and negotiate later. It will also be important to know your worth before you begin your process.
3. Leverage Your Referral Network
Before blindly submitting your resume, consider reaching out to your network of colleagues and industry connections. You might not be able to talk with anyone you currently work with, but you probably have a network of industry acquaintances who might be a great referral resource for you. Confide in those you trust about your plans to explore new healthcare career opportunities and ask them for intel. Your referral network might be able to connect you with healthcare jobs you wouldn’t otherwise find online. And you can ask for letters of recommendation from those within your network who are in a position of authority, as well.
4. Organization and Preparation for the Healthcare Job Search
If it’s been a while since you last applied, interviewed, and negotiated a new job, you’ll want to make sure you’re organized and prepared. Create goals for yourself and list what you absolutely must have in a new role. Use these goals as a benchmark for your job search, and don’t entertain any inquiries or offers that don’t meet those objectives. You don’t want to trade one dissatisfying job for another. Consider keeping a calendar, too. You can track which healthcare organizations you’ve applied to and manage your follow-up timelines accordingly. It’s easy to lose track of hiring manager names and timelines when you’re sending your CV in response to several different job openings.
5. Where to Find Healthcare Jobs Today
You can begin your healthcare job search online, browsing some of the more general job boards. Indeed, CareerBuilder, and Zip Recruiter tend to be popular places to start for advanced practitioners. Physicians should search physician job boards like physemp.com or physicianjobboard.com, working with your residency coordinator is also a good place to start. Some candidates find success on LinkedIn and within local social media healthcare groups. In today’s market, it won’t hurt to reach out to those hospitals, private practices, or healthcare organizations you’re interested in most, either. Even if there aren’t specific job postings for the healthcare profession you want, most hiring managers are considering any resumes that come across their desks. Research the websites and identify key decision makers. Even if you don’t receive an immediate interview, you’ll have your foot in the door.
6. Let InSync Healthcare Recruiters Do the Heavy Lifting
Job searching, following up, and scheduling interviews can be tedious. Consider working with a professional recruiting firm like InSync Healthcare Recruiters. Having a recruiter partner for your career journey means having someone in your corner, providing access to nationwide job openings, and facilitating interview scheduling on your behalf. Our team specializes in recruiting exclusively for the healthcare industry and has a deep understanding of the various roles and nuances that accompany those positions. Work collaboratively with our experts to find only those openings that meet your long-term goals, skill sets, and healthcare niches. And the best part is there are never any fees or costs to you as a potential candidate.
When you’re ready to begin your healthcare job search, consider these tips before you start. Connect with an InSync Healthcare Recruiters professional today and explore additional options, as well. Changing your career trajectory is a big step, and you’ll benefit from having the expertise of InSync as a partner.