There is a vast array of employers and jobs in the US to choose from – where do you start? Here are some tips to get the ball rolling…
Goals
- Identify the job you want – title, setting
- Understand what skills and attributes those employers are seeking
- Represent yourself professionally and clearly online, on paper and in person to make a great first impression
Define the job you’re trying to land
- Compare deliverables and titles of jobs you’re attracted to
- Narrow down key words used to define the job you like in job postings
- Identifying these points will help you to find other similar positions, and it will help a recruiter better understand what you are looking for
Researching a specific job
- Gather information online about the company, job, etc…
- Take time to understand the peers that will be reviewing your candidacy
- If possible, connect with people that have past or current ties with the employer to learn more about the culture, leadership, etc…
- Use this information in your cover letter!
Professional Brand
- Once you have a clear idea of the job your targeting, focus on professional brand so you make it obvious you’re a fit – Use this information consistently across your CV, cover letter, LinkedIn, Doximity, Twitter, etc...
- Use vocabulary pulled from job descriptions for key words, skills, initiatives – common overlaps, key strengths
- Read more about social media for physicians here.
Networking
- If you tell 5 people the details about what you’re looking for and, chances are, you will get a lead
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Professional contacts – Share details, be professional, and build rapport.
- Reconsider asking them to walk your resume to their boss as it can be imposing and they may disconnect.
- Loose connection – Don’t be afraid to approach, but respectful of time, and refresh their memory on how you know each other.
- Getting “in” at jobs – You’re more likely to be considered if their vouched for by someone who works there, rather than through a job posting. Try looking at the company on LinkedIn to find connections.
Job postings
- Be selective and strategic – keep your goals in mind and look for those key words
- If you create a profile for yourself on a job board site, use the key words and phrases! These sites use technology to filter candidates based on key words, education, titles, etc…
- LinkedIn – Job postings on LinkedIn are connected to the company’s page, which is helpful for research into the company, any connections you may have there, etc…
- Industry job boards – You can use job boards to find specific positions, and also to add a profile so employers can seek you out based on your training and job criteria.
- Specialty specific job boards – Societies and Colleges often host online job boards for specialty specific positions. Be aware, these boards are expensive for employers to use so they are not a comprehensive view of positions available in that specialty.
- Specific company job boards Most employers will have a job board or contact information for physician career opportunities listed on their website, or the parent company site.
- Google Terms You can find additional postings on recruitment firm sites or lesser-known job boards by searching your key words + locations of interest.
Additional Online Tools
- Use the LinkedIn Job Board and Easy Apply function
- If you have a great LinkedIn profile and CV, the Easy Apply tool is super convenient – no need for a cover letter!
Doximity
- Doximity Career Navigator: Using the power of the Doximity network, you can browse job postings, explore compensation trends, and view contacts who work at places of your interest.
- Doximity Career Match: Complete your career preferences survey so they can recommend you the best jobs based on your interests.
- Doximity Jobs Digest: Based on your preferences they will curate a list of the freshest jobs matching your interests and send it to you in an email digest.
Finding a recruiter
- Consider using physician recruiters – Recruiters are typically well-connected in certain regions and/or specialties, and may be able to submit you to a great job or introduce you to another recruiter with the right connections, all for free. You can reach out directly or have a colleague refer you for a possible bonus
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile - Turn on “open to new opportunities” and share your ideal criteria so recruiters can come to you. Doximity, too!
