Looking for your perfect match?
Tried and true relationship tactics may be the key to finding the right career opportunity.
If you consider you’re likely to spend more time at work than you would with a partner, it makes sense to approach your job search the same way you would a new relationship. Wouldn’t it be great to find the perfect match and launch the career of your dreams?
Working with an experienced recruiter is a lot like working with a matchmaker. "I spend a lot of time getting to know candidates on a personal level so that I can find the ideal match that meets their needs both professionally and personally,” says Janet Friedman, MEDNAX Clinical Recruiter. When speaking with new candidates, Friedman offers the following advice.
Know what you want.
The first step towards finding your perfect match is asking yourself what you are looking for. What are your top priorities? Make a list, identifying what is an absolute requirement versus where you may be willing to compromise.
Consider your expectations from a variety of angles, such as:
- Patient mix and office setting
- Research and quality improvement programs
- Publishing opportunities
- Organization size and locations
- Clinical development and growth opportunities
- Scheduling (part-time, full-time, on call, weekends, etc.)
- Total compensation package (salary, paid time off, insurance plans, etc.)
Read our blog “5 areas to consider when weighing career options” for additional thoughts on what to consider.
Keep an open mind.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Appearances are often misleading.
The list of sayings goes on, and they are valuable lessons that can be applied when searching for your next job. Don’t rule out a potential match just because it’s not exactly what you envisioned. Have an open mind and consider all opportunities. You may be surprised to find that after a few conversations with a recruiter or a potential colleague, an opportunity you once ruled out now tops your list.
“Clinicians often come to me with a specific career path in mind. But once we start talking about their interests and career goals, we sometimes hone in on an opportunity that wasn’t on their radar before,” says Friedman.
One of the biggest constraints candidates face is location. If you’re dead set on a certain location, you limit the number of opportunities available. Broaden your search to an area that is commutable, and you may be surprised to find more opportunities.
Another aspect to consider is that highly desirable job markets may also come with increased competition. Growth opportunities may be more readily available in the areas in less demand.
Ask around.
Social networking is a great resource when job hunting. Reach out to your friends and colleagues to let them know you are looking. So many great matches are made through networking. As with keeping an open mind, speaking to someone who works for an organization on your list is an excellent way to get the inside scoop and see if the employer is a good fit for you.
Let us help you find your perfect match.
MEDNAX is a leading provider of maternal-fetal, neonatal, pediatric, anesthesia and radiological physician services. With a presence in all 50 states, and full-time, part-time and locum opportunities across a variety of practice settings, we find perfect matches daily.
Find out why more than 7,375 clinicians across the country love Obstetrix, and why you may too!
For more information, contact:
Sharifa Grossman, Clinical Recruiter (and matchmaker)