There are a few things that are important to remember when posting your resume to job boards (CareerBuilder, Monster, Indeed etc.)
* If you want to post your resume but would prefer your current employer doesn't become aware of your job search, try posting anonymously. Ideally you will create a new email specifically for your job search. (cannot say how many times I've seen an anonymous resume but the email used on the job board account includes the person's name). Additionally make sure your current employer is not listed on the resume.
* If you secure a new job, go into the job boards where your resume has been posted and either remove it or temporarily close the account.
* If you chose to leave your resume available to view on the job boards, make sure you set a reminder to go in regularly and update the information whenever you change jobs, titles, contact information etc.
* Keep a log of which sites you have used and any login information so you can easily make changes when necessary.
* After creating an account or changing information always log out and log back in and review your profile as others will see it to make sure everything is correct.
The same methods are also important on social media sites like LinkedIn.com.
* Make sure your contact and employment information is up to date.
* If you want Recruiters to easily reach you, include your contact information in the Summary section.
* Use your Full name on your profile. I've had people express to me that they don't use their full name until they've agreed to be submitted to a job, yet their email address IS their full name. Keeping your name hidden actually hurts you more than it helps you. An easier way to keep Recruiters from bugging you is to list your status in your Summary by saying things like "Not Seeking Employment Opportunities" or "Available for new Opportunities in Oct 2026" etc.
* Ideally your LinkedIn profile Employment History and Education should mirror your resume. You don't need to put ALL the information from your resume on LinkedIn but it is important to make sure the dates of employment/employer and education are the same. Potential employers will look you up on LinkedIn. If your profile doesn't match your resume it will call the validity of the information into question.
* After creating an account or changing information always log out and log back in and review your profile as others will see it to make sure everything is correct.
When responding to recruiters
* If a Recruiter has approached you via a job board on LinkedIn and you are interested always reply with your contact information, never assume they have it, even if it's available in your profile.
* When responding to a recruiter via email always attach your resume, even if they might have already gathered it from the job board, include a document copy.
* If you are not interested in a position a recruiter has approached you about, always include why: "Thank you but I'm in a permanent role and not looking for new employment" , "Thank you but I'm on a contract until 12/2026, please approach me closer to that time" "Thank you but that position isn't the right fit for me, I'm looking for "X"" and provide a description of what does interest you so they know what to contact you about in the future.
In the Healthcare Technology Industry there are some people that will get contacted constantly by recruiters because of their rare or popular skill sets. The best way to fend off the constant influx of inmails, emails and phone calls is to put "NOT CURRENTLY SEEKING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES" in plain site on your profile.
Recruiters really don't want to pester you. Our job is to find the best candidates available for our clients. Our goal is to help the client find the right person for the job and to help the candidates find a job that will tick all their boxes. Help us to help you :)
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Thursday, May 12, 2016
How to's for Tendering Your Resignation
Things have changed since the days when people would stay employed by the same company for 45 years and retire never having had to tender a resignation or format a resume. While a precious few of us will have that experience, at one time or another most of us will find ourselves in a position where we are determining the best way to tender our resignation to our employer.
Based on your experiences with your employer, sometimes resigning is an easy decision, but it can also be one of the toughest decisions you've ever made. In either case, there are a lot of factors that go into resigning:
How To Notify: Face to face is always preferable. If that is impossible then an over the phone discussion is the next best option. If for any reason you are uncomfortable with a direct conversation, the last option is to email your resignation without prior notification. When providing resignation through email, it is always best to write your resignation in a document and attach that document to the email. In the body of the email write something like: "It is with deep sadness that I am writing to notify you of my decision to resign from my position, attached you will find my formal letter of resignation"
Who To Notify: Typically notice should be provided to your direct manager first. In some situations this many not be appropriate and in those cases you can either provide notice to your direct manager's boss, the company owner or human resources depending on the size and scope of your employer.
What To Put In The Letter: What you want to say will greatly depend on why you are resigning and whether or not you've had the opportunity to speak with someone about your departure first. If you're leaving your job because you're completely disgruntled, the resignation letter is NEVER the place to complain about all the things that lead you making your decision. Save those for the "exit interview". If you don't anticipate an exit interview, find a polite way to touch on those subjects without putting your employer on the defensive. You want to leave the job on the best possible note so future employers will receive positive feedback if they ever call for a reference. The resignation letter does not need to be a long drawn-out affair. A paragraph or two is sufficient. There are many examples available online for reference. In short, the letter of resignation should include the following:
Based on your experiences with your employer, sometimes resigning is an easy decision, but it can also be one of the toughest decisions you've ever made. In either case, there are a lot of factors that go into resigning:
- How much notice do I give?
- How do I provide that notice?
- Who do I provide that notice to?
- Do I call someone first or just email my letter of resignation?
- What do I put in my letter of resignation?
- Do I put my letter of resignation in the body of the email or in an attached document?
How To Notify: Face to face is always preferable. If that is impossible then an over the phone discussion is the next best option. If for any reason you are uncomfortable with a direct conversation, the last option is to email your resignation without prior notification. When providing resignation through email, it is always best to write your resignation in a document and attach that document to the email. In the body of the email write something like: "It is with deep sadness that I am writing to notify you of my decision to resign from my position, attached you will find my formal letter of resignation"
Who To Notify: Typically notice should be provided to your direct manager first. In some situations this many not be appropriate and in those cases you can either provide notice to your direct manager's boss, the company owner or human resources depending on the size and scope of your employer.
What To Put In The Letter: What you want to say will greatly depend on why you are resigning and whether or not you've had the opportunity to speak with someone about your departure first. If you're leaving your job because you're completely disgruntled, the resignation letter is NEVER the place to complain about all the things that lead you making your decision. Save those for the "exit interview". If you don't anticipate an exit interview, find a polite way to touch on those subjects without putting your employer on the defensive. You want to leave the job on the best possible note so future employers will receive positive feedback if they ever call for a reference. The resignation letter does not need to be a long drawn-out affair. A paragraph or two is sufficient. There are many examples available online for reference. In short, the letter of resignation should include the following:
- A Heading (Dear name of your boss here) Or (To Whom It My Concern) etc.
- An opening sentence (it is with deep regret that I am tendering my resignation) etc.
- A paragraph or two on your experience (it has been my pleasure to work for xyz company over the last 10 years. The knowledge I have gained and) etc. If you have concerns that have caused you to leave and you want to touch on them, do so professionally: (while I am grateful for the experience, the lack of opportunity to move into a managerial role has caused me to make the difficult decision to accept a position with another company where there is more room for advancement) etc.
- Provide an end date (I am providing my 3 week notice, with my last day of employment being Friday, June 17th) etc.
- Leave the door open for conversation (If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call. I'm happy to discuss my thoughts and end date) etc.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Why "I Forgot" is never a good excuse... (Updated 2025)
We all forget things; we forget where we put our keys, we forget to feed the fish, we forget to turn the oven on or to water the plants but "I forgot" should NEVER be the reason you miss a job interview.
I would absolutely forget appointments if I didn't keep an up to date outlook calendar.
Forgetting things is human nature. Most people forget to do something on a daily basis. However, when it comes to your livelihood - your future - your career, you should absolutely never forget a job interview. Forgetting an interview is employment kryptonite, even though most people are unlikely to admit to a potential employer that they forgot the interview, employers generally will not give a candidate a second chance if they miss an interview with no prior notice.
Fortunately, even though our human brains may be lacking in the memory department, there is a miracle device that almost everyone has, it's called a cell phone, and with very little effort your cell phone can remind you about important appointments. If necessary you can set an alarm on your laptop, your tablet, your oven, Alexa, your microwave, your alarm clock (if you still have one) and some cars will even remind you of appointments. If you're someone who is devoid of recent technology you can ask family members and friends to remind you - although that is the least reliable method - as we've already discussed, forgetfulness is human nature, if you can't remember your own appointments - how is someone else going to remember them for you?
There are plenty of books available regarding how to improve your memory but with so many options available to help you, there is no need to work that hard at it unless you want to. The next time you schedule an appointment that could affect the rest of your life, do whatever it takes to make sure you keep it.
I would absolutely forget appointments if I didn't keep an up to date outlook calendar.
Forgetting things is human nature. Most people forget to do something on a daily basis. However, when it comes to your livelihood - your future - your career, you should absolutely never forget a job interview. Forgetting an interview is employment kryptonite, even though most people are unlikely to admit to a potential employer that they forgot the interview, employers generally will not give a candidate a second chance if they miss an interview with no prior notice.
Fortunately, even though our human brains may be lacking in the memory department, there is a miracle device that almost everyone has, it's called a cell phone, and with very little effort your cell phone can remind you about important appointments. If necessary you can set an alarm on your laptop, your tablet, your oven, Alexa, your microwave, your alarm clock (if you still have one) and some cars will even remind you of appointments. If you're someone who is devoid of recent technology you can ask family members and friends to remind you - although that is the least reliable method - as we've already discussed, forgetfulness is human nature, if you can't remember your own appointments - how is someone else going to remember them for you?
There are plenty of books available regarding how to improve your memory but with so many options available to help you, there is no need to work that hard at it unless you want to. The next time you schedule an appointment that could affect the rest of your life, do whatever it takes to make sure you keep it.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Know How To Pick Your Battles
Early in my Recruitment career my boss at the time provided me with a piece of advice that sincerely changed my life, he said: "You have to know when to pick your battles". At the time I was very frustrated by some changes that had been made in the workplace and I'm sure I was ready to take up arms and do battle with whomever I could to "fix" what I considered was broken. What my boss was trying to tell me was to slow-my-roll, take time to assess the situation with a clear head, and then determine how important it was to go into battle. Going into any situation guns blazing without a clear head and enough information is a recipe for disaster, especially in business.
Learning to diplomatically state your opinion after carefully reviewing a situation is a talent some people have never developed and that is unfortunate. We've all at one point or another worked with a hot-headed person that will ream you out first and ask questions later, or rampage about things that are not, in the larger scheme of things, all that important. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it makes for a hostile work environment and no one wants to work with a person like that.
Some people come by the ability to pick their battles wisely, for others (like myself) it is a learned skill. Not that I was ever a combative or aggressive person, I just had a tendency to get up in arms about things and voice my opinion before I took time to fully consider the situation. Thanks to my prior boss - I developed the 24 Hour Rule and I use it in all aspects of my life. If something tweaks me the wrong way, I wait for 24 hours to give myself time to mull it over and try to understand the opposing side. If I'm still up in arms a day later I will diplomatically and thoughtfully state my concerns.
During my years in recruitment I've interviewed all personality types. I've been in situations where I've had to tell someone they didn't get the job only to have them scream at me and dismiss me as an "idiot that clearly doesn't know what I'm talking about", and I've received emails that advise me to go "screw myself" because I just lost out on the opportunity to work with "the best in the business". The only outcome to that type of behavior is to be fast tracked to the DNU (do not use) pile. No one wants to work with someone like that. These folks could've benefited from knowing how to pick their battles.
The next time you find yourself frustrated and ready to vent your opinions, take a deep breath, then give yourself 24 hours to assess the situation and if you decide its a worthwhile battle - go in armed and ready with a cool head. "Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?". Some battles just aren't worth the effort, even if you're right. The only way to realize that is to take the time to think about each situation before you react.
Food For Thought:
Learning to diplomatically state your opinion after carefully reviewing a situation is a talent some people have never developed and that is unfortunate. We've all at one point or another worked with a hot-headed person that will ream you out first and ask questions later, or rampage about things that are not, in the larger scheme of things, all that important. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it makes for a hostile work environment and no one wants to work with a person like that.
Some people come by the ability to pick their battles wisely, for others (like myself) it is a learned skill. Not that I was ever a combative or aggressive person, I just had a tendency to get up in arms about things and voice my opinion before I took time to fully consider the situation. Thanks to my prior boss - I developed the 24 Hour Rule and I use it in all aspects of my life. If something tweaks me the wrong way, I wait for 24 hours to give myself time to mull it over and try to understand the opposing side. If I'm still up in arms a day later I will diplomatically and thoughtfully state my concerns.
During my years in recruitment I've interviewed all personality types. I've been in situations where I've had to tell someone they didn't get the job only to have them scream at me and dismiss me as an "idiot that clearly doesn't know what I'm talking about", and I've received emails that advise me to go "screw myself" because I just lost out on the opportunity to work with "the best in the business". The only outcome to that type of behavior is to be fast tracked to the DNU (do not use) pile. No one wants to work with someone like that. These folks could've benefited from knowing how to pick their battles.
The next time you find yourself frustrated and ready to vent your opinions, take a deep breath, then give yourself 24 hours to assess the situation and if you decide its a worthwhile battle - go in armed and ready with a cool head. "Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?". Some battles just aren't worth the effort, even if you're right. The only way to realize that is to take the time to think about each situation before you react.
Food For Thought:
- Anger and bitterness and other negative emotions come from a place of fear. Always remember when dealing with an angry person they are fearful of something (losing their job, change, etc). By remembering this you can sometimes get to the bottom of the situation and dispel their fears before things escalate.
- You teach people how to treat you. It is OK to tell someone that their behavior is unacceptable. If someone is acting negatively, explain to them calmly that you will not carry on a conversation until they're composed.
- Crap rolls down hill - if you are being treated poorly by your boss, your boss is often being treated poorly by his/her boss etc. Don't be the next in line to continue that lineage.
- Learning to meditate or even something as simple as setting alarms on your phone at specific times during the day to remind you to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths can surprisingly go a long way in improving your mood.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Why No-Showing Gets You No Where
When looking for new employment its important to realize that the top requirement on every employer's "requirements list" is: PROFESSIONALISM.
Professionalism isn't something you can show on a resume. It is a characteristic that is only apparent through your actions as you proceed through the interview process with the client. One of the major indicators that someone lacks professionalism is the "No-Call-No-Show" - when a candidate agrees to a set interview day/time and then is not present for the interview with no indication that they were not going to make it. It doesn't matter what the venue for the interview is; in-person, telephone or video, being prepared and on-time showcases your level of professionalism.
If there is ever a time that you are running late or need to cancel an interview, you should always have the name and number of the person you are meeting with, or at the very least the contact information for your recruiter so you can call or email to alert them of your delay and the reason you are going to be late. Barring a major emergency there is no excuse for not providing notice that you are not showing up for an interview.
Typically, as a recruiter, I will give candidates a pass if they fail to answer my call at the scheduled time for an initial phone interview, depending on their reasoning and whether or not they followed up with me quickly. Things happen, we get delayed in meetings, we get unexpected phone calls and so on. This is not the case for a client interview. Client interviews are of the utmost importance. The firm has presented the resume to the client with the assurance that the person is one of the most qualified candidates for their opportunity. This assures the client that the firm has vetted not only the candidate's experience but also personality fit and professionalism. When a candidate no-call-no-shows to a client interview this demonstrates an extreme lack in professionalism. Routinely this behavior will get the candidate black listed from both the client and the recruitment firm, additionally this doesn't bode well for the firm because the client is relying on them to make sure things like this don't happen. Not only does the candidate look bad, but they make the firm look bad as well.
The repercussions of an interview no-show can be felt for a long time after the incident. I've had the experience of submitting a candidate to a job opening only to have the hiring manager respond saying "when I used to work for XYZ company, this candidate no-showed on an interview so we are not interested in considering them for employment". Additionally when a candidate is red-flagged at a staffing firm as an undesirable candidate not only do they lose out on multiple future job opportunities, but recruiters speak to one another. Both consulting firms/staffing firms and healthcare systems keep detailed candidate files via their individual staffing/employment software. It just takes 1 click to mark a candidate as a "DNU" (do not use). One no-call-no-show has the potential to ruin numerous potential opportunities across a variety of employers for the foreseeable future.
If you are unable to make an interview for any reason, take just a moment to either call or email the person you are scheduled to meet with - or your recruiter when applicable - even a one line email stating "I'm sorry but an unexpected situation arose and I need to cancel (or reschedule) the interview. My deepest apologies for this inconvenience" is better than nothing at all. Taking the time to send that communication is all it takes to show you have the professionalism the client is seeking.
Professionalism isn't something you can show on a resume. It is a characteristic that is only apparent through your actions as you proceed through the interview process with the client. One of the major indicators that someone lacks professionalism is the "No-Call-No-Show" - when a candidate agrees to a set interview day/time and then is not present for the interview with no indication that they were not going to make it. It doesn't matter what the venue for the interview is; in-person, telephone or video, being prepared and on-time showcases your level of professionalism.
If there is ever a time that you are running late or need to cancel an interview, you should always have the name and number of the person you are meeting with, or at the very least the contact information for your recruiter so you can call or email to alert them of your delay and the reason you are going to be late. Barring a major emergency there is no excuse for not providing notice that you are not showing up for an interview.
Typically, as a recruiter, I will give candidates a pass if they fail to answer my call at the scheduled time for an initial phone interview, depending on their reasoning and whether or not they followed up with me quickly. Things happen, we get delayed in meetings, we get unexpected phone calls and so on. This is not the case for a client interview. Client interviews are of the utmost importance. The firm has presented the resume to the client with the assurance that the person is one of the most qualified candidates for their opportunity. This assures the client that the firm has vetted not only the candidate's experience but also personality fit and professionalism. When a candidate no-call-no-shows to a client interview this demonstrates an extreme lack in professionalism. Routinely this behavior will get the candidate black listed from both the client and the recruitment firm, additionally this doesn't bode well for the firm because the client is relying on them to make sure things like this don't happen. Not only does the candidate look bad, but they make the firm look bad as well.
The repercussions of an interview no-show can be felt for a long time after the incident. I've had the experience of submitting a candidate to a job opening only to have the hiring manager respond saying "when I used to work for XYZ company, this candidate no-showed on an interview so we are not interested in considering them for employment". Additionally when a candidate is red-flagged at a staffing firm as an undesirable candidate not only do they lose out on multiple future job opportunities, but recruiters speak to one another. Both consulting firms/staffing firms and healthcare systems keep detailed candidate files via their individual staffing/employment software. It just takes 1 click to mark a candidate as a "DNU" (do not use). One no-call-no-show has the potential to ruin numerous potential opportunities across a variety of employers for the foreseeable future.
If you are unable to make an interview for any reason, take just a moment to either call or email the person you are scheduled to meet with - or your recruiter when applicable - even a one line email stating "I'm sorry but an unexpected situation arose and I need to cancel (or reschedule) the interview. My deepest apologies for this inconvenience" is better than nothing at all. Taking the time to send that communication is all it takes to show you have the professionalism the client is seeking.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Immunization Records - Vaccine Requirements in the HIT Industry
More and more we are seeing requirements from Healthcare IT Clients for up-to-date vaccinations. This has caused issues with new hire on-boarding / start dates and a consultant's ability to get hired.
Regardless of your feelings on vaccines and immunizations, there are going to be stricter requirements in the HIT Consulting industry. For someone that does not have their immunization record you will be required to have a titer run by your physician to determine if you are lacking any of the necessary immunizations. If you are missing any of the required vaccinations you will need to receive them prior to your start date OR present a letter from your physician as to why you are unable to receive the vaccine(s). With many employers these requirements will hold true even for consultants / employees that are working remotely or never come in contact with the patient population.
To date; candidates have removed themselves from consideration due to these regulations and many have had to push back their start date after being unable to produce their vaccine records immediately. If you have to have a titer run it can take days to receive the information back from a lab and then additional time to get back into your physician to get up to date on the necessary vaccines.
Due to the fact that most employers are moving to require vaccination records prior to hire, it is extremely beneficial to have your complete vaccination record ready to present when necessary. By going and gathering that information now, proactively, it can save a consultant huge headaches, time and potential loss of an engagement by making sure their immunizations are up-to-date and by having the documentation on hand.
Regardless of your feelings on vaccines and immunizations, there are going to be stricter requirements in the HIT Consulting industry. For someone that does not have their immunization record you will be required to have a titer run by your physician to determine if you are lacking any of the necessary immunizations. If you are missing any of the required vaccinations you will need to receive them prior to your start date OR present a letter from your physician as to why you are unable to receive the vaccine(s). With many employers these requirements will hold true even for consultants / employees that are working remotely or never come in contact with the patient population.
To date; candidates have removed themselves from consideration due to these regulations and many have had to push back their start date after being unable to produce their vaccine records immediately. If you have to have a titer run it can take days to receive the information back from a lab and then additional time to get back into your physician to get up to date on the necessary vaccines.
Due to the fact that most employers are moving to require vaccination records prior to hire, it is extremely beneficial to have your complete vaccination record ready to present when necessary. By going and gathering that information now, proactively, it can save a consultant huge headaches, time and potential loss of an engagement by making sure their immunizations are up-to-date and by having the documentation on hand.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Searching For Employment in the 21st Century - Cell Phones
How many of you remember the rotary phone or what it feels
like to not have cell phone? How about
not having voice mail? I remember as a teenager, running to the phone when I
got home to dial *69 to see who the last person that called us was. Things have changed a lot since then,
particularly when it comes to finding employment. No longer are we searching the "Help
Wanted" section of the news paper and sending our resumes via snail mail
to a potential employer.
What surprises me the most in regard to current employment
seekers is the lack of consideration regarding phone processes. Nowadays, particularly in the Healthcare IT
industry, the primary method of contacting and interviewing a candidate is via
the phone. If you are a job seeker and
your voice mail isn't set up or it doesn't indicate who you are or it isn't
professional you are going to lose out on job opportunities. If you are a job seeker that has your phone
set up to block your number on the receiving end, you are going to miss out on
job opportunities.
I cannot count how many times I've tried to reach a number
provided on a resume only to hear "the voice mail for this number is not
set up" or "you've reached 419-555-1234, please leave a
message". It is a critical error
for a job seeker to not have their voice mail message set up. Ideally it should say something like
"Hello, you've reached "First & Last Name" - I'm not
available to come to the phone right now but if you leave your name and number
I will return your call at my earliest convenience". This way not only will the job seeker receive
messages from interested parties but the caller will have confirmation that
they have in fact reached the right person.
Pertaining to blocked numbers, myself and many other people
do not answer calls from blocked numbers due in part to the fact that most
sales related / telemarketing calls come from "blocked" or
unknown" callers. You can set up
your phone to show your number on the receiving end, and if you make a call
where you do not want your number to appear you can simply dial *67 prior to
dialing the number you wish to reach.
In conclusion; making sure the phone number you are listing
either via social media or on your resume is set up to provide the most
thorough and professional impression will give you a definitive leg-up when
industry recruiters contact you.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Jumping Through Hoops - The Interview Process (updated 2024)
Have you ever gone through a rigorous interview process in order to get hired? Multiple telephone interviews, then face to face interviews, possibly followed by some seemingly unnecessary personality assessment or qualifications testing process. While I've surprisingly had clients call me and hire someone for a contract position after only reviewing their resume, typically there is a interview process one must go through in order to become employed. (Either as a consultant or permanent employee). Some of the toughest jobs to land can be Epic related positions. Just when you think you have all the certifications and experience necessary to get the job you've been envisioning - Epic adds another hoop - certification requirements.
In speaking with candidates as I walk them through these processes, I've had many express exasperation at all the "hoops" they're asked to jump through and frankly, I can't blame them. Sometimes the process can seem like hours upon hours of your life you aren't going to get back. However, the best way to look at each interview process is as a learning experience. The more you interview, the more you learn about how to interview. Like any skill, for most people interviewing takes practice and experience to become good at it.
Consider that; permanent employment is like marriage, you go into the experience hoping it will last forever. With this in mind, isn't it worth your while to take the time to go through the interview process and learn as much as you can about the potential employer before making one of the biggest decisions of your life? Making sure the position is a good fit not only benefits the potential employer but also benefits the candidate. Many people, myself included, have dived head-long into an employment situation without much hesitation, only to find out after a few months that we've jumped out of a frying pan and into a fire. By taking your time through a lengthy interviewing process and jumping through each hoop with a level of understanding that both you and the employer want to make the most educated decision possible, it will make the process easier to tolerate.
So..., the next time you're in the middle of scheduling yet another interview, keep the above points in mind - try to put a smile on your face and consider what you're learning about yourself and your potential new employer.
*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!
In speaking with candidates as I walk them through these processes, I've had many express exasperation at all the "hoops" they're asked to jump through and frankly, I can't blame them. Sometimes the process can seem like hours upon hours of your life you aren't going to get back. However, the best way to look at each interview process is as a learning experience. The more you interview, the more you learn about how to interview. Like any skill, for most people interviewing takes practice and experience to become good at it.
Consider that; permanent employment is like marriage, you go into the experience hoping it will last forever. With this in mind, isn't it worth your while to take the time to go through the interview process and learn as much as you can about the potential employer before making one of the biggest decisions of your life? Making sure the position is a good fit not only benefits the potential employer but also benefits the candidate. Many people, myself included, have dived head-long into an employment situation without much hesitation, only to find out after a few months that we've jumped out of a frying pan and into a fire. By taking your time through a lengthy interviewing process and jumping through each hoop with a level of understanding that both you and the employer want to make the most educated decision possible, it will make the process easier to tolerate.
So..., the next time you're in the middle of scheduling yet another interview, keep the above points in mind - try to put a smile on your face and consider what you're learning about yourself and your potential new employer.
*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!
Friday, June 5, 2015
And Yet, Even More on Resumes
Honestly, I'm getting bored with writing about resume construction, development, presentation etc. It seems as if this topic will never be put to rest. Every day I review dozens of resumes from C-Level execs to Help Desk personnel and so on. It doesn't seem to matter what level of employment a person happens to be in - terrible resumes (as well as exceptional ones) run the gamut.
This week I was reviewing resumes for an Electronic Medical Record training project for a major healthcare client. EMR trainers come from all walks of life, many from outside the Healthcare or Healthcare IT industry and due to that fact a good majority of the training resumes will have multiple misspellings of industry software and applications and acronyms. Most frequently abused are: Siemens Soarian (often spelled Sorian), HIPAA (often spelled HIPPA), Pretty much EVERY Cerner application: PathNet, PowerChart etc (often misspelled by separating the Net or not capitalizing the Net or most recently I saw Power CHAT throughout an entire resume). This could go on for pages but I'll give you - Dear Reader - a break.
In one particular resume this week I noted names of hospitals and consulting firms spelled incorrectly, along with industry terminology, system applications AND even basic every-day words.
When I politely emailed the candidate to express my concern over their resume they responded that they were "sorry that I didn't understand industry terminology and spelling and that I should take another look". After their response I took the time to highlight dozens of words and terms on their resume and email it back to them. Another candidate presented a resume that said "Cheat Shit" though-out the entire resume instead of "Cheat Sheet".
I often make spelling errors in haste and typos are inevitable, so I normally take no issue to a few misspellings in a resume - particularly when our industry language will not be corrected by spell check, but Cheat Shit? lets be real here. Fortunately for candidates that go through staffing and consulting firms, they have a recruiter that will proof-read and revise their resume prior to presenting it to the end-client. Other folks aren't so fortunate. Many recruiters, myself included, have been known to turn down a candidate for a position due to a poorly written resume. I've seen clients turn down Cerner related resumes when the candidate hasn't appropriately capitalized the "Net". Grammatical and punctuation errors are also detrimental but not as much so as spelling errors.
In conclusion (are you relieved?) what I'm desperately trying to express in my resume related posts is that you CAN NEVER BE TOO THOROUGH when you are proof-reading your resume. Below are a few tips that can greatly reduce your chances of submitting a bad resume.
1. Always proof read your resume one last time a few hours AFTER you've written or revised it.
2. NEVER submit your resume without proof reading it multiple times.
3. Whenever possible enlist someone you know from inside your industry to proof read your resume before you submit it.
4. If you are in a very specialized industry like HIT - DO NOT rely on a professional resume developer if they are not familiar with your industry.
5. DO NOT rely on spell check or auto correct, it will often find errors where there are none or it will auto correct industry terms that are spelled correctly.
6. When a recruiter tells you your resume needs work - LISTEN to them.
Your resume has to represent you in your absence. Nothing limits your employment opportunities more than a poorly written resume.
For more information on how to build and format an eye-catching resume use the search box in the upper right corner of the blog and search "resume".
By the way - catch a grammar, punctuation or spelling error in any of my posts? Please notify me. Your proof-reading is always appreciated!
*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.
This week I was reviewing resumes for an Electronic Medical Record training project for a major healthcare client. EMR trainers come from all walks of life, many from outside the Healthcare or Healthcare IT industry and due to that fact a good majority of the training resumes will have multiple misspellings of industry software and applications and acronyms. Most frequently abused are: Siemens Soarian (often spelled Sorian), HIPAA (often spelled HIPPA), Pretty much EVERY Cerner application: PathNet, PowerChart etc (often misspelled by separating the Net or not capitalizing the Net or most recently I saw Power CHAT throughout an entire resume). This could go on for pages but I'll give you - Dear Reader - a break.
In one particular resume this week I noted names of hospitals and consulting firms spelled incorrectly, along with industry terminology, system applications AND even basic every-day words.
When I politely emailed the candidate to express my concern over their resume they responded that they were "sorry that I didn't understand industry terminology and spelling and that I should take another look". After their response I took the time to highlight dozens of words and terms on their resume and email it back to them. Another candidate presented a resume that said "Cheat Shit" though-out the entire resume instead of "Cheat Sheet".
I often make spelling errors in haste and typos are inevitable, so I normally take no issue to a few misspellings in a resume - particularly when our industry language will not be corrected by spell check, but Cheat Shit? lets be real here. Fortunately for candidates that go through staffing and consulting firms, they have a recruiter that will proof-read and revise their resume prior to presenting it to the end-client. Other folks aren't so fortunate. Many recruiters, myself included, have been known to turn down a candidate for a position due to a poorly written resume. I've seen clients turn down Cerner related resumes when the candidate hasn't appropriately capitalized the "Net". Grammatical and punctuation errors are also detrimental but not as much so as spelling errors.
In conclusion (are you relieved?) what I'm desperately trying to express in my resume related posts is that you CAN NEVER BE TOO THOROUGH when you are proof-reading your resume. Below are a few tips that can greatly reduce your chances of submitting a bad resume.
1. Always proof read your resume one last time a few hours AFTER you've written or revised it.
2. NEVER submit your resume without proof reading it multiple times.
3. Whenever possible enlist someone you know from inside your industry to proof read your resume before you submit it.
4. If you are in a very specialized industry like HIT - DO NOT rely on a professional resume developer if they are not familiar with your industry.
5. DO NOT rely on spell check or auto correct, it will often find errors where there are none or it will auto correct industry terms that are spelled correctly.
6. When a recruiter tells you your resume needs work - LISTEN to them.
Your resume has to represent you in your absence. Nothing limits your employment opportunities more than a poorly written resume.
For more information on how to build and format an eye-catching resume use the search box in the upper right corner of the blog and search "resume".
By the way - catch a grammar, punctuation or spelling error in any of my posts? Please notify me. Your proof-reading is always appreciated!
*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, May 6, 2015
What Email You Use Is Important When Seeking New Employment
Your email provider and email address are extremely important when you are seeking new employment. I've touched on this subject in previous posts, but felt it was important to shed more light on this topic.
Email Address Tips:
*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.
Email Address Tips:
- Keeping your email address simple and incorporating your name is ideal. (ex: JohnDoeResume@gmail)
- Shared email addresses should not be used for resume responses - if you share an email with your spouse or family, create a private, personal email address that is just for responses to your resume.
- Never use your current business/employer's email address for your job search!
- Making references to your religious, political or other beliefs or your personal status in your email address is not advisable, keep those for personal emails. (exs: DieHardLiberal@yahoo, SingleAndLooking@aol , LovinMaryJane@ymail or ChickenFarmer@gmail etc)
- Sexual references of any type should NEVER be used in an email address you are using on your resume.
- Be conscientious of what your email address looks like, even if you've used parts of your name, can it be misconstrued?
- Keeping it simple by just using your name and something that specifies the email is solely for your job search makes it easier for an employer to remember it, shows you're focused on your career search and doesn't open one up for immediate discrimination.
- Make sure when setting up the email account that you turn off the spam protection options. Since you are going to utilize this email only for your job search, you can sift through a little spam. When turned on most spam blockers will automatically block emails from businesses that are interested in your resume and send them to junk mail or block them all together so you never see them.
- Make sure when you create a new email that you update your current resume and also the resumes you have posted on various job boards. I've run into situations often where I am responding to a resume via a job board only to have the email bounce back as no longer active, even if the resume was posted just a few weeks ago.
- If you are already working with a potential employer or recruiter(s) when you update your email address, make sure you send out a quick email notifying them of the change. (always BCC if you're sending to multiple recipients)
- If your email server has a limit on how many emails it will store, make sure you're clearing out your inbox on a daily basis.
*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.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
What You Should Know About Recruiters (Updated 2025)
Your relationships with your recruiters should be like your relationship
with your Hair Stylist/Barber or Massage Therapist or Trainer - you wouldn’t
think of using anyone else unless something catastrophic happens. If you're in an industry where you may work for multiple companies and there are many recruiters - how do you choose, and
what should you know about maintaining that relationship?
Use Your Instincts: Initially you should go with your gut. Do you genuinely LIKE the person? When the recruiter contacted you were they
easy to talk to? Did they try to give
you a “hard-sell” or did they actually listen to what you were looking
for? Do they understand your
qualifications and know how to represent you to their client? Were they forthright about discussing the
financial aspects of the role/the client/the particulars? If you’re feeling good about the person, then
it’s time to build that relationship.
Building the Relationship: Has the recruiter followed up with you even
if the position they originally called you about has stagnated or you weren’t
chosen to interview? Are you inclined to
feel they have your best interests at heart?
Do they call you with other opportunities? With each conversation are you getting to
know one another a bit better so they understand your salary requirements,
personality, location, availability, qualifications?
Are they calling/emailing you about the right type of positions? If so it’s
time to give them some loyalty.
Providing Loyalty: Most recruiters work on a commission or
salary plus commission basis. This means
that their livelihood depends on how many placements they make. There is competition in the recruitment
industry very similar to the sales industry, so developing relationships with
candidates is a recruiter’s best road to success. Certainly there are some recruiters that
adhere to what I call the “wham, bam, thank you ma’am” version of recruiting
where they burn and churn through candidates to get their next hire with very
little regard to honesty, integrity or loyalty and that will become
apparent very quickly to the candidate. It is always wise to form relationships with
a variety of recruiters from different firms to make sure you’re getting the
most exposure in your industry, but what about dealing with 2 recruiters from
the SAME company?
Different Recruiters,
Same Company: What most candidates
do not know is that normally recruiters working for the same company have
access to the same job openings. If you
have a strong relationship with John from Point Blank Staffing and you receive
a call from Terry instead, whom you’ve never worked with before, you should ask
Terry: “does John still work for your
company?, I’ve worked with him for a long time and I’d like to speak with him
about this role”. You would expect that
Terry will give you an honest answer and put you on the phone with John. Keep in mind even though the Recruiters are
working for the same firm, they are still in competition with each other for
placements and commission. Some
companies are set up differently but most use this business model.
By building relationships with a few recruiters that work
for different firms you should be well represented in your marketplace and
depending on your qualifications, should be able to stay busy with contracts or
be able to land the permanent job you’ve been dreaming of. Keep in mind that the ball is ALWAYS in your
court. You are the person with the
talent and education and qualifications we are seeking. You have the right to choose which recruiters
you want to work with, what positions you want your resume submitted to and
what contracts/job you accept. The very
best way to find the ideal opportunity is to have a strong relationship with
the recruiters that represent you.
*Use of any parts of this blog are prohibited without the permission of the author*
Monday, January 12, 2015
New Employment Trends in Healthcare IT - 2021
For the last 6 months or so we've all been watching the Healthcare Technology Industry with a careful eye as a new trend seems to be developing:
(the use of "Healthcare Systems" and "Employer" / "Client" used in the post are general terms used to represent hospitals of any size)
What does all this mean for industry consultants?
1. You will need to be more flexible on your rate ($) expectations.
2. While working remotely is ideal for many, if possible be open to travel and consider local healthcare systems when looking for your next contract.
3. If you've gone many months without finding a new contract, it may be time to consider FTE.
4. Consider aligning yourself with multiple consulting firms (make sure to only work with recruiters you feel comfortable with, that will give you honest rates and information - even if it isn't what you wanted to hear)
5. When working with consulting firms ALWAYS specify that they are not allowed to submit your resume to a client without your permission. With fewer jobs on the market you don't want to risk a duplicate submittal to the same client as this will potentially eliminate you from consideration.
What does all this mean for people seeking a permanent FTE?
1. Find consulting / staffing firms that also assist their clients with perm placement, often having a firm submit your resume is more successful than applying through a company web site. (*note - most potential employers will not accept a resume from a firm IF that candidate has already applied via their website. Do not apply through a company web site if you can go through a firm... typically firms will have direct communication with the hiring manager and will be much more likely to get you an interview)
2. Be flexible on your salary requirements - consider the job and take lower pay for the role that
ticks all the other boxes.
3. Be flexible on other specifics such as PTO, remote work, benefits etc.
4. If at all possible - be open to relocation.
5. Apply to all your local healthcare systems and follow up your web site application with an note via linkedin to the person that would likely be your manager. (if you're unable to find a firm to represent you)
In the present market finding a job can be a full time job in itself. With a strong resume, solid skills and the right effort and flexibility, you should still be able to land a position that will suit you.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
(the use of "Healthcare Systems" and "Employer" / "Client" used in the post are general terms used to represent hospitals of any size)
- We are no longer in a time when contractors can set their rates as high as they want due to their qualifications/experience, we are entering a time when healthcare systems, vendors and large consulting firms are setting the hourly rates and these new rates are reflecting a money crunch in the industry.
- Consultants that used to find it relatively easy to glide from one contract to the next are now finding it more difficult to land their next project.
- Many healthcare systems are opting for the hiring model: Contract to Hire - as opposed to just engaging contractors or immediately bringing someone on as an FTE (full time employee). Its what I call the "try before you buy" method which works both ways - the employer is able to determine if the consultant will be a good fit and the consultant is able to see if the client will be a good employer.
- Healthcare systems are limiting consultant travel across the board due to financial constraints. While some are fortunately and wisely allowing for remote work, most are requiring that consultants are local and only considering travel or remote when efforts to find local qualified candidates have been exhausted.
- Employers are also trending toward finding local candidates to save on travel fees.
What does all this mean for industry consultants?
1. You will need to be more flexible on your rate ($) expectations.
2. While working remotely is ideal for many, if possible be open to travel and consider local healthcare systems when looking for your next contract.
3. If you've gone many months without finding a new contract, it may be time to consider FTE.
4. Consider aligning yourself with multiple consulting firms (make sure to only work with recruiters you feel comfortable with, that will give you honest rates and information - even if it isn't what you wanted to hear)
5. When working with consulting firms ALWAYS specify that they are not allowed to submit your resume to a client without your permission. With fewer jobs on the market you don't want to risk a duplicate submittal to the same client as this will potentially eliminate you from consideration.
What does all this mean for people seeking a permanent FTE?
1. Find consulting / staffing firms that also assist their clients with perm placement, often having a firm submit your resume is more successful than applying through a company web site. (*note - most potential employers will not accept a resume from a firm IF that candidate has already applied via their website. Do not apply through a company web site if you can go through a firm... typically firms will have direct communication with the hiring manager and will be much more likely to get you an interview)
2. Be flexible on your salary requirements - consider the job and take lower pay for the role that
ticks all the other boxes.
3. Be flexible on other specifics such as PTO, remote work, benefits etc.
4. If at all possible - be open to relocation.
5. Apply to all your local healthcare systems and follow up your web site application with an note via linkedin to the person that would likely be your manager. (if you're unable to find a firm to represent you)
In the present market finding a job can be a full time job in itself. With a strong resume, solid skills and the right effort and flexibility, you should still be able to land a position that will suit you.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
Monday, November 10, 2014
How to Effectively Inquire About a Job Opening
Whether a recruiter has contacted you directly, you have seen a post online or you've been referred by a colleague, it is important when making that initial contact to leave a good impression.
If you have a Recruiter's (or hiring mgr's) email address always, Always, ALWAYS include your updated resume when you make that initial contact!! I cannot express enough how important that is!
Recruiters and hiring managers respond to hundreds of inquiries a week, if you do not attach an updated resume it is highly likely your efforts will end up in the "circular file".
This morning there were 2 emails in my inbox that represent the incorrect way to respond or introduce yourself:
#1. Hi, Thank you for reaching out to me. While I'm not currently available, I will be available to start interviewing next month. I've attached a copy of my resume. Its outdated and doesn't show my current project but if you look on linkedin you'll see the information there. Thank you.
#2. Hi, My colleague Jane Doe referred me to you. I'm currently looking for new opportunities. I am an RN with some EMR experience. Thank you. (no resume attached)
Probably at first glance you can determine what is wrong with both these examples. #1. - Recruiters and Hiring Mgrs don't always have the extra time to hunt down your linkedin profile and then update your resume themselves so they can enter your appropriate information in their database. (they may not even use linkedin) An email like that one will either get put way back on their backburner or the resume you provided will get uploaded in the system without showing your current qualifications so in the future when they search their database, your most recent qualifications will not factor into their search and you will possibly be looked over for positions you are qualified for.
In example #2. That person will never make the database or be considered for future positions because they didn't bother to include a history of their qualifications. Being an RN with EMR experience?? Is that training? Build? optimization? just user-end knowledge? So many unanswered questions. If the recruiter or hiring mgr isn't too busy they may email back requesting a resume, but why should they have to? Its just common sense to include your resume when inquiring about job opportunities.
When making first contact on linkedin there are a few issues. Not all recruiters or hiring managers can access files through linkedin so its unlikely they can receive your resume through an "inmail". Due to this, if you are actively seeking new employment your linkedin profile should mirror your resume. Additionally if you have the email address of the person you are wanting to review your qualifications, you should ALWAYS package up your resume with the necessary information regarding your career search (location, perm/contract, salary desires, availability etc) and email them instead of using linkedin.
And finally, the following email that also happened to be in my inbox this morning, is the perfect example of how to make that initial contact:
Good Morning!
I received your contact information from my friend Jane Doe. She felt you may be able to help me in my career search. I've attached my updated resume for your review. To summarize, I have 15 years of LIS full life cycle implementation experience which includes design, build, testing, training and on-going maintenance with both Cerner PathNet and Sunquest applications for large and small hospital systems. Additionally I have a clinical background as a Medical Technologist and Lab Assistant. I've been traveling for the last 5 years as a consultant and I'm hoping to get off the road and find a permanent role here in the Philadelphia area. Remote work would be ideal. I may be open to relocation for the right position. My salary desires are negotiable but I probably wouldn't consider less than $80,000. I just rolled off my last project last week so I'm available anytime for a phone conversation to discuss my qualifications.
I look forward to speaking with you.
Thank you for your consideration.
The more thorough you can be, the more likely you are to get what you're looking for. A recruiter can never have too much information on your skillset and career objectives. Providing an up to date resume and a clear overview of your objectives will also save you time since you wont be receiving calls about positions you would have no interest in.
Taking the extra few minutes to update and attach your resume and make the appropriate introduction will keep you on track for finding what you're looking for and save everyone valuable time in the process.
If you have a Recruiter's (or hiring mgr's) email address always, Always, ALWAYS include your updated resume when you make that initial contact!! I cannot express enough how important that is!
Recruiters and hiring managers respond to hundreds of inquiries a week, if you do not attach an updated resume it is highly likely your efforts will end up in the "circular file".
This morning there were 2 emails in my inbox that represent the incorrect way to respond or introduce yourself:
#1. Hi, Thank you for reaching out to me. While I'm not currently available, I will be available to start interviewing next month. I've attached a copy of my resume. Its outdated and doesn't show my current project but if you look on linkedin you'll see the information there. Thank you.
#2. Hi, My colleague Jane Doe referred me to you. I'm currently looking for new opportunities. I am an RN with some EMR experience. Thank you. (no resume attached)
Probably at first glance you can determine what is wrong with both these examples. #1. - Recruiters and Hiring Mgrs don't always have the extra time to hunt down your linkedin profile and then update your resume themselves so they can enter your appropriate information in their database. (they may not even use linkedin) An email like that one will either get put way back on their backburner or the resume you provided will get uploaded in the system without showing your current qualifications so in the future when they search their database, your most recent qualifications will not factor into their search and you will possibly be looked over for positions you are qualified for.
In example #2. That person will never make the database or be considered for future positions because they didn't bother to include a history of their qualifications. Being an RN with EMR experience?? Is that training? Build? optimization? just user-end knowledge? So many unanswered questions. If the recruiter or hiring mgr isn't too busy they may email back requesting a resume, but why should they have to? Its just common sense to include your resume when inquiring about job opportunities.
When making first contact on linkedin there are a few issues. Not all recruiters or hiring managers can access files through linkedin so its unlikely they can receive your resume through an "inmail". Due to this, if you are actively seeking new employment your linkedin profile should mirror your resume. Additionally if you have the email address of the person you are wanting to review your qualifications, you should ALWAYS package up your resume with the necessary information regarding your career search (location, perm/contract, salary desires, availability etc) and email them instead of using linkedin.
And finally, the following email that also happened to be in my inbox this morning, is the perfect example of how to make that initial contact:
Good Morning!
I received your contact information from my friend Jane Doe. She felt you may be able to help me in my career search. I've attached my updated resume for your review. To summarize, I have 15 years of LIS full life cycle implementation experience which includes design, build, testing, training and on-going maintenance with both Cerner PathNet and Sunquest applications for large and small hospital systems. Additionally I have a clinical background as a Medical Technologist and Lab Assistant. I've been traveling for the last 5 years as a consultant and I'm hoping to get off the road and find a permanent role here in the Philadelphia area. Remote work would be ideal. I may be open to relocation for the right position. My salary desires are negotiable but I probably wouldn't consider less than $80,000. I just rolled off my last project last week so I'm available anytime for a phone conversation to discuss my qualifications.
I look forward to speaking with you.
Thank you for your consideration.
The more thorough you can be, the more likely you are to get what you're looking for. A recruiter can never have too much information on your skillset and career objectives. Providing an up to date resume and a clear overview of your objectives will also save you time since you wont be receiving calls about positions you would have no interest in.
Taking the extra few minutes to update and attach your resume and make the appropriate introduction will keep you on track for finding what you're looking for and save everyone valuable time in the process.
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