Selling Yourself in a Tough Economy

Transcription

1 Selling Yourself in a Tough Economy Finding a Job in Healthcare presented by ADVANCE Staff OBJECTIVES Discuss the employment outlook in the economy today. Examine options for finding a job. Identify components of an effective resume. Describe successful interview techniques. Planning for the Future National, general statistics from BLS: Total employment is expected to increase 10% from 2006 to 2016 Education and health services is projected to grow by 18.8 percent Healthcare and social assistance will grow by 25.4% Here s Why National statistics from BLS: The U.S. civilian population is expected to increase by 21.8 million (9%) age group will increase by 9.5 million people (30.3%), more than any other group It s the Economy Fewer people retiring Staying full time Taking more shifts Staying put Staff reduction Units/hospitals closing Census

2 There Are Jobs States with the highest published employment concentrations, from BLS: RNs: SD, MA, MS, RI, WV PTs: VT, MA, CT, NH, HI RTs: ID, NE, DC, CT, OK Your Plan of Action Know yourself Know the market Use resources Have a plan States looking to hire new grads from NAHCR: NV, NC, SC, AL, KS, MO, NY, IN, MD Networking 60-80% of jobs are filled through networking. Focus on people who can provide you with career information, not just people who can hire you. Networking Tips Let everyone know you are looking for a job; be specific about what assets you can offer & what you are interested in. Build connections to employers & be as direct and personal as possible. Do not just apply online without following up directly. Networking Tips Get over your reluctance to ask people for help who you don't know. People will surprise you, they want to help! Learn how to work career fairs - have a personal pitch and your resume ready to go. Networking Tips Join groups. Attend professional association chapter meetings and rub elbows with professionals in your field of interest. Use your contacts. Do not leave people off your network list because they aren't working in your field or you think they may not know anyone of interest to you.

3 Internet Use social networking sites to make connections and increase your network: LinkedIn FaceBook MySpace Internet Job boards in specific fields can lead to better results: Internet Use online resources to research employers. Search their Web sites. WetFeet.com has profiles of thousands of firms. Do not rely solely on the Internet to generate job leads. Check trade magazines & local/regional newspapers on a regular basis. Accept an entry-level position for which you exceed the qualifications, or volunteer your time within an organization to get your foot in the door. This may allow you to network within a company and then apply for positions that interest you. Consider alternative work sectors and organizations that could relate to career goals. Consider geographical relocation. Be willing, at least for a while, to relocate to gain experience with a longer-term goal of working in your first preference area. Research, research, research. Are there cities where the job market is not feeling the effects of the recession as drastically as others? Are there cities that have employment opportunities in your specific career field? Use the Internet to research job opportunities, industries and livability of different locations. Be sure to keep in mind cost-of-living adjustments.

4 Make the job search your #1 priority. Make a plan, schedule your time. Apply for positions listed as temporary & don t overlook them just because you want something permanent. Temporary jobs can be extended & can lead to other opportunities. Check out temporary agencies as a gateway into organizations or fields of interest. Many state and federal agencies are losing baby boomer employees to retirement. Even with budget cuts, many of these positions need to be replaced. Informational Interviewing This is an interview with someone working in the career field you hope to enter or an organization you may want to work for. Talk or meet with them to ask general questions about the work they do, how they got to their position, and other related questions. The purpose is not to get a job but to find career options. It Matters First impression Long-lasting image Reflection of you One of many A Few Basics Targeted Well organized Error free Look What I Did! Awards Achievements Honors Recognitions Assignments Appointments

5 Facts & Figures Not what you do all day Claims you can prove Quantifiable Objective Registered Nurse Professional Experience INTERIM HEALTHCARE, Oak Park IL 2008-Present Registered Nurse PACU, Medical & Surgical, Telemetry Summary Dedicated and experienced nursing professional with extensive experience in diverse environments with particular expertise in med/surg, cardiology/telemetry. Professional Experience COTTLIEB MEMOIRAL HOSPITAL, Melrose Park, IL March 2008-Present Staff Nurse, Med/Surg Performed a variety of direct patient care functions; exposed to/worked with and assisted in wide variety of medical procedures. Performed reporting, assessment and monitoring of patients. Administered medications and performed wound care. Objective To obtain a position in an acute care hospital working on a med/surg unit where I can use my education and experience to provide excellent patient care; to be part of a cohesive team; and to further my knowledge and skills as a registered nurse. Professional Experience MACNEAL HOSPITAL, Berwyn, IL October 2007-Present Staff Nurse, Med/Surg Developed and implemented new patient handoff procedure as part of 3-person unit committee. Assured successful site assessments by JCAHO by demonstrating knowledge of policy and procedure. Improved skills by taking part in voluntary inservices. So Much to Say, So Little Time 15 seconds to impress Best material, top half of first page Include only relevant information Include navigational tools (headings, space, bold/caps) HOW TO SHINE IN AN INTERVIEW Before the Interview Find out as much as you can about the facility. Be familiar with your work history and skills. Become comfortable talking about yourself. Gather information and materials.

6 HOW TO SHINE IN AN INTERVIEW At the Interview Learn as much additional information you can about the position and the facility. Convince the interviewers you are highly qualified. Demonstrate you are knowledgeable about the position and facility, and that you are truly interested. Present yourself as a professional. RESOURCES Gannon University Career Development & Employment Serviceswww.gannon.edu/depts/cdes Gannon University CDES Job Search Guide- jobsearchguide2008.pdf Arizonia State University Job Search Strategies in Tough Economic Timeshttp://students.asu.edu/career/strategies_ article QUESTIONS