Whether you are consulting as a salaried full time employee or a W2 contractor or a 1099 contractor there will always be necessary paperwork you must complete as you begin work with a new employer.
The on-boarding paperwork for a 1099 contractor is normally more minimal since you are representing yourself as your own business. For the purpose of this post, we will only be covering the expected on-boarding paperwork for W2 contractors and salaried FTE.
Each employer will have specific paperwork that MUST be completed. Below is a list of the standard documents that must be filled out / signed etc and a brief explanation of their purpose.
Required forms by all employers:
Offer Letter: Your potential employer should send you a written document (usually via email) that will lay out your pay, responsibilities and job title. This document will be signed, scanned and emailed back and normally the hard copy will need to be mailed in as well.
I-9 Form: The I-9 form is a legal document that is required by the government. It's purpose is to provide employment eligibility verification. It is used to verify identity and make sure you are eligible to work in the US. The I-9 form requires you to fill in information and also provide 2 forms of identification (drivers license, SS card, Passport etc) to a 3rd party who will also have to sign the form verifying they reviewed your ID. Depending on the method in which you will be working, this form might be completed on site and signed by another company representative, or if you are working remotely it may be signed by a notary and then your ID will be copied and emailed or faxed to the employer along with the I-9 form. In some states notaries cannot legally sign the I-9 form, in those cases a separate form will be provided for their signature. The original form and a copy of your ID will also have to be sent via email to the employer.
Various Tax Employee Withholding Forms: these documents will require an ink signature and the hard copy must be provided to the employer.
Application: The application is used to verify previous employment, to provide references, to specify which position you are applying for (and being hired for) and it is a way of formally showing your intention and interest in employment. The application is usually completed electronically.
Benefits Form: (may not apply to all W2 hourly contractors) The standard benefits forms will normally require you to select which benefits are of interest to you and also require your signature. The variety of benefits available will depend on the employer. Normally an electronic signature is required for these forms. If you opt out of benefits there will be an "opt out" form to sign. The benefits forms will also include a 401K form if the company provides one.
Employee Handbook: When beginning new employment you will receive an Employee Handbook that outlines the guidelines that company has in place. You will be expected to return a signed hard- copy form stating you have received the handbook. (it is ALWAYS a good idea to read through the handbook)
Additional forms that may be required:
Approval for automated payroll: Many employers now pay by automatic deposit as opposed to a paper check. In order for you to receive automated deposits you must fill out a form providing your banking information and also provide a voided check. The employer will require the hard copies of these documents.
Background check approval: Depending on your line of work a background check may be required. If it is required you will need to sign a release form allowing the company to run the check.
Drug Screen: In may industries, particularly the Healthcare industry, drug screens are required prior to hire. You will need to sign a form and have a drug screen conducted during the on-boarding process. Some Healthcare positions also require a vaccination record.
Vacation Memo: Some companies have various vacation packages and may require you to sign a form stating that you are receiving a specific amount of vacation time.
Comp Plan: If you will be receiving any type of commission over and above your normal income you will likely have to sign a document that provides a break-down of your commission plan proving that you understand how your commission plan works.
Client Agreement: If you are working for a Consulting Firm or Staffing Firm at one of their client sites it may be necessary to sign a document that lays out the expectations of that client, adhering to their regulations etc while you are actively engaged with them.
Credit Card Form: If you are expected to travel for work or entertain clients you may be provided with a company credit card. Depending on the type of credit card you may be expected to fill out a standard application for credit and the company may also run a credit check.
Electronics Agreement: If your employer will be providing you with any electronics (cell phone, lap top etc) you will be required to sign a form verifying that you received those items and they were in good condition. (same goes for company cars or other company property you may be using during your employment)
Security Clearance: If the position you have been offered requires Government Security Clearance you will be expected to provide proof of clearance.
Proof of Certifications: If the position you have been offered requires various certifications, you may be required to provide proof of those certifications.
So why, after going through various stages of interview do you now have to go through tons of paperwork? I call it the CYA mentality. (cover your ass) You are CYA to make sure you receive the benefits, commission, vacation you are entitled to, and to make sure that legally you are in the clear in case the IRS comes calling. The companies also have a vested interest in covering their butts in case for any reason you have misrepresented your qualifications or things do not go well with your new position. Instead of viewing the on-boarding process as a grueling waste of your time, try to view it as a necessary evil that could potentially protect you in the future. Fortunately most companies have internal employees that are in place to walk you through each step of the hiring process and make it as painless as possible.
Next time you are rolling your eyes in frustration at yet another piece of paperwork, remember the CYA theory and keep in mind you are not only doing this to comply with company regulations, you're doing it for your own best interest.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material* - but please feel free to share the link if you enjoyed the content!
Showing posts with label healthcare technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthcare technology. Show all posts
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday, December 5, 2011
Is the Holiday Season a Good Time to Seek Employment?
Many people believe that Mid-November through Mid-January is the worst time to look for employment but the opposite can be true.
While it may take a bit longer to secure interviews because many people take vacation at this time of year, vacation time can afford you the extra time you need to research openings in your field, update and improve your resume and market yourself.
More and more employers are continuing to source for qualified candidates through the holiday season. Some are even wanting to start new hires a week or two before the Christmas break to get orientation out of the way, so the new hire can get a running start in January.
When applying to job openings in November & December, be patient and make sure you follow up. You are likely to receive automated responses that your contact is on vacation. If a alternative contact is provided, don't be afraid to reach out to that person as well, they may not be able to assist you, but you don't know unless you try.
If your contact is out of the office, make a note of when your contact will be returning and call them or email them the day AFTER they return. Normally folks return from vacation to an over-loaded inbox & voice mail box, by giving them an extra day you will ensure that you aren't reaching them when they are feeling over-whelmed. By checking back with them you are also ensuring that your resume didn't get lost in their inbox while they were away.
If you do secure interviews during the holiday season, make sure you alert the potential employer of any upcoming vacation time you may have scheduled. Check with the people you plan to use for references and find out if they will be on vacation and unavailable during the holidays as well.
With a bit of extra planning, finding a new position during the winter months can be just as rewarding as any other time during the year.
Happy Holidays & Best Wishes in Your Career Endeavors!
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
While it may take a bit longer to secure interviews because many people take vacation at this time of year, vacation time can afford you the extra time you need to research openings in your field, update and improve your resume and market yourself.
More and more employers are continuing to source for qualified candidates through the holiday season. Some are even wanting to start new hires a week or two before the Christmas break to get orientation out of the way, so the new hire can get a running start in January.
When applying to job openings in November & December, be patient and make sure you follow up. You are likely to receive automated responses that your contact is on vacation. If a alternative contact is provided, don't be afraid to reach out to that person as well, they may not be able to assist you, but you don't know unless you try.
If your contact is out of the office, make a note of when your contact will be returning and call them or email them the day AFTER they return. Normally folks return from vacation to an over-loaded inbox & voice mail box, by giving them an extra day you will ensure that you aren't reaching them when they are feeling over-whelmed. By checking back with them you are also ensuring that your resume didn't get lost in their inbox while they were away.
If you do secure interviews during the holiday season, make sure you alert the potential employer of any upcoming vacation time you may have scheduled. Check with the people you plan to use for references and find out if they will be on vacation and unavailable during the holidays as well.
With a bit of extra planning, finding a new position during the winter months can be just as rewarding as any other time during the year.
Happy Holidays & Best Wishes in Your Career Endeavors!
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Zen and the Art of Finding Your Dream Job
First things first, do you live in the moment? Many of you are probably nodding your head, thinking the affirmative.."Yes...I live in the moment". But do you really? When you are eating your dinner are you thinking about each bite you take? Are you thinking about how good it tastes, how you (or someone) worked to prepare it, how thankful you are to be nourishing your body, or are you thinking about how yummy dessert will be, or all the clean up that will need to be done after dinner, or what you have to accomplish before bed? Yeah, I thought so. Most of us would like to think we live in the moment, but we really don't. Our minds are always busy worrying about what we must accomplish or fantasizing about something we'd like to happen, or mulling over something that we recently experienced and wish we would've handled differently. Unfortunately there are no mulligans in real life.
So why is the "living in the moment" philosophy so important when you're seeking new employment? Because your attitude and the energy you are projecting will have a huge impact on how successful you are at finding the job of your dreams. Now I don't claim to be the Employment Guru, but I've learned a thing or two about how to get hired and who is more likely to get hired over the years.
The more desperation a person gives off while in the interview process the less likely that person is to get hired. But, it's not as simple as controlling yourself during the interview process... you literally have to change your thought patterns. If you are constantly stressed about finding employment, you will be seeping stress from your pores, it will reflect in everything you do. People that are wound too tight are difficult to be around. Have you ever been around someone that is always stressed? They're moving too fast, making mistakes, difficult to deal with, often short-tempered and rarely cheerful.... who wants to work with that? You might be thinking..."If I could just find a job I wouldn't be so stressed anymore" but who will hire you when you're in that mental space of stress and despair?
To quote Dr. Wayne Dyer... "change your thoughts, change your life". A few years ago I was unexpectedly laid off. I had recently exhausted much of my savings moving across the country. I was in a new town, only knew a few people and had never been without work in my life.
When these situations happen, your first instinct is to go into panic mode (what will I do? how will I manage? what if I don't find work? ...on and on goes the little voice in your head). The best thing to do is take a deep breath, clear your mind and come up with a plan. Build a good resume, prepare a spreadsheet and market yourself (see my other posts for more on these topics). As you're going through your day to day process of finding employment take time to breathe, relax and be thankful for what you DO have. Here is a short list of things most people can be thankful for: being alive, family, friends, the ability to see, hear, read, feel, walk, talk, taste, a roof over your head, a soft place to sleep, a hot shower, a cold beverage etc.
When you make an effort to put yourself in a place of gratitude and relaxation you are opening yourself up to all the possibilities. Each day as you are seeking employment visualize the ideal job, the position you most want to fill. When your mind begins spinning into negativity... STOP! take a walk or a shower or watch a funny video... then re-group and get back at it. People want to work with people that are upbeat, positive and exude thoughtfulness.
Try to remember that what you put out into the world is what you will receive back. There is a reason for all the old sayings like "you reap what you sow". Call it Karma or Kismet or whatever you will...your rate of success will increase with your rate of positivity. It's ok to give yourself a break. You've worked hard, you've gained valuable experience, be in a place of gratitude and go find that dream job!
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material* - but please feel free to share the link if you enjoyed the content!
So why is the "living in the moment" philosophy so important when you're seeking new employment? Because your attitude and the energy you are projecting will have a huge impact on how successful you are at finding the job of your dreams. Now I don't claim to be the Employment Guru, but I've learned a thing or two about how to get hired and who is more likely to get hired over the years.
The more desperation a person gives off while in the interview process the less likely that person is to get hired. But, it's not as simple as controlling yourself during the interview process... you literally have to change your thought patterns. If you are constantly stressed about finding employment, you will be seeping stress from your pores, it will reflect in everything you do. People that are wound too tight are difficult to be around. Have you ever been around someone that is always stressed? They're moving too fast, making mistakes, difficult to deal with, often short-tempered and rarely cheerful.... who wants to work with that? You might be thinking..."If I could just find a job I wouldn't be so stressed anymore" but who will hire you when you're in that mental space of stress and despair?
To quote Dr. Wayne Dyer... "change your thoughts, change your life". A few years ago I was unexpectedly laid off. I had recently exhausted much of my savings moving across the country. I was in a new town, only knew a few people and had never been without work in my life.
When these situations happen, your first instinct is to go into panic mode (what will I do? how will I manage? what if I don't find work? ...on and on goes the little voice in your head). The best thing to do is take a deep breath, clear your mind and come up with a plan. Build a good resume, prepare a spreadsheet and market yourself (see my other posts for more on these topics). As you're going through your day to day process of finding employment take time to breathe, relax and be thankful for what you DO have. Here is a short list of things most people can be thankful for: being alive, family, friends, the ability to see, hear, read, feel, walk, talk, taste, a roof over your head, a soft place to sleep, a hot shower, a cold beverage etc.
When you make an effort to put yourself in a place of gratitude and relaxation you are opening yourself up to all the possibilities. Each day as you are seeking employment visualize the ideal job, the position you most want to fill. When your mind begins spinning into negativity... STOP! take a walk or a shower or watch a funny video... then re-group and get back at it. People want to work with people that are upbeat, positive and exude thoughtfulness.
Try to remember that what you put out into the world is what you will receive back. There is a reason for all the old sayings like "you reap what you sow". Call it Karma or Kismet or whatever you will...your rate of success will increase with your rate of positivity. It's ok to give yourself a break. You've worked hard, you've gained valuable experience, be in a place of gratitude and go find that dream job!
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material* - but please feel free to share the link if you enjoyed the content!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
How to Use Linkedin.com to it's Fullest!
Linkedin.com has been around for many years and it's popularity has been growing quickly over the last few years, especially among those in the technical community. Linkedin is more than a networking site, it is a career enhancement tool! This blog is intended to provide the reader with suggestions on how to create a good Linkedin Profile, build a strong presence on the site and use it to your advantage to further your career.
Your Linkedin Profile: When creating your profile, it should read similar to your resume.
>Start with a paragraph or two in the Summary section that outlines your career experience and future career goals. Include your email address in this section or put it directly next to your name so that people can easily contact you regarding your expertise and also invite you to join their network.
>You will want to provide a work history that includes any employment relevant to your current (or desired) career path.
>You will also want to bullet point responsibilities with each position listed to show a brief over-view of your most important skills and qualifications.
>In the Skills section, don't go over-board. List only the most important of your qualifications here.
>In the Websites section you should list your company site, any personal blogs you may wish to share or other business related sites you may have. I strongly suggest that you not list your Facebook page or blogs where you discuss issues unrelated to business. By including personal sites you can open yourself up to unwanted discrimination. The same goes for your Twitter account, if you're using Twitter to vent about your political views or amuse your friends with how drunk you were Saturday night, this isn't information you want your business network to review.
>You have the option of adding sections to your profile. The sections for Certifications, Courses, Honors & Rewards and Publications are all beneficial for adding industry related information that will augment your experience. Unless it is relevant to your career, I recommend not bogging down your profile with what books you're reading or where you've traveled etc.
>DO NOT include a phone number if you are not prepared to field calls from Head Hunters and Sales Professionals!
>Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations! Once you have started to build your list of connections, ask the people that have worked closely with you to provide recommendations. Most employers will review your Linkedin Profile prior to interviewing you, it is beneficial to have those references there to reinforce your abilities.
>Be thoughtful. Always consider who you are asking to join your network or accepting into your network. Do you know this person? Have you worked with them? What are their qualifications?
You can invite anyone to join your network, but if you don't know the person and they flag your invitation as unwanted solicitation, Linkedin will smack your hands and take away your privilege of inviting contacts unless you have their email address.
>Providing recommendations. You can and should recommend people you have worked with, however only recommend people that you have strong knowledge of their work and professionalism. You wouldn't want to recommend someone publicly that you have only known for a short time and later find out that they've been fired from previous jobs for their lack of work ethic or other issues. It is ok to say No when someone requests a recommendation.
>Groups. There are what seems like an infinite amount of groups on Linkedin for you to join. When reviewing groups to join consider how many members the group has, what information is being provided by the group and how it relates to your career.
Utlizing Linkedin when seeking new employment:
>If you are on the market, put together a well thought out message regarding what type of position you are seeking, location, responsibilities and any other expectations that are important to you and send that message to your established contacts on Linkedin.
>Post your desire to find a new position as a Discussion on the groups that you have joined in your industry. Don't forget to include your email address.
>Search the multitude of job postings in your industry related groups and also via the "Jobs" tab found at the top of your profile page.
>When you discover a job posting of interest, whether through Linkedin or the other job boards, you can search Linkedin to find a decision maker from that company and try to reach out to them directly to let them know you have interest in their opportunity and would like to discuss how best to apply. This direct approach doesn't always net a response, but if done professionally might give you an "in" where other applicants fall short.
Update! Update! Update!
>Each time you change jobs or finish an engagement or receive a promotion...make sure you update your profile to reflect that change!
>If you change employers be sure to update your employer website information in the Website section of your resume.
>If you have experienced a Lay-Off or your engagement has ended... ask some of the people you worked closely with to provide a recommendation for you.
In closing, it's important to check your Linkedin page at least once a week to review any messages you may have received. Imagine your Linkedin Profile as a live Resume, always being reviewed, considered and actively representing you in your absence. By keeping up with your messages and updating your profile regularly Linkedin should be one of the most significant tools in your employment process.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material* - but please feel free to share the link if you enjoyed the content!
Your Linkedin Profile: When creating your profile, it should read similar to your resume.
>Start with a paragraph or two in the Summary section that outlines your career experience and future career goals. Include your email address in this section or put it directly next to your name so that people can easily contact you regarding your expertise and also invite you to join their network.
>You will want to provide a work history that includes any employment relevant to your current (or desired) career path.
>You will also want to bullet point responsibilities with each position listed to show a brief over-view of your most important skills and qualifications.
>In the Skills section, don't go over-board. List only the most important of your qualifications here.
>In the Websites section you should list your company site, any personal blogs you may wish to share or other business related sites you may have. I strongly suggest that you not list your Facebook page or blogs where you discuss issues unrelated to business. By including personal sites you can open yourself up to unwanted discrimination. The same goes for your Twitter account, if you're using Twitter to vent about your political views or amuse your friends with how drunk you were Saturday night, this isn't information you want your business network to review.
>You have the option of adding sections to your profile. The sections for Certifications, Courses, Honors & Rewards and Publications are all beneficial for adding industry related information that will augment your experience. Unless it is relevant to your career, I recommend not bogging down your profile with what books you're reading or where you've traveled etc.
>DO NOT include a phone number if you are not prepared to field calls from Head Hunters and Sales Professionals!
>Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations! Once you have started to build your list of connections, ask the people that have worked closely with you to provide recommendations. Most employers will review your Linkedin Profile prior to interviewing you, it is beneficial to have those references there to reinforce your abilities.
>Be thoughtful. Always consider who you are asking to join your network or accepting into your network. Do you know this person? Have you worked with them? What are their qualifications?
You can invite anyone to join your network, but if you don't know the person and they flag your invitation as unwanted solicitation, Linkedin will smack your hands and take away your privilege of inviting contacts unless you have their email address.
>Providing recommendations. You can and should recommend people you have worked with, however only recommend people that you have strong knowledge of their work and professionalism. You wouldn't want to recommend someone publicly that you have only known for a short time and later find out that they've been fired from previous jobs for their lack of work ethic or other issues. It is ok to say No when someone requests a recommendation.
>Groups. There are what seems like an infinite amount of groups on Linkedin for you to join. When reviewing groups to join consider how many members the group has, what information is being provided by the group and how it relates to your career.
Utlizing Linkedin when seeking new employment:
>If you are on the market, put together a well thought out message regarding what type of position you are seeking, location, responsibilities and any other expectations that are important to you and send that message to your established contacts on Linkedin.
>Post your desire to find a new position as a Discussion on the groups that you have joined in your industry. Don't forget to include your email address.
>Search the multitude of job postings in your industry related groups and also via the "Jobs" tab found at the top of your profile page.
>When you discover a job posting of interest, whether through Linkedin or the other job boards, you can search Linkedin to find a decision maker from that company and try to reach out to them directly to let them know you have interest in their opportunity and would like to discuss how best to apply. This direct approach doesn't always net a response, but if done professionally might give you an "in" where other applicants fall short.
Update! Update! Update!
>Each time you change jobs or finish an engagement or receive a promotion...make sure you update your profile to reflect that change!
>If you change employers be sure to update your employer website information in the Website section of your resume.
>If you have experienced a Lay-Off or your engagement has ended... ask some of the people you worked closely with to provide a recommendation for you.
In closing, it's important to check your Linkedin page at least once a week to review any messages you may have received. Imagine your Linkedin Profile as a live Resume, always being reviewed, considered and actively representing you in your absence. By keeping up with your messages and updating your profile regularly Linkedin should be one of the most significant tools in your employment process.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material* - but please feel free to share the link if you enjoyed the content!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
How to "BREAK INTO" Healthcare Information Technology - Updated 2021
I receive regular calls and emails from people that are interested in becoming employed in Healthcare Information Technology. People hear there is a huge need for Healthcare Technology professionals so it would seem finding a position in this industry would be easy.... but it can be a catch-22.
The Healthcare Systems and Consulting Firms are seeking people that have years of experience in the industry, and many opportunities require certifications in specific EMR Vendor products to boot. With this in mind, even someone with a substantial IT background in another industry or a Nurse with no informatics background can find it challenging to land a position. Over the years I've read numerous publications claiming to provide the solution to this dilemma, it is my impression that there is no fool-proof method to the madness.
Below are some useful suggestions for breaking into the Healthcare Technology Industry. Initial steps will be listed and then the information will be divided into sections that will give tips that are associated with specific background and education.
Step 1. Create a resume that highlights your Healthcare and/or Technology background and education.
Step 2. Be prepared! Know the type of opportunities you want to consider, the geographical area or areas you will be searching, and the salary range you need to support yourself.
Step 3. Don't fly blind: Create a spreadsheet to track your employment processes, and be diligent about filling it in. (Finding a career can be a full time job. Be ready to spend at least a few hours a day focused on your search.)
Step 4. Get connected: Use social networking to connect with industry professionals that might be able to assist you in your search.
Step 5. Get Educated: Explore industry related web sites, and sign up for industry related newsletters (Like HIStalk) to stay on top of the latest information.
Step 6. Use the job boards and search engines like www.indeed.com to assist you in your search.
Step 7. Make sure you're applying to the right places. Most Consulting Firms hire industry professionals with extensive prior experience because their clients expect highly qualified consultants from them, however, some consulting firms are open to hiring professionals with limited experience but tons of potential, and offering training (or certification) in exchange for a 12 to 24 month agreement of employment. While consulting firms typically are only looking for people that are already highly skilled, and open to contract employment - some will consider training & permanent (fulltime/salaried) placement. Read the job description carefully to know what it is they're looking for - and don't waste your time & theirs applying to jobs that you are not qualified for.
For Healthcare Professionals lacking Informatics experience... is your current healthcare employer planning to implement a new EMR or upgrading their current system? If so talk to your Supervisor and the internal IT Supervisor about your desire to enter into a Informatics role. Your current employer is always your best bet. If your current employer is not involved in an implementation seek a Healthcare role at a healthcare facility near you that is. Make your desire to fill a dual role between your healthcare expertise and informatics clear when you are involved in the interview process. Another idea would be to continue with your healthcare career while going to college for Healthcare Informatics Management or to obtain your degree in Computer Science.
For IT Professionals lacking Healthcare/HIT experience.. most healthcare systems have a need for core technology professionals with a background in DBA, Wireless, helpdesk and many other areas. Try to find a position within Healthcare facility that can utilize your previous technology expertise. When you interview, make it clear that you would like to eventually advance your career into working with the EMR software. Sometimes you will find opportunities that need a combination of both EMR software experience and other technical expertise, in these situations if your existing experience is strong enough many healthcare facilities will hire and train for permanent positions.
For College Graduates that have a Healthcare Technology Degree but no work related experience... while a degree in HCIT looks fabulous on a resume, it can be more difficult than the above scenarios when trying to land a career with no prior work experience. Use your school's career-placement team to assist you. Normally most colleges will have a career-placement department that partners with area companies that are eager to hire recent graduates. Next focus your efforts on all the hospitals within a sensible commute distance from your home. Scour their web site career section for any entry level position that will match your educational background. Follow up by looking on Linkedin for the person that might be the manager of that position and message them with your interest and inquire if they have any suggestions on how you can land an interview. If you are having challenges finding the ideal position, settling for second best until you gain valuable experience is never a bad idea.
The option of working directly for an EMR vendor... sometimes the EMR Vendors will hire people with any of the above qualifications. The Top EMR Vendors are Epic and Cerner followed by the rest (Meditech, McKesson, NextGen, Allscripts, etc). Most EMR Vendor companies will require relocation to the city that houses their corporate offices. (Ex: Epic Verona, WI and Cerner...Kansas City)
While Epic and Cerner may be considered a dream space for most HCIT Professionals due to the strength they have in the market, most vendors have strong non-compete clauses in their employment contracts. If you chose to work for a large EMR vendor you will gain invaluable experience but if you decide to leave their employment you may find yourself unable to work with their product or at their clients for 12 - 24 mos. One should always pay attention to the fine print when signing an employment contract.
Hopefully this information will help you in your journey into the Healthcare Technology Industry.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material* - but please feel free to share the link if you enjoyed the content!
The Healthcare Systems and Consulting Firms are seeking people that have years of experience in the industry, and many opportunities require certifications in specific EMR Vendor products to boot. With this in mind, even someone with a substantial IT background in another industry or a Nurse with no informatics background can find it challenging to land a position. Over the years I've read numerous publications claiming to provide the solution to this dilemma, it is my impression that there is no fool-proof method to the madness.
Below are some useful suggestions for breaking into the Healthcare Technology Industry. Initial steps will be listed and then the information will be divided into sections that will give tips that are associated with specific background and education.
Step 1. Create a resume that highlights your Healthcare and/or Technology background and education.
Step 2. Be prepared! Know the type of opportunities you want to consider, the geographical area or areas you will be searching, and the salary range you need to support yourself.
Step 3. Don't fly blind: Create a spreadsheet to track your employment processes, and be diligent about filling it in. (Finding a career can be a full time job. Be ready to spend at least a few hours a day focused on your search.)
Step 4. Get connected: Use social networking to connect with industry professionals that might be able to assist you in your search.
Step 5. Get Educated: Explore industry related web sites, and sign up for industry related newsletters (Like HIStalk) to stay on top of the latest information.
Step 6. Use the job boards and search engines like www.indeed.com to assist you in your search.
Step 7. Make sure you're applying to the right places. Most Consulting Firms hire industry professionals with extensive prior experience because their clients expect highly qualified consultants from them, however, some consulting firms are open to hiring professionals with limited experience but tons of potential, and offering training (or certification) in exchange for a 12 to 24 month agreement of employment. While consulting firms typically are only looking for people that are already highly skilled, and open to contract employment - some will consider training & permanent (fulltime/salaried) placement. Read the job description carefully to know what it is they're looking for - and don't waste your time & theirs applying to jobs that you are not qualified for.
For Healthcare Professionals lacking Informatics experience... is your current healthcare employer planning to implement a new EMR or upgrading their current system? If so talk to your Supervisor and the internal IT Supervisor about your desire to enter into a Informatics role. Your current employer is always your best bet. If your current employer is not involved in an implementation seek a Healthcare role at a healthcare facility near you that is. Make your desire to fill a dual role between your healthcare expertise and informatics clear when you are involved in the interview process. Another idea would be to continue with your healthcare career while going to college for Healthcare Informatics Management or to obtain your degree in Computer Science.
For IT Professionals lacking Healthcare/HIT experience.. most healthcare systems have a need for core technology professionals with a background in DBA, Wireless, helpdesk and many other areas. Try to find a position within Healthcare facility that can utilize your previous technology expertise. When you interview, make it clear that you would like to eventually advance your career into working with the EMR software. Sometimes you will find opportunities that need a combination of both EMR software experience and other technical expertise, in these situations if your existing experience is strong enough many healthcare facilities will hire and train for permanent positions.
For College Graduates that have a Healthcare Technology Degree but no work related experience... while a degree in HCIT looks fabulous on a resume, it can be more difficult than the above scenarios when trying to land a career with no prior work experience. Use your school's career-placement team to assist you. Normally most colleges will have a career-placement department that partners with area companies that are eager to hire recent graduates. Next focus your efforts on all the hospitals within a sensible commute distance from your home. Scour their web site career section for any entry level position that will match your educational background. Follow up by looking on Linkedin for the person that might be the manager of that position and message them with your interest and inquire if they have any suggestions on how you can land an interview. If you are having challenges finding the ideal position, settling for second best until you gain valuable experience is never a bad idea.
The option of working directly for an EMR vendor... sometimes the EMR Vendors will hire people with any of the above qualifications. The Top EMR Vendors are Epic and Cerner followed by the rest (Meditech, McKesson, NextGen, Allscripts, etc). Most EMR Vendor companies will require relocation to the city that houses their corporate offices. (Ex: Epic Verona, WI and Cerner...Kansas City)
While Epic and Cerner may be considered a dream space for most HCIT Professionals due to the strength they have in the market, most vendors have strong non-compete clauses in their employment contracts. If you chose to work for a large EMR vendor you will gain invaluable experience but if you decide to leave their employment you may find yourself unable to work with their product or at their clients for 12 - 24 mos. One should always pay attention to the fine print when signing an employment contract.
Hopefully this information will help you in your journey into the Healthcare Technology Industry.
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Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Job Search Phone Etiquette
Job Search Phone Etiquette
There are a number of things you should remember when you decide to seek new employment. Now is a good time to cover Job Search Phone Etiquette. I'm going to omit conversation about phone interviews here, we will cover that in a future blog. Let's stick to the process between creating your cover letter & resume and obtaining that initial interview.
It is very important to list a phone number on your resume or in your profile on LinkedIn & on the job boards**. Email communication often goes to spam. You may miss a great opportunity simply because you didn't make yourself accessible enough.
Your voice mail message should always be professional, it may say something your friends will find amusing, but not a potential employer. Ex: You've reached the voice mail box of John Smith, I'm sorry I missed your call, please leave a message with your phone number and I'll return your call as soon as possible. I do not recommend using the automated response that says "you've reached (your phone number) leave a message at the tone". The Recruiter has no way to know that they've reached the correct number.
If you are in a place where you cannot answer your phone to discuss potential employment, turn your phone off so it will go directly to voice mail. It's very frustrating to the caller to have someone pick up and immediately hang up because their phone started ringing at an inappropriate time. That person will likely not call you back. If you do not own a cell phone and must resort to using a home phone, change your message to something simple like the one mentioned above. Always alert all family members that the number is on your resume and you are expecting important calls. Advise them to answer the phone professionally and supply pen and paper in a convenient spot so they can take down any necessary information if you are not at home to take the call. If there are children under the age of 10 in the home, they probably should not answer the phone during your job search. Too often I've had young children pick up that are incapable of taking a message. Even teenagers can be a road-block to your new career.
Recently I had the following conversation when dialing a home phone number:
Teenager: "Yeah?!" Me: "Hi is So & So home"? Teenager: "She can't come to the phone"
Me: "This is Cherie Lester from (name of my company)" "Could I leave her a message about a job"?Teenager: "Your number came up on caller ID, I'll tell her to call it" CLICK
You could also consider putting times of availability on your resume & profiles so Recruiters know when to reach out to you and you know when to expect their calls.
With numerous candidates on the market, its imperative to make sure the first impression you leave with a potential employer is a positive one. Often this first impression is your voice mail message or a family member taking a message for you. Keep the suggestions above in mind and it will be smooth sailing!
**In some instances omitting a telephone number from your resume is acceptable. In the HCIT industry there are a few areas of expertise that have a limited candidate pool. If you are an expert in one of these areas you may be flooded with calls from recruiters. In that case, create a specific email address to receive inquires on your resume... rule of thumb is some combination of your first name/last name at gmail/ymail or yahoo. This will eliminate having to potentially change your phone number.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material* - but please feel free to share the link if you enjoyed the content!
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