Launching A Successful Job Search

04 Nov Launching A Successful Job Search

Whether by choice or unexpected loss of job, those in a job search commonly focus on the familiar.  In other words, they cannot see the forest thru the trees.  One needs to clear their thoughts and look at the many possibilities for professional growth that may differ from the work they have been doing.  I often counsel early, mid, and late careerists to focus on that which they enjoy doing and also build on their greatest assets…the strengths and skills that have made them successful.

For the early careerist, perhaps a recent graduate or someone looking for their second professional job opportunity, I recommend exploring alternatives beyond the traditional hospital leadership role with a hospital or other provider organization.  I encourage them to consider consulting, where an individual’s skills and experience will give them exposure to a variety of organizational settings broadening their awareness of both organizations and roles where they may find job satisfaction in new responsibilities that will be both challenging and rewarding.

There is also a great universe of employers beyond healthcare providers. I also recommend exploring organizations historically associated with the supply-side…Cardinal Health, 3-M, Honeywell, and many others.  Talent acquisition teams representing these top companies search for clinical and non-clinical leaders with a record of success on the provider-side of healthcare.

One’s first question may be “Where do I start?”  I offer the following to launch your job search:

Seek out mentors and others who know you well and from whom to confidentially seek guidance.  Remember, long-term relationships with trusted advisors will allow you to gain priceless insight about your capabilities and strengths…those things others have observed in you that have made you effective.  I advise knowing what separates you from others seeking similar opportunities.  Being self-aware of who you are, knowing your strengths and weaknesses and being prepared to confidently discuss them is important.  You must stand out and distinguish yourself from others seeking.

Next, you need to develop a resume to effectively and thoroughly communicate who you are and what you bring to the table…Your value in the job and to the organizationyou are targeting.  Advisors and mentors can help with this through their discussions with you and observations they share.  Also, the ACHE’s Career Center has considerable information to support your efforts in developing a resume, including online resources and chapter and national educational sessions.

Once the resume is developed and well proofed by you and an experienced proofreader, another important thing to do is to share the resume with your network. You may do this through email to those you trust to hold your job search confidential.  Also, I highly recommend using LinkedIn to help build your network and provide opportunities from the many employers accessing LinkedIn’s vast universe of candidates. Your LinkedIn profile should strongly and effectively reflect your resume and use keywords to specifically elevate your resume and career interest to the top of employers seeking someone with your skills.

LinkedIn suggests those with completed profiles 100% are forty times more likely to be noticed by talent acquisition professionals using LinkedIn.  Those of us in executive search also use LinkedIn.  It is reported slightly over half of LinkedIn profiles are fully complete. LinkedIn also has an effective job search function through which you can establish alerts specific to your opportunity targets. Do not overlook LinkedIn as a resource.  It is amazing to me the people with whom I speak who do not effectively use LinkedIn and are unaware of the capabilities and functions available to LinkedIn members.  For a slight premium cost, additional job search functions are available.

Regardless of where you focus your efforts to secure your ideal job, remember file thirteen.  Keep in mind reports that reflect ninety-eight percent of job seekers are eliminated at the initial screening. Your goal is to distinguish yourself from others and advance for the interview…your resume is the starting point.

It is time to assert yourself and confidently communicate your accomplishments and competencies that helped you achieve results for your employer.   Your style is revealed in your phone, virtual or in-person interviews. Make a good first impression…making sure to dress professionally and make eye contact. Also, it is important to be aware what your body language communicates.  You want to convey to the interviewer(s) you will fit the culture and contribute to the success of their organization.  A spouse, friend or mentors can rehearse with you.  And, remember to research organizations and key leadership there before you interview.

Roger W. Nutter

Founder & President

Nutter Group, LLC

Executive Search and related career services