How to recession-proof your search for an Ophthalmology Position
By Cristina Boggiano*There is no ignoring the current economic climate- these are harsh times. How will your job search be affected? To start, there is plenty of good news out there for a job-seeking ophthalmologist. Private practices, academic institutions and ophthalmic organizations are moving forward with additions of ophthalmologists for open positions. What has changed? Competition is tough! Employers are much more patient in their search for finding the ideal candidate and much less willing to take a risk on a candidate that is not the perfect fit.
How do you poise yourself to become an ideal candidate? Here are a few additional strategies to employ during these especially competitive circumstances.
1) Do your research. Study the practice’s web site, read up on it elsewhere online, and try to connect with the employees or partners within the group. The better you understand your target practice’s needs, values and culture, the better you can tailor both your curriculum vitae and interview for the position. Use your unique background and experience as leverage to put your potential employer in the position of viewing your prospective profitability.
2) Network! There are so many ways for you to gain exposure and open possibilities. Join the state association in the geographical region of your interest; consider joining a society in the specialty of your interest. Connect with your alumni association. Even cultural and women’s networking groups exist in ophthalmology. Groups such as OWL (Ophthalmic Women Leaders) offer the opportunity to share knowledge and information that could lead you to your next position. By engaging in networking groups you can quickly expand your connections. Groups like this can serve as a linchpin between you and your potential employer. Keep in mind, the more powerful your network, the harder it works for you.
3) Embrace Technology. Successful candidates are cleverly turning towards new technologies to advance their search. Virtual and video resumes are increasing in popularity as well as membership on online professional sites such as LinkedIn. LinkedIn allows you to post resume information in a public domain and in real-time. It also serves as a vehicle for you to connect with colleagues and helps to grow your professional relationships in a quick and efficient time frame.
4) Appoint a Job Search Advocate. Establish a relationship with an ophthalmic recruiter or career advocate. Discuss your job search plan with someone that can guide you towards suitable positions. Most ophthalmic recruiters will serve as a resource for background information on practices along with providing you with up-to-date information on who is actively looking. Furthermore, by regularly discussing your search with an advocate, you position yourself as the candidate of choice for positions in the hidden job market.
These are tough times but with the ophthalmic profession enjoying more stability than other industries, job-seeking ophthalmologists can remain hopeful. In this era of unemployment, a candidate must maximize their resources by pursuing a search through traditional routes along with utilizing newer options for networking and communicating. By remaining patient and taking advantage of all the resources available to you, you will be on your way to securing a position and moving your ophthalmic career forward.
How do you poise yourself to become an ideal candidate? Here are a few additional strategies to employ during these especially competitive circumstances.
1) Do your research. Study the practice’s web site, read up on it elsewhere online, and try to connect with the employees or partners within the group. The better you understand your target practice’s needs, values and culture, the better you can tailor both your curriculum vitae and interview for the position. Use your unique background and experience as leverage to put your potential employer in the position of viewing your prospective profitability.
2) Network! There are so many ways for you to gain exposure and open possibilities. Join the state association in the geographical region of your interest; consider joining a society in the specialty of your interest. Connect with your alumni association. Even cultural and women’s networking groups exist in ophthalmology. Groups such as OWL (Ophthalmic Women Leaders) offer the opportunity to share knowledge and information that could lead you to your next position. By engaging in networking groups you can quickly expand your connections. Groups like this can serve as a linchpin between you and your potential employer. Keep in mind, the more powerful your network, the harder it works for you.
3) Embrace Technology. Successful candidates are cleverly turning towards new technologies to advance their search. Virtual and video resumes are increasing in popularity as well as membership on online professional sites such as LinkedIn. LinkedIn allows you to post resume information in a public domain and in real-time. It also serves as a vehicle for you to connect with colleagues and helps to grow your professional relationships in a quick and efficient time frame.
4) Appoint a Job Search Advocate. Establish a relationship with an ophthalmic recruiter or career advocate. Discuss your job search plan with someone that can guide you towards suitable positions. Most ophthalmic recruiters will serve as a resource for background information on practices along with providing you with up-to-date information on who is actively looking. Furthermore, by regularly discussing your search with an advocate, you position yourself as the candidate of choice for positions in the hidden job market.
These are tough times but with the ophthalmic profession enjoying more stability than other industries, job-seeking ophthalmologists can remain hopeful. In this era of unemployment, a candidate must maximize their resources by pursuing a search through traditional routes along with utilizing newer options for networking and communicating. By remaining patient and taking advantage of all the resources available to you, you will be on your way to securing a position and moving your ophthalmic career forward.
*Cristina Boggiano is a recruiter that specializes exclusively in ophthalmology. She is founder of Ophthalmic Associates, a national ophthalmic placement firm. Since 1998, Cristina has assisted ophthalmologists with finding positions in private practice, academic institutions and other ophthalmic organizations. Spending so much time in this field, Cristina shares her experience and knowledge as a complimentary service for job seeking ophthalmologists. She is committed to effectively assisting ophthalmologists in the process of finding the right position. To contact Cristina, please email cristina@theophthalmicassociates.com or call 866.488.6363.
posted by MedRounds Publications at 8:14 PM
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