7 Tips for a Successful Physician Job Search

Like all professionals in all industries, physicians often view job searching as an exhausting experience. It takes time, patience, and dedication to find a new employment opportunity. If you approach your job search the wrong way, it can take months to find a new position that’s a perfect fit.

7 Tips for a Successful Physician Job Search
[image: pexels by karolina grabowska]

 

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be as hard as you think. 

If you’re on the hunt for a new position, here are seven tips for a successful physician job search. 

1. Update Your CV

Whether you intend to apply for jobs online or plan to use the services of a recruiter to help you find a position, you’ll need an updated CV. 

Before you start your job search, carve out some time to update and polish your existing CV. In addition to your professional experience and education be sure to include any leadership roles you held, any committees you served on, and any notable accomplishments you’ve made.  

The New England Journal of Medicine recommends that you also include any administrative duties you perform as well as patient volume (if applicable to your specialty). 

2. Have a Clear Goal

Asking yourself a few key questions can help you narrow your job search and focus more clearly on finding the job you want. 

Are you searching for a new job because you want more money or want to relocate? 

Are you hoping for a better work-life balance or searching for an opening in a practice where you can one day become a partner? 

Knowing what it is that you want out of your next job can make it easier to identify opportunities that will meet your needs. 

3. Research Potential Employers

Don’t apply for a position until you’ve researched the employer. It’s always better to discover who they are before beginning the lengthy process of crafting a cover letter, submitting your CV, and preparing for an interview. 

Check out the employer’s website and read their social media pages. Their online presence can give you a great deal of insight into how they work, what their values are, and what their goals are. If their values and goals don’t align with yours, it probably won’t be a good fit. 

4. Utilize Your Network and Social Media

Never underestimate the power of your online network. From your social media followers to your LinkedIn contacts, your next employer could be someone you already know. Reach out to people in your network and spread the word that you’re searching for a new position. 

Recruiters can also be an invaluable tool in a job search, as they can bring job opportunities directly to you. As a physician, it’s best to work with a recruiting firm that specializes strictly in physician staffing. You can connect with recruiters online through a variety of social media sites, including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. 

5. Prepare for Your Interview

No matter how much experience you have or how many job interviews you’ve been on before, it can’t hurt to brush up on your interviewing skills before meeting with a potential employer. 

Do your research. Prepare a list of questions. Have facts and figures ready in case they ask specific questions regarding patient volume or RVUs. 

With so many interviews taking place via video calls, it’s also a good idea to test out your tech. The right lighting and the right camera position can be the difference between an uncomfortable interview and a successful one that results in a job offer. 

6. Know Your Worth

Depending on your specialty, your level of experience, and your geographic location, you may be able to command a much higher salary than you think. 

Physicians are in demand, so research salaries by specialty and region before you start interviewing. Should you be presented with an offer, knowing your worth ahead of time will help you to negotiate for the pay that you deserve. 

7. Hire a Contract Review Specialist

When you land a new position, your new employer will present you with an employment contract. Physician employment agreements include the details of your salary and benefits, insurance requirements, duties and responsibilities, post-contract obligations, and other important details. 

Never sign an employment contract without first hiring a contract review specialist to review it for you. Employment agreements are legally binding contracts, so it’s important that you have a lawyer review the terms and conditions before you sign.

To learn more about why you need to hire a contract review lawyer, checkout this article from Physicians Thrive.

Finding a new job can take time, so remember to keep a positive attitude and be diligent in your search. There are many open positions for physicians, so you will definitely find your job. Checking out job search websites will help you while looking for a job. For example, there are more than 282 000 vacancies for general physicians on Jooble. It may take weeks or months to land the perfect new job, but with commitment and effort, you’ll find it.