9 Proven Job Search Tips for Healthcare Candidates

Introduction

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and with the ongoing global health challenges, there’s a high demand for skilled healthcare professionals. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced healthcare candidate looking to advance your career, a successful job search strategy is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore nine job search tips for healthcare candidates, backed by insightful statistics and real-world examples.

1. Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
   • Insight: 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find potential candidates.
   • Example: Consider investing time into adding accomplishments, skills, recommendations, and volunteering passions to your profile.

2. Research the Healthcare Industry Trends
   • Insight: Job growth in healthcare is projected to be 15% from 2019 to 2029.
   • Example: In Becker’s Hospital Review article discussing Bureau of Labor Statistics projections the following 8 healthcare occupations will see the greatest percent employment change by 2031: 1. Nurse Practitioners: 7 percent, 2. Medical and Health Services Managers: 28.3 percent, 3. Physician Assistants: 27.6 percent, 4. Physical Therapist Assistants: 26.5 percent, 5. Epidemiologists: 25.8 percent 6. Occupational Therapy Assistants: 25.4 percent,  7. Home Health and Personal Care Aide: 25.4 percent, and 8. Health Specialties Teachers, Post Secondary: 24.1 percent.

3. Network with Healthcare Professionals
   • Insight: 70-80% of jobs are found through networking.
   • Example: Networking is essential for healthcare professionals to build relationships, exchange knowledge, and stay up-to-date in your field. Here are a few examples of resources and events: 1. Conferences and Conventions, 2. Professional Associations, 3. Online Forums & Social Media, 4. Hospital or Clinic Events, 5. Medical Schools or University Alumni Associations, 6. Healthcare Expos & Trade Shows, 7. Research & Collaboration Projects with Professionals, 8. Online Networking Platforms

4. Certifications and Continuing Education
   • Insight: 71% of healthcare employers prefer candidates with certifications.
   • Example: Most popular certifications that are in high demand. 1 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), 2. Registered Nurses (RN), 3. Certified Medical Assistants (CMA), 4. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), 5. Certified Health Information Management (CHIM), 6. Certified Professional Coder (CPC), 7. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), 8. Certified Medical Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS), 9. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA, 10. Certified EKG Technician (CET), 11. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) & Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), and 12. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT).

5. Prepare for Behavioral Interviews
   • Insight: 80% of healthcare job interviews include behavioral questions.
   • Example: Most organizations use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to address behavioral interview questions. The interviewers expect clear, concise examples that utilize candidates previous work experience, skills, and interactions with previous co-workers/patients.

6. Customize Your Cover Letter
   • Insight: 45% of recruiters reject applications without a tailored cover letter.
   • Example: A Cover Letter provides a vehicle for sharing personal and professional information that might be important to prospective employers but doesn’t necessarily fit on a resume. Ways and reasons behind customizing a cover letter. 1. Introduction & Personalization Message, 2.  Showcase Specific Examples of Qualifications, 3. Explain Career Gaps, 4. Demonstrates Your Communication Skills, 5. Expression of Passion and Fit, 6. Differentiation Between Other Candidates 7. Emphasizes Your Professionalism.

7. Utilize Professional Associations
   • Insight: 56% of healthcare professionals are part of a professional association.
   • Example: List of top 10 healthcare professional associations: 1. American Medical Association (AMA) 2. American Nurses Association (ANA) 3. American Dental Association (ADA) 4. American Pharmacist Association (APhA), 5. American College of Surgeons (ACS), 6. American Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA), 7. American Optometric Association (AOA), 8. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 9. American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), 10. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

8. Online Reputation Management
   • Insight: 75% of employers research candidates online before hiring.
   • Example: Employers often check online reputation as part of their hiring processes. Resources employers use consist of the following: 1. Social Media Profiles, 2. Google Search, 3. Professional Online Networks (LinkedIn and others), 4. Online Portfolios and Websites, 5. Online Reviews and Recommendations, 6. Blogs and Personal Websites, 7. Online Publications, 8. Social Media Activity, and 9. Online Forums and Communities.

9. Follow Up and Stay Persistent

• Insight: 47% of job seekers follow up after an interview, increasing their chances of getting hired.
• Example: The most effective job seekers use follow-up as a tool to get the job they want. The reasons behind the importance of follow-up: 1. Demonstrates Interest, 2. Differentiates You, 3. Builds Relationship, 4. Clarifies Information, 5. Addresses Concerns, 6. Timely Updates, 7. Expresses Professionalism, 8. Maximizes Opportunities, and 9. Reinforces Your Commitment.

Conclusion

In the competitive healthcare job market, these job search tips, backed by insights and examples hopefully will enhance your chances of finding the right position. Remember to adapt these strategies to your unique situation, stay persistent, and remain flexible in your approach. With determination and the right tactics, you can successfully navigate the healthcare job search and secure the career you desire.

KNK Recruiting was started to provide a better healthcare recruitment alternative for both candidates and hiring leaders throughout the Midwest, providing Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) services in the Midwest to benefit both employers and candidates is what we do best. Our mission is to be talent acquisition leaders and consultants who consistently strive to ensure top hospital and healthcare talent are connecting with the right job opportunities.

If you’re a healthcare professional  looking to match your talent with the right job and company that aligns with your personal and professional needs, please contact us today at 513-276-4656 so we can schedule a time to talk.