Where to Begin Your Physician Job Search

With so many opportunities in the medical field, finding the right fit can seem like finding the proverbial ‘needle in a haystack’. Having abundant physician opportunities can be both a blessing and a curse. How does a job seeker begin to narrow down the vast array of jobs out there? How does one take the practical steps necessary to begin? Just like opening a fully stocked refrigerator but not knowing what to eat, job seekers often feel overwhelmed with too many choices. If you are in this situation, this article is for you. We will discuss how to ‘hone-in’ on the right job fit in a sea of options. Below are recommended strategies to begin your search:

Find Clarity

When you are unclear about the details of your best practice, getting the right fit is near impossible. If you are a physician who likes the idea of variety, locum tenens jobs can be a good choice. This allows you to see different styles of practice, different settings and new hospital systems to find what suits your needs. It also allows you to test out living in communities or states before fully committing.

Location, Location, Location

Do you see yourself in a rural or an urban setting? Do you like snow or prefer milder weather? Do you need to be close to family? Does a spouse work an in-person position? Many physicians are bound by a geographic location, narrowing the choices down by nature. If you are ‘wild and free’ and geography is not a factor, look at variables such as weather, hobbies or sports you like, or ease of access to your favorite recreational spots in addition to job details.

Work with A Recruiter

Recruiters ideally help you find your prime position. They can act as the ‘concierge’ for the hiring process, and deal with everything from sourcing physicians for fit, to the interview and onboarding process. They may have insider information about the position's salary. They can be candid about your qualifications for the position available. If you are time constrained, recruiters can act on your behalf.

It is important to connect with a recruiter who is a good fit for your needs. One suggestion is to ask your colleagues and mentors if they know a recruiter or company that they would recommend. Making time for an introductory phone call with a recruiter is another good way to explore fit and gather information.

Use An Internet Job Board

According to the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR), over 21% of physicians find their jobs through internet job boards. One advantage to job boards is that you can search by multiple parameters at the touch of a key stroke, making the most of your search efforts. In addition, job boards can put you in the driver’s seat and allow you to investigate an organization before the initial contact. This helps to control your personal information and the amount of contact you have with employers.

Networking

While many physicians use internet resources, approximately 18% of jobs are completed through referrals. Networking at the local or regional level can lead to a referral and ultimately a job. It helps to have a short pitch that defines you as a physician and makes you memorable for those brief encounters. Finding a physician mentor is another way to develop a referral network.

Virtual/In-person Job Fairs

This often appeals to physicians in their last year of residency. Events such as these are often found at conferences where multiple agencies gather to promote their openings. Being in the right place at the right time can be challenging for a busy physician, but keep this option in mind if you are planning on attending in person conferences.

When the task seems overwhelming, it helps to break it down into attainable short-term goals. Author BJ Fogg in his book “Tiny Habits” describes how our own ‘inner critic’ paralyzes our efforts for progress. To move past the inner critic, one must first break down effort into tiny behaviors. For example, if you are unclear about the region you want, take a day to visit community pages and look at Chamber of Commerce websites before locking down a location. If applying to jobs is overwhelming, reward yourself when you finish each application. If you are unsure about hospital vs outpatient clinical medicine opportunities, create a list of pros and cons of both. These small efforts can create a lasting long-term effect that will ultimately find you the right opportunity.

For the new physician, the task can seem even more overwhelming due to the sheer number of recruitment contacts. Finding the right position takes tenacity. Learn to eliminate offers that do not fit the parameters you set, such as geographic location or type of practice. Job boards like HospitalRecruiting put you in control of connection, making the process less stressful. With these tips and tricks, you will be sure to find just the right practice for your needs.