The time is finally here and you can see the light quickly approaching. All of the studying, homework, tests, and rotations are coming to an end. School has successfully prepared you for starting that first position you’ve been so eagerly waiting for. You can see that end goal, but where do you start? What should you do first? My team and I came up with a few helpful questions that you should start asking yourself, if you haven’t already, to help you with the job hunt!
WHERE are you looking to go?
Have you thought about where you’re looking to settle down? Research or visit areas that have stuck out to you in the past. Make a list of facilities that interest you in those parts and investigate if they’ll be the right fit for you. Or if travel therapy is your goal, where do you want to travel to? Consider multiple states and general areas (steer away from specific cities) so you can have multiple options when you begin. Look up the state licenses and consider their costs and length of time to obtain.
WHEN should you start looking?
A lot of facilities will release their needs a few months or a few weeks from when they need a candidate. Be sure to do your research on the facilities that interest you and make note of their application deadlines. Some applications will require boards and licenses posted, while other facilities are willing to wait. This will help you create a timeline of what applications need to be done as you’re preparing for boards and waiting for licenses. If you’re looking for direct hire (full-time) positions on your own, about three months from when you’re able to start working is a good time frame to go off of. If you’re looking to travel, contact a travel agency three to six months before you’re able to start working. In that time frame you’ll complete an online profile and connect with a recruiter who will notify you of positions as they become available.
Keep a time frame in mind of when you’re planning to take boards, when your state license/s will be posted, and when you want/need to start working. Make sure to plan accordingly!
WHAT setting should you choose?
What have your rotations looked like? Have there been settings that you felt more comfortable in than others? Think about the settings that you enjoyed and could see yourself working in every day. Remember to keep your preferences open on the settings you’re looking for, as this will help to increase the number of jobs that could be available for you. Don’t feel forced to accept a position if you know in your gut it isn’t the right fit for you. This is your career and you should be pushed toward a position that will set you up for success.
WHY should I have mentorship?
Mentorship is a significant step in finding achievement in your career. More power to you if you feel you don’t need it, it is great to be confident in your skills! Don’t feel like you can’t ask about it though in case you are interested. This extra resource is so handy if it is available in case you have any needs, questions, or problems occur. It ensures someone is accessible for you; especially for a first position that may have been more fast-paced than what you were planning.
WHO is the right agency or facility for you?
A position is more than just finding a job. It’s your career! Make sure you find an organization that is not just trying to fill a position, but they’re also looking for someone that’s a fit for them as well. If you feel forced or pushed into accepting what they need rather than what’s right for you, then it may not be a good match. Also, ask about insurance, PTO, reimbursements, CEUs, and any of those extra benefits. Pay may be a little higher at one position but the benefits at another may be better. So be sure to weigh and consider those as well. All in all, weigh all of your options, look at the pros and cons of each business, and trust your gut.
Melody Claus is a Student Outreach Coordinator for Aureus Medical Group.