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!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
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.
*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!
Monday, October 24, 2011
When NOT To Apply
We're all busy. If you're like me, you get to your desk in the morning and immediately start trolling through your emails. Usually there are dozens waiting. Whatever your chosen profession, you must zip down through the subject lines to determine the order of importance in regards to response. Normally you immediately delete the junk, open the urgent notices and categorize the rest. Being a Recruiter, the top of my priority list goes to resumes that were submitted the night before. (and of course, anything from my boss)
Since Recruiters often use the major job boards to post opportunities, many of the resumes we receive will come from people submitting through the specific job board they use.
Unfortunately there is a growing trend of submitting a resume for a job even if you do not match the requirements provided in the job description. I mentioned this briefly in a previous blog but I am going to elaborate here.
Lately, if I receive 50 resumes from the job boards, a full 50-75% of them will not match the required qualifications of the job. Due to the economy, there are so many people that are desperate to find work that in their desperation it appears they review a subject line without reviewing the job description and apply in hopes of obtaining any work. A few years ago I was taking the time to email each person thanking them for their resume and explaining they did not have necessary qualifications. Sadly, now I just delete these resumes because I do not have time to respond to them all.
This process is a major time-suck both for Recruiters and for applicants. If you are not qualified for the position you are applying to, you are wasting time that could be spent applying to appropriate opportunities. If a Recruiter has to wade through dozens of resumes to get to the one that has the desired qualifications it is a waste of their time as well.
Here are a few suggestions to navigate the job boards:
1. Be VERY specific when you are searching for jobs.
a. Make sure to use key words when you search, even if you are searching a specific geographical
area.
b. Set up searches so that any new positions matching your qualifications will be sent to your
email.
2. READ THE ENTIRE JOB DESCRIPTION!
Sometimes you might be using a keyword that means different things in different industries
so by reading the full job description you won't mistakenly apply for something that isn't
a match for your qualifications.
3. When in doubt, add a cover letter.
If you have found a job posting and you aren't 100% sure that your qualifications are a match.
Add a cover letter when you submit your resume providing an over-view of your experience
and inquire if the position might be right for you.
A perfect example would be when I posted an opening in the Dallas market for Healthcare Technology Trainers. The job description clearly stated that prior Healthcare Technology Training experience was a requirement, yet 99% of the resumes I received were Dallas area school teachers.
Had the respondents read the entire job description they would have realized that the position was not Teaching but was Technical Training in a healthcare environment.
If you find a position that is not a fit for your qualifications but is in a similar industry and you would like to find out if that company might have an opening that is a match for you.... DO NOT submit your resume to that position via the job boards. DO... visit the company's web site to review their job openings. That way, if they do have something that is a match for you, you can apply directly to their site. If not, I suggest emailing your resume directly with a cover letter stating your qualifications and your desire to be considered if they have any opportunities arise in your area of expertise.
Some job boards offer automatic resume submittal. Basically, if a job is posted that ticks specific key words you've chosen, your resume will automatically be submitted. I strongly recommend against this option because it is not a fool-proof method and most of the time your resume will be sent to positions that are not a match for you. The best way to find new employment is to dedicate a few hours each day to scouring the internet, newspapers, local and national staffing agencies.
Remember that Recruiters want to fill the job openings as much as you want to find a job... so with patience and attention to the details, you will find what you're looking for!
Since Recruiters often use the major job boards to post opportunities, many of the resumes we receive will come from people submitting through the specific job board they use.
Unfortunately there is a growing trend of submitting a resume for a job even if you do not match the requirements provided in the job description. I mentioned this briefly in a previous blog but I am going to elaborate here.
Lately, if I receive 50 resumes from the job boards, a full 50-75% of them will not match the required qualifications of the job. Due to the economy, there are so many people that are desperate to find work that in their desperation it appears they review a subject line without reviewing the job description and apply in hopes of obtaining any work. A few years ago I was taking the time to email each person thanking them for their resume and explaining they did not have necessary qualifications. Sadly, now I just delete these resumes because I do not have time to respond to them all.
This process is a major time-suck both for Recruiters and for applicants. If you are not qualified for the position you are applying to, you are wasting time that could be spent applying to appropriate opportunities. If a Recruiter has to wade through dozens of resumes to get to the one that has the desired qualifications it is a waste of their time as well.
Here are a few suggestions to navigate the job boards:
1. Be VERY specific when you are searching for jobs.
a. Make sure to use key words when you search, even if you are searching a specific geographical
area.
b. Set up searches so that any new positions matching your qualifications will be sent to your
email.
2. READ THE ENTIRE JOB DESCRIPTION!
Sometimes you might be using a keyword that means different things in different industries
so by reading the full job description you won't mistakenly apply for something that isn't
a match for your qualifications.
3. When in doubt, add a cover letter.
If you have found a job posting and you aren't 100% sure that your qualifications are a match.
Add a cover letter when you submit your resume providing an over-view of your experience
and inquire if the position might be right for you.
A perfect example would be when I posted an opening in the Dallas market for Healthcare Technology Trainers. The job description clearly stated that prior Healthcare Technology Training experience was a requirement, yet 99% of the resumes I received were Dallas area school teachers.
Had the respondents read the entire job description they would have realized that the position was not Teaching but was Technical Training in a healthcare environment.
If you find a position that is not a fit for your qualifications but is in a similar industry and you would like to find out if that company might have an opening that is a match for you.... DO NOT submit your resume to that position via the job boards. DO... visit the company's web site to review their job openings. That way, if they do have something that is a match for you, you can apply directly to their site. If not, I suggest emailing your resume directly with a cover letter stating your qualifications and your desire to be considered if they have any opportunities arise in your area of expertise.
Some job boards offer automatic resume submittal. Basically, if a job is posted that ticks specific key words you've chosen, your resume will automatically be submitted. I strongly recommend against this option because it is not a fool-proof method and most of the time your resume will be sent to positions that are not a match for you. The best way to find new employment is to dedicate a few hours each day to scouring the internet, newspapers, local and national staffing agencies.
Remember that Recruiters want to fill the job openings as much as you want to find a job... so with patience and attention to the details, you will find what you're looking for!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tracking your Employment Processes / Gotta Love Those Spreadsheets! UPDATED 2016
Since we are still in a time of great activity in the Healthcare Technology space, it is extremely important to track your application / interview process while you are on the hunt for your next position, whether it be a consulting gig or permanent employment.
There are a number of reasons to keep comprehensive notes on your process:
>So you are not duplicating your efforts.
>So you don't appear haphazard by accidentally applying to a place you've already interviewed.
>So you don't miss an important interview or the opportunity to follow up with the right person.
>So you do not risk being submitted to one position by multiple firms.
>For your own sanity!
Once you have created your eye-catching resume and updated your linkedin profile to showcase your qualifications, you will want to create a spreadsheet to track your progress. (If spreadsheets aren't your thing you can create the same format on a legal pad)
From Left to Right you will want to create the following columns, making sure to provide enough width to the column so you can clearly see the data entered. (this makes it easier to print as well)
1. Date Today's date
2. Company/ Client Name This doesn't require much explanation. Enter the name of the Company that you have applied to.
3. Firm Name If you are applying to the job via a recruitment company
4. Location This is important if you are considering relocation for a perm job or will be required to travel for a contract position
5. Source This is optional, but can be helpful to list if you found the position through an online job board, a referral etc.
6. Date Submitted to notate the date your resume was presented to the client
7. Name of Contact who did you communicate with about the position?
8. Contact Info email, phone number etc of the contact
9. Job Title Title of the job you applied for.
10. Follow Up notes on any follow up you made after you applied
11. 1st Interview track the dates and method (phone, video, onsite) of your initial interview.
12. 2nd Interview " "
13. Notes it can be helpful to have a large column for any important notes.
The above is just a suggestion, you might have the need for more or less columns or prefer a different order. This is your personal tool to keep your process clean and simple.
By tracking your activity you will limit the risk of mistakenly being submitted multiple times to the same client or re-applying to a job you previously interviewed for.
A great alternative to creating your own spreadsheet is using this free online tool: JibberJobber
You can learn more at www.jibberjobber.com
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
There are a number of reasons to keep comprehensive notes on your process:
>So you are not duplicating your efforts.
>So you don't appear haphazard by accidentally applying to a place you've already interviewed.
>So you don't miss an important interview or the opportunity to follow up with the right person.
>So you do not risk being submitted to one position by multiple firms.
>For your own sanity!
Once you have created your eye-catching resume and updated your linkedin profile to showcase your qualifications, you will want to create a spreadsheet to track your progress. (If spreadsheets aren't your thing you can create the same format on a legal pad)
From Left to Right you will want to create the following columns, making sure to provide enough width to the column so you can clearly see the data entered. (this makes it easier to print as well)
1. Date Today's date
2. Company/ Client Name This doesn't require much explanation. Enter the name of the Company that you have applied to.
3. Firm Name If you are applying to the job via a recruitment company
4. Location This is important if you are considering relocation for a perm job or will be required to travel for a contract position
5. Source This is optional, but can be helpful to list if you found the position through an online job board, a referral etc.
6. Date Submitted to notate the date your resume was presented to the client
7. Name of Contact who did you communicate with about the position?
8. Contact Info email, phone number etc of the contact
9. Job Title Title of the job you applied for.
10. Follow Up notes on any follow up you made after you applied
11. 1st Interview track the dates and method (phone, video, onsite) of your initial interview.
12. 2nd Interview " "
13. Notes it can be helpful to have a large column for any important notes.
The above is just a suggestion, you might have the need for more or less columns or prefer a different order. This is your personal tool to keep your process clean and simple.
By tracking your activity you will limit the risk of mistakenly being submitted multiple times to the same client or re-applying to a job you previously interviewed for.
A great alternative to creating your own spreadsheet is using this free online tool: JibberJobber
You can learn more at www.jibberjobber.com
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Initial Interview! Do's, Don'ts and Definitely Do Nots!
I thought
of naming this "How to talk your way out of a job" due to some
previous experiences, but I want to provide a broad scope of examples on what do
to and not to do during your initial client interview. Since most initial
interviews in our industry are conducted over the phone, I am going to focus on
that format.
All my life people have had the tendency to tell me everything about themselves. I often feel like I have a blinking sign on my forehead that says "Talk to ME! I want to know all about you!". I can't count how many times I've been innocently standing in the grocery line waiting to check out, and if by chance my eyes meet with the person standing behind me they immediately strike up a conversation. In a matter of minutes I am learning about this person's family, medical history, current employment situation and what they're planning for dinner. Fortunately I like people and I normally find their stories interesting or thought-provoking.
I've found that people also have a tendency to become overly comfortable during a phone interview and discuss things that probably wouldn't be a topic of conversation were they face to face with their would-be employer. Am I interested in how many EMR Implementations you have been involved in? YES! Am I interested in your recent colonoscopy? NO!
To follow are a number real life examples of what NOT to do in interview:
1. Be mindful of the time. Most people that tend to chatter KNOW they tend to chatter. If you're a chatty person, prior to your call write down notes on the important points about your qualifications that you want to make sure you cover and questions you want to ask as well. Have these notes in front of you and get a timer! Keep an eye on that timer... if you are talking non-stop for more than 3 minutes you will want to think of a way to wrap up. I'd like everyone to stop reading for a few minutes and stare at the nearest clock for 3 entire minutes..... I'll wait.......humming the theme from Jeopardy quietly to myself while I wait............
You didn't last the entire 3 minutes did you? Get bored? The pace of a typical conversation is 140 - 180 words per minute*. You do not want to exhaust the interviewer with a constant stream of blah blah blah.
1a. Don't speaksofastthatnoonecanunderstandwhatyou'resaying... if you're asked to repeat yourself more than once there is a barrier. Whether it has to do with language, your talking speed, or the phone connection, slow down...repeat yourself and then ask the interviewer if that was better.
2. Don't go off on rabbit trails. Stick to the topic at hand. You are on the phone to discuss your qualifications for your (potential) next career step. At no time should you discuss medical issues, family issues, how many cats you have... etc. By law, the person interviewing you cannot ask you about your health, family/marital status/children, religious preference or ethnicity. You should not bring these things up in your interview process unless absolutely necessary. The interviewer is allowed to ask if you are able to complete the tasks that are required of the position, if for some reason you have a disability that may not permit you to perform all the requirements they can ask you how they might accommodate you. I am not saying that you shouldn't develop a rapport with the person on the other end of the call, however you do not want to bring up topics that might be used to discriminate against you.
3. No matter how much of a jerk-wad your previous employer was, keep it to yourself. I've conducted numerous interviews where people have vented to me about their previous employer. That never leaves a good impression. If you're that disgruntled with your ex-employer... seek therapy, but remove that anger/resentment/frustration from the interview space! Inevitably you will be asked why you left your previous job(s). Keep the answer short and simple. "There were some professional differences between my boss and myself" is a good example. Fortunately and unfortunately this is a tight knit industry where news travels fast. If you had a conniption fit at your last job, threw your coffee mug across the room and stomped off, it wont take long for your potential employer to hear about it. On the other hand, if you are always professional and were working at a facility for a notoriously difficult to work for IT Director, and you chose to resign, people will know that as well. No one wants to work with a hot-head.
4. Definitely DO NOT use the restroom during the call**. You read that right... In the age of cell phones, zoom interviews & blue tooth technology, people seem to forget what they're doing while they're actively having a discussion. Never mind that it's a distraction for the people trying to peacefully use the facilities if you're in a public place but... WE CAN HEAR YOU! Yes... we can hear you as you relieve yourself, flush the commode, wash your hands (hopefully) and exit the facilities.
5. For God's sake.... don't yawn! Ok, so there are interviewers that may have some of the bad habits I've mentioned above... but even if they're boring you to tears... mute the phone to giggle, yawn, sneeze, etc.
6. Don't waste your time! Wanting to end the interview prematurely: If the person you're interviewing with is completely unprofessional, rubs you the wrong way, or something you've heard has indicated this job isn't what you're interested in... best to politely interrupt and say something like "thank you for your time, due to what you've just told me, I realize this job is not a fit for my career desires, and I dont want to waste any more of your time" and end the call. Keep in mind if you're interviewing with a Recruiter or going through a technical screening you may want to hold your judgment, since you probably wont be working directly with those individuals and admittedly Recruiters don't always have all the information on a position.
7. Don't keep them waiting. Be on time for your call. If you schedule an interview be courteous and call or answer on time. If you must cancel or reschedule send an email or call to notify the interviewer as far in advance as possible. If you miss a call and don't provide notice... unless it was nothing sort of a catastrophe... you will probably not get a second chance.
8. Don't take it personally. On occasion you will be interviewing for a position that is not a fit for you or your current qualifications. Its not easy for a Recruiter to tell you that your qualifications are not up to the expectations of the position (trust me). We want you to be a fit as bad as you do. When you are turned down by a potential employer do not take it personally. If it was meant to be, it would've been. There are so many job opportunities in the Healthcare IT industry you will be sure to find the right position with a bit of do-diligence. If you are turned down for a position and you truly believe you had the skills the employer was seeking, write an email thanking them for their time, letting them know you have continued interest and express any skills you feel they may have misunderstood or over-looked. Then ... let it go! Keep in mind it is the employer that knows what they want. Writing scathing emails or yelling over the phone is never the way to end an interview process. As I mentioned before, news travels quickly and you always want to walk away leaving people with a positive impression. Let's be honest, if you are repeatedly being turned down for positions that seem to be a match for your qualifications, it might be time to consider how you are coming across during the interview process, talk to a Recruiter you can trust and get some interview counseling.
DO's:
1. Ask questions. Always have a list of questions prepared for an interview and make sure they're answered before you're off the phone. Each of us want to be happy with our career choices. Its in your best interest to be fully informed about the opportunities on the table.
2. Eliminate background noise. Try to find a quiet place without outside distractions. Barking dogs, children yelling, TV, Radio, Wind etc. can be a distraction and can turn-off a would-be employer.
3. End the call on a good note. Thank the interviewer for their time and inquire what the next steps will be so you are prepared.
4. Send a quick follow-up email. The following day you should send an email thanking the interviewer for speaking with you, reiterating the next steps you're anticipating "I look forward to scheduling my next interview with the Department Manager as we discussed" and providing your contact information again.
With these tips in mind you should have successful, productive initial telephone interviews. If you interview over the phone and do not hear back from the interviewer within the timeframe they discussed with you, always pick up the phone and call that person to follow up. If a Recruiter told you they would call you by Friday COB and you've not heard from them by Monday at 8am... pick up the phone! By keeping a spreadsheet to track your interview processes you can greatly increase your chances of landing a position.
Happy Chatting!
Tim Tolan penned a blog about a less than successful interview from a recruiter's perspective: http://healthcareittoday.com/2011/09/29/hey-mr-healthcare-it-candidate-please-stop-talking/
*(source) Science News / Science Daily
** This actually happened to a colleague of mine.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
All my life people have had the tendency to tell me everything about themselves. I often feel like I have a blinking sign on my forehead that says "Talk to ME! I want to know all about you!". I can't count how many times I've been innocently standing in the grocery line waiting to check out, and if by chance my eyes meet with the person standing behind me they immediately strike up a conversation. In a matter of minutes I am learning about this person's family, medical history, current employment situation and what they're planning for dinner. Fortunately I like people and I normally find their stories interesting or thought-provoking.
I've found that people also have a tendency to become overly comfortable during a phone interview and discuss things that probably wouldn't be a topic of conversation were they face to face with their would-be employer. Am I interested in how many EMR Implementations you have been involved in? YES! Am I interested in your recent colonoscopy? NO!
To follow are a number real life examples of what NOT to do in interview:
1. Be mindful of the time. Most people that tend to chatter KNOW they tend to chatter. If you're a chatty person, prior to your call write down notes on the important points about your qualifications that you want to make sure you cover and questions you want to ask as well. Have these notes in front of you and get a timer! Keep an eye on that timer... if you are talking non-stop for more than 3 minutes you will want to think of a way to wrap up. I'd like everyone to stop reading for a few minutes and stare at the nearest clock for 3 entire minutes..... I'll wait.......humming the theme from Jeopardy quietly to myself while I wait............
You didn't last the entire 3 minutes did you? Get bored? The pace of a typical conversation is 140 - 180 words per minute*. You do not want to exhaust the interviewer with a constant stream of blah blah blah.
1a. Don't speaksofastthatnoonecanunderstandwhatyou'resaying... if you're asked to repeat yourself more than once there is a barrier. Whether it has to do with language, your talking speed, or the phone connection, slow down...repeat yourself and then ask the interviewer if that was better.
2. Don't go off on rabbit trails. Stick to the topic at hand. You are on the phone to discuss your qualifications for your (potential) next career step. At no time should you discuss medical issues, family issues, how many cats you have... etc. By law, the person interviewing you cannot ask you about your health, family/marital status/children, religious preference or ethnicity. You should not bring these things up in your interview process unless absolutely necessary. The interviewer is allowed to ask if you are able to complete the tasks that are required of the position, if for some reason you have a disability that may not permit you to perform all the requirements they can ask you how they might accommodate you. I am not saying that you shouldn't develop a rapport with the person on the other end of the call, however you do not want to bring up topics that might be used to discriminate against you.
3. No matter how much of a jerk-wad your previous employer was, keep it to yourself. I've conducted numerous interviews where people have vented to me about their previous employer. That never leaves a good impression. If you're that disgruntled with your ex-employer... seek therapy, but remove that anger/resentment/frustration from the interview space! Inevitably you will be asked why you left your previous job(s). Keep the answer short and simple. "There were some professional differences between my boss and myself" is a good example. Fortunately and unfortunately this is a tight knit industry where news travels fast. If you had a conniption fit at your last job, threw your coffee mug across the room and stomped off, it wont take long for your potential employer to hear about it. On the other hand, if you are always professional and were working at a facility for a notoriously difficult to work for IT Director, and you chose to resign, people will know that as well. No one wants to work with a hot-head.
4. Definitely DO NOT use the restroom during the call**. You read that right... In the age of cell phones, zoom interviews & blue tooth technology, people seem to forget what they're doing while they're actively having a discussion. Never mind that it's a distraction for the people trying to peacefully use the facilities if you're in a public place but... WE CAN HEAR YOU! Yes... we can hear you as you relieve yourself, flush the commode, wash your hands (hopefully) and exit the facilities.
5. For God's sake.... don't yawn! Ok, so there are interviewers that may have some of the bad habits I've mentioned above... but even if they're boring you to tears... mute the phone to giggle, yawn, sneeze, etc.
6. Don't waste your time! Wanting to end the interview prematurely: If the person you're interviewing with is completely unprofessional, rubs you the wrong way, or something you've heard has indicated this job isn't what you're interested in... best to politely interrupt and say something like "thank you for your time, due to what you've just told me, I realize this job is not a fit for my career desires, and I dont want to waste any more of your time" and end the call. Keep in mind if you're interviewing with a Recruiter or going through a technical screening you may want to hold your judgment, since you probably wont be working directly with those individuals and admittedly Recruiters don't always have all the information on a position.
7. Don't keep them waiting. Be on time for your call. If you schedule an interview be courteous and call or answer on time. If you must cancel or reschedule send an email or call to notify the interviewer as far in advance as possible. If you miss a call and don't provide notice... unless it was nothing sort of a catastrophe... you will probably not get a second chance.
8. Don't take it personally. On occasion you will be interviewing for a position that is not a fit for you or your current qualifications. Its not easy for a Recruiter to tell you that your qualifications are not up to the expectations of the position (trust me). We want you to be a fit as bad as you do. When you are turned down by a potential employer do not take it personally. If it was meant to be, it would've been. There are so many job opportunities in the Healthcare IT industry you will be sure to find the right position with a bit of do-diligence. If you are turned down for a position and you truly believe you had the skills the employer was seeking, write an email thanking them for their time, letting them know you have continued interest and express any skills you feel they may have misunderstood or over-looked. Then ... let it go! Keep in mind it is the employer that knows what they want. Writing scathing emails or yelling over the phone is never the way to end an interview process. As I mentioned before, news travels quickly and you always want to walk away leaving people with a positive impression. Let's be honest, if you are repeatedly being turned down for positions that seem to be a match for your qualifications, it might be time to consider how you are coming across during the interview process, talk to a Recruiter you can trust and get some interview counseling.
DO's:
1. Ask questions. Always have a list of questions prepared for an interview and make sure they're answered before you're off the phone. Each of us want to be happy with our career choices. Its in your best interest to be fully informed about the opportunities on the table.
2. Eliminate background noise. Try to find a quiet place without outside distractions. Barking dogs, children yelling, TV, Radio, Wind etc. can be a distraction and can turn-off a would-be employer.
3. End the call on a good note. Thank the interviewer for their time and inquire what the next steps will be so you are prepared.
4. Send a quick follow-up email. The following day you should send an email thanking the interviewer for speaking with you, reiterating the next steps you're anticipating "I look forward to scheduling my next interview with the Department Manager as we discussed" and providing your contact information again.
With these tips in mind you should have successful, productive initial telephone interviews. If you interview over the phone and do not hear back from the interviewer within the timeframe they discussed with you, always pick up the phone and call that person to follow up. If a Recruiter told you they would call you by Friday COB and you've not heard from them by Monday at 8am... pick up the phone! By keeping a spreadsheet to track your interview processes you can greatly increase your chances of landing a position.
Happy Chatting!
Tim Tolan penned a blog about a less than successful interview from a recruiter's perspective: http://healthcareittoday.com/2011/09/29/hey-mr-healthcare-it-candidate-please-stop-talking/
*(source) Science News / Science Daily
** This actually happened to a colleague of mine.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Posting Your Resume to the Job Boards
After you have created your eye-catching resume you will want to post it to the job boards for everyone to see. There are a number of things to consider and remember when utilizing internet job boards. Having your resume on the internet is a great way to get noticed and get broad-based exposure if that is what you’re looking for. If you want to keep your job search confidential, posting on the job boards is not advised. Even though it says “Confidential” it doesn’t take a nuclear engineer to figure out who you are. Consider instead, opening a Linkedin Profile if you don’t already have one. You can make numerous industry contacts, and have employment discussions under the radar of your current employer by using Linkedin.
Which Job Boards to use?? The top 4 are:
Dice will be more focused on Technical careers while the other 3 have opportunities across a huge variety of industries.
(I am not provided compensation from these sites)
Posting your resume to the job boards is simple. Just register by following the new user information and the steps for uploading your resume. Each site varies on the amount of information they would like you to supply for your “profile”.
What information should you supply???
That depends on how much you want to give. Some information is mandatory, if you are uncomfortable providing certain information skip-it, if you cannot skip it you can sometimes fill in the blanks by using zeros. (ex: Address 000 Main St, or phone 000-000-0000)if that doesn’t work, use another site.
If you do not want to provide your telephone number, make sure it is not listed on the resume you upload to the job board or it will be visible there, same goes for email address, name, physical address etc. If you do provide your phone, its best to list what times you are available to take calls.
I’ve said this before but it’s worth saying again: when naming your resume document, use a combination of your name or name and date. (ex: CLester2021.doc) Keep in mind that not all people are able to open a PDF, so upload your resume in word.doc form whenever possible. Before uploading your resume make sure all the dates and information is correct and there are no spelling errors!
Key Words: Key words are words that Recruiters frequently search for that are related to specific industry knowledge. For instance, I regularly search for Epic Systems Analysts, so I will use key words that relate to the specific module and knowledge that ideal candidates would have: Epic, Ambulatory, Implementation, build. Make sure you are using key words in your resume so it gets noticed.
(Side note on key words: Some people actually do not list the EMR Systems they have experience with because they are concerned it will limit their opportunities. Actually, the truth is quite the opposite! If you have spent the last 5 years on a Cerner Implementation you want to make sure you put Cerner in your resume and every module you worked with in your job. See my blog about resume building for more info.)
Title: When filling out “Title” ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS put your desired job title or current job title in that line. Be generic if you want to but do not leave it blank or put things like; the date, your name, some catch phrase, etc. Recruiters look here when searching the job boards for specifics. If you leave it blank or use unrelated information your resume may get over-looked
Salary expectations: This can be a sticky subject. In some instances providing a desired salary could eliminate you immediately. I’ve seen some crazy expectations that have caused me to simply pass on a candidate. In the HCIT industry a Clinical Analyst that has been working as a consultant may have been been making 150K + every year… however if that Clinical Analyst wants to transition into a permanent role with salary and benefits 150K might be unreasonable. The flip side of that scenario is under-selling yourself. If you are a Clinical Analyst for a hospital and you’ve been making 65K, but you could be making 100K as a traveling consultant you may not get fair market value for yourself if you list your current salary. Best bet is to leave that blank and have that conversation with each potential employer after doing industry research and hearing what they have to offer.
Education: This is similar to the last paragraph, it may help or hinder you depending on the position and the recruiter reviewing resumes. If you have a high level degree and are seeking a high level position, by all means… list your degree!
Travel - Yay or Nay: If you do not want to travel make sure you specify that on your profile or you will get numerous calls inquiring if you will. If you are open to 50% travel or more I would suggest you put “road warrior” to improve interest in your qualifications. If you are willing to relocate, make sure you list that and the cities you are open to moving to.
Employment Status: This space allows you to show if you are interested in Fulltime permanent employment, Contract, Per Diem etc. Normally you can select more than one option. Each site is slightly different but the break down is normally understood as the following for our industry.
Permanent- fulltime employment as a salaried employee . Contract or Project – this could be W2 Hourly or 1099 for a specific amount of time Per Diem – this could mean part time, paid for the time in which your services are required or term engagement
References: I highly suggest you never list references on the job boards or on your resume. That puts the cart before the horse. There is no need for references to be conducted until after the interview process is complete. Listing references on the job boards or your resume also opens up the people you provide as references to unsolicited phone calls regarding their own qualifications and career interests.
Interests & Hobbies: Your interests and hobbies do not belong on the job boards unless they directly relate to your career.
Job Searches: You can set up a search on the major job boards for opportunities that match your criteria. That information will be sent to your email regularly depending on how often you want to be alerted. This is a very useful tool!
When using job boards to search and apply for positions DO NOT apply for positions you are not qualified for. Pay close attention to the required qualifications when reading job postings. It is a waste of your time and the recruiter's time if your qualifications are not a match for the position posted. If you have had 6 months of experience in go-live training and you send your resume to a position that requires extensive clinical application build experience and certification, that is not a wise use of your time and energy. Focus on the positions that are within your skillset or slightly above your last job responsibilities to more quickly find your next engagement.
When to remove or update your resume: If you find the career of your dreams, remember to go back to the job boards and remove your resume. I often run searches for resumes that have been on the boards for 6 months or more to drum up candidates that may not have been called in a while. If you are a consultant and tend to leave your resume up on the boards, remember to update your resume with each new engagement so it doesn’t get stale.
Keep in mind that Recruiters sometimes look at hundreds of resumes a week, the more precise you are when filling out information on the job boards the more likely you are to be contacted.
By carefully and responsibly using the job boards and Linkedin you should be able to get the exposure you desire to land your next great opportunity.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
Monday, October 3, 2011
Tips for Video Interviewing - Updated 2022
With so many people working from home, the hiring process has been changing, and one of those changes is video interviewing instead of face to face/in-person interviews.
Below are some do's and don'ts for video interviews and some tips as well.
1. Make sure your laptop or phone is compatible with the specific technology (Zoom, Teams etc) There will normally be an application that you will have to download to your computer.
2. Check to make sure your computer camera is functional
3. If your computer is not compatible your cell/mobile phone is the next best option
With the technology piece out of the way....
4. Do a trial call with a family member or friend.
5. Make sure you are in a well lit room. NO BACK LIGHTING If you have a light source behind you it will cast a shadow over your face and make it very difficult for the viewer to see you and your expressions. Preferably the light should be in front of you and not so bright that it whites out your face.
6. The camera should be at or slightly below face level. Anything else creates an awkward perspective for the viewer.
1. Make sure your laptop or phone is compatible with the specific technology (Zoom, Teams etc) There will normally be an application that you will have to download to your computer.
2. Check to make sure your computer camera is functional
3. If your computer is not compatible your cell/mobile phone is the next best option
With the technology piece out of the way....
4. Do a trial call with a family member or friend.
5. Make sure you are in a well lit room. NO BACK LIGHTING If you have a light source behind you it will cast a shadow over your face and make it very difficult for the viewer to see you and your expressions. Preferably the light should be in front of you and not so bright that it whites out your face.
6. The camera should be at or slightly below face level. Anything else creates an awkward perspective for the viewer.
6.a The camera should be arms length from your face... (3 to 4 ft)
7. Clear the clutter from behind you. Locate yourself in front of a blank wall or one with minimal artwork. Having sports memorabilia or family photos in the background is fine but less is more.
8. Keep pets and children out of the room. This is an interview, you should imagine you are in someone else's office. You wouldn't bring your kids or your cat to an onsite interview.
9. Focus on the computer screen and the person or people speaking to you. Looking around, out the window, etc. can show disinterest on your part.
10. Wear something presentable, wear a medium colored professional shirt. White can wash you out and dark colors can disappear into the background. While you can get away with only looking professional from the waist up... my suggestion would be to dress professionally from head to toe.
11. Do your hair... treat this as you would any interview and make yourself presentable. First impressions last and they can be the make-it or break-it of the job opportunity.
8. Keep pets and children out of the room. This is an interview, you should imagine you are in someone else's office. You wouldn't bring your kids or your cat to an onsite interview.
9. Focus on the computer screen and the person or people speaking to you. Looking around, out the window, etc. can show disinterest on your part.
10. Wear something presentable, wear a medium colored professional shirt. White can wash you out and dark colors can disappear into the background. While you can get away with only looking professional from the waist up... my suggestion would be to dress professionally from head to toe.
11. Do your hair... treat this as you would any interview and make yourself presentable. First impressions last and they can be the make-it or break-it of the job opportunity.
11a. If you normally wear make up and you have a light skin-tone, consider wearing slightly darker base. Remember to do a practice run to see how you appear to the viewer prior to the actual interview.
12. Be in a quiet place. You want as little background noise as possible. If this means you have to go to a hotel room or friends house... do it. Kids yelling, dogs barking, dryers buzzing etc is a huge distraction. (the bathroom or your car are not good options)
13. Always have a copy of your resume in front of you so you can refer to it if necessary.
14. TURN RINGERS OFF This is obvious but you'd be surprised how many people forget to do this.
15. Once you've made introductions, ask the viewer if they can see you clearly, make any necessary camera, lighting or situational adjustments at the beginning of the interview.
16. Relax and enjoy the interview, but be mindful of your posture, facial expressions and attention span during the call. Act as if you are sitting in front of the viewer in the same room.
17. If possible turn the section of the computer screen off that allows you to see yourself. Many people get so distracted by how they look or how they're presenting themselves that they don't behave naturally. Doing that trial run prior to the interview will help you to become accustomed to how you appear on camera.
See my upcoming blog on General Interview Tips for hints regarding the interview process.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
12. Be in a quiet place. You want as little background noise as possible. If this means you have to go to a hotel room or friends house... do it. Kids yelling, dogs barking, dryers buzzing etc is a huge distraction. (the bathroom or your car are not good options)
13. Always have a copy of your resume in front of you so you can refer to it if necessary.
14. TURN RINGERS OFF This is obvious but you'd be surprised how many people forget to do this.
15. Once you've made introductions, ask the viewer if they can see you clearly, make any necessary camera, lighting or situational adjustments at the beginning of the interview.
16. Relax and enjoy the interview, but be mindful of your posture, facial expressions and attention span during the call. Act as if you are sitting in front of the viewer in the same room.
17. If possible turn the section of the computer screen off that allows you to see yourself. Many people get so distracted by how they look or how they're presenting themselves that they don't behave naturally. Doing that trial run prior to the interview will help you to become accustomed to how you appear on camera.
See my upcoming blog on General Interview Tips for hints regarding the interview process.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
When talking to Recruiters, are you asking the right questions?
The Healthcare Technology industry is more competitive than it has ever been. With an abundance of need for qualified HCIT experienced consultants and very few qualified resources, many Healthcare Technology consultants are over-whelmed with emails & phone calls from industry recruiters.
Keep in mind that the interview process is a 2-way street. You have a right to know more about the recruiter you are speaking to, what their intentions are and more about the company they represent.
Below are a series of questions and side notes to assist you during your job search or engagement search process.
3. What about my experience interests you?
5. How long has your company been in the HCIT Industry?
Keep in mind that the interview process is a 2-way street. You have a right to know more about the recruiter you are speaking to, what their intentions are and more about the company they represent.
Below are a series of questions and side notes to assist you during your job search or engagement search process.
Recruiter Screening Questions (*see notes below)
1. How long have you been recruiting for Healthcare Technology Professionals?
(answer should be at least 3 years: you want your recruiter to have a firm understanding of your qualifications and know how to represent you to their clients)
2. If I chose to work with you, how often can I expect to hear from you?
(you want to know that your recruiter isn't going to ignore you after they've submitted your resume)
3. What about my experience interests you?
(this is another way to determine their knowledge of your qualifications and also determine what positions they have open)
4. Do you have any openings for my qualifications at this time?
(one frustration that candidates frequently express is that they have been approached and interviewed by a recruiter only to find out after the call that there is no job opening. It is ok to get to know a recruiter that you can work with in the future if they do not have any current openings that match your qualifications, but the recruiter should be expressing the fact up front.)
5. How long has your company been in the HCIT Industry?
(obviously the longer the better. Due to the heightened attention EMR has been receiving, there are numerous start-ups that lack financial stability, knowledgeable representatives and solid clients)
6. Does your company offer salaried/hourly/1099/W2/perm placement employment and what is the pay schedule?
(decide what employment model you prefer prior to your job search)
7. What, benefits does your company offer?
8. What is your travel reimbursement plan?* Is travel reimbursement paid weekly/bi-weekly?
9. Who is the client?* (providing they do have a position they want to consider you for)
10. Does your company have a signed contract with the client you want to present me to?*
Notes: You will always want to specify that recruiters are NEVER to submit your resume without your permission. Lately there have been numerous entities that will submit resumes without a candidate’s permission. Hospitals are likely to throw out any resume they receive from more than one source, so if your resume is submitted without your knowledge from one company and with your knowledge from another, you may end up losing an opportunity.
You have a right to know where your resume is going! If a Recruiter refuses to tell you the name and exact location of the client, find another recruiter!
Many agencies will submit resumes to hospitals that are not a client in hopes of obtaining new business. The best way to guarantee your resume is reviewed by the hospital is to make sure the agency representing you has a contract with that hospital/healthcare system.
Make sure you know about the financial aspects! Always find out what the pay schedule is, what the travel reimbursement policies are and what (if any) benefits are available to you. Many smaller agencies do not provide pay or travel reimbursement until their client has paid, and that may mean you will have to carry that financial burden for 4 weeks or more on your credit card.
ALWAYS use your gut. Contrary to popular belief, the more recruiters you work with does not net more opportunities. Working with 10 or more recruiters is really not a benefit to you and may cause more confusion than you want. If one company isn’t bringing you enough engagement options, drop that recruiter from the list and add another. If you are seeking a permanent position, use the same rule of thumb, 2 or 3 Recruiters from different agencies that offer perm placement (either internally or via client hospitals). The only exception to this rule would be Go-Live Support Analysts that move frequently from one engagement to another, in this case utilizing multiple recruiters may increase your opportunities for short term engagements.
Keep a folder or spreadsheet listing the names of the Recruiters you are working with, what company they represent, when they contact you or when you contact them, the title and location of each position offered, where your resume has been submitted, whether or not you interviewed with the client and each engagement you accept. This will eliminate duplications.
Update your resume each time you complete a new engagement and provide the updated resume to each of the Recruiters you work with.
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
Resume Tips- How to Make Your Resume Stand Out
What to put down on paper: Resume Tips
Let's discuss Resumes. I've seen so many horrible resumes I don't know where to start... so I'm going to start from the top of a resume and work my way down.
Include: Name, Address (city / state), Phone, email (& linkedin, Twitter, Blog etc link if you have one)
Omit: SS#, marital status, number of children, health or any other personal information that could be used to discriminate.
Objective lines are no longer necessary or desirable. Put that info in your email or when necessary a cover letter.
Summary: In a paragraph or two, sum up the total of your best qualities (example: Accomplished, Versatile Technology Consultant with over 13 years of experience. Industry strengths relevant to: Healthcare Information Technology and Small business technology. Experience includes the following skills: etc)
Work History: Name each company you've worked for, dates of employment, job title and at least 3 bullets of your main responsibilities, try to include a bullet at the end about a milestone with that company (example: Earned the Presidential Sales award 4 years in a row). If you have a technical career remember to include what technologies you used...for instance; instead of "worked as a builder during the EMR implementation" you might want to say "provided build assistance with the implementation of Epic Ambulatory". Even if you have listed your technical skills in the Summary section of your resume, it is important to reiterate in the work history so the reader knows how recent your experience is with specific technologies.
Education: Listing High School education is not important. College education should be clearly listed. If you attended but did not graduate, make sure you put "degree not complete" or "in process". Include any important certifications or trainings in this area as well.
Awards and Affiliations: list any business awards you've received and any memberships you may have to work related organizations.
Volunteer work: (This is optional) list any relevant volunteer work you've done
References: Do NOT include references on the resume. Put: "References provided upon request" No need to provide references until you're to that stage in the interview process.
Font: Use a simple font like Times New Roman or Ariel, don't go with fancy letters or fonts like Comic Sans because it is often more difficult to read and doesn't appear professional.
Your resume (depending on how many years you've been in the job force) can comfortably be 2 full pages long. If you have a highly technical career, longer is acceptable. Keep personal information off the resume. If the potential employer wants to know your hobbies they'll ask.
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water, you want to be thorough but not overly wordy. Don't try to over-sell yourself. Get enough information out to intrigue the reader into calling you for an interview, then you can WOW them!
7 more tips:
1. SPELL CHECK! SPELL CHECK! SPELL CHECK! I've had clients turn down people for simple spelling mistakes. Remember that some industry terms may not come up on spell check, so always go through the resume carefully before you submit.
2. Do not give reasons for departing jobs, cover that in interview
3. Stick to bullet points, paragraphs of information can be overwhelming
4. Update your resume regularly
5. If you are considering work in more than 1 industry (ex: Sales OR Management) its a good idea to create different resumes for each industry to highlight those particular skills.
6. If you have changed professions over the years there is no need to put information from 10+ years ago. For instance, if you worked various restaurant jobs until 2005 and since then you've been in Nursing, no need to put any experience before 2005 on your resume because its not relevant to your current job search. If you don't feel like you have a handle on how to create a eye catching resume, hire someone to help you.
7. Do not email a link to your resume if you have it available on a web site without including a resume in document form. Providing your resume as an attached Document in PDF or .DOC format is ALWAYS preferable.
Include: Name, Address (city / state), Phone, email (& linkedin, Twitter, Blog etc link if you have one)
Omit: SS#, marital status, number of children, health or any other personal information that could be used to discriminate.
Objective lines are no longer necessary or desirable. Put that info in your email or when necessary a cover letter.
Summary: In a paragraph or two, sum up the total of your best qualities (example: Accomplished, Versatile Technology Consultant with over 13 years of experience. Industry strengths relevant to: Healthcare Information Technology and Small business technology. Experience includes the following skills: etc)
Work History: Name each company you've worked for, dates of employment, job title and at least 3 bullets of your main responsibilities, try to include a bullet at the end about a milestone with that company (example: Earned the Presidential Sales award 4 years in a row). If you have a technical career remember to include what technologies you used...for instance; instead of "worked as a builder during the EMR implementation" you might want to say "provided build assistance with the implementation of Epic Ambulatory". Even if you have listed your technical skills in the Summary section of your resume, it is important to reiterate in the work history so the reader knows how recent your experience is with specific technologies.
Education: Listing High School education is not important. College education should be clearly listed. If you attended but did not graduate, make sure you put "degree not complete" or "in process". Include any important certifications or trainings in this area as well.
Awards and Affiliations: list any business awards you've received and any memberships you may have to work related organizations.
Volunteer work: (This is optional) list any relevant volunteer work you've done
References: Do NOT include references on the resume. Put: "References provided upon request" No need to provide references until you're to that stage in the interview process.
Font: Use a simple font like Times New Roman or Ariel, don't go with fancy letters or fonts like Comic Sans because it is often more difficult to read and doesn't appear professional.
Your resume (depending on how many years you've been in the job force) can comfortably be 2 full pages long. If you have a highly technical career, longer is acceptable. Keep personal information off the resume. If the potential employer wants to know your hobbies they'll ask.
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water, you want to be thorough but not overly wordy. Don't try to over-sell yourself. Get enough information out to intrigue the reader into calling you for an interview, then you can WOW them!
7 more tips:
1. SPELL CHECK! SPELL CHECK! SPELL CHECK! I've had clients turn down people for simple spelling mistakes. Remember that some industry terms may not come up on spell check, so always go through the resume carefully before you submit.
2. Do not give reasons for departing jobs, cover that in interview
3. Stick to bullet points, paragraphs of information can be overwhelming
4. Update your resume regularly
5. If you are considering work in more than 1 industry (ex: Sales OR Management) its a good idea to create different resumes for each industry to highlight those particular skills.
6. If you have changed professions over the years there is no need to put information from 10+ years ago. For instance, if you worked various restaurant jobs until 2005 and since then you've been in Nursing, no need to put any experience before 2005 on your resume because its not relevant to your current job search. If you don't feel like you have a handle on how to create a eye catching resume, hire someone to help you.
7. Do not email a link to your resume if you have it available on a web site without including a resume in document form. Providing your resume as an attached Document in PDF or .DOC format is ALWAYS preferable.
8. Eliminate the use of "I" - instead of "I was responsible for the design, build and implementation of Epic Cadence" - Just say "Responsible for the design, build and implementation......".
UPDATED More Resume Tips!
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
UPDATED More Resume Tips!
- Use the same font throughout the resume. You can change size to indicate a new section (ex: SUMMARY, EXPERIENCE etc) and bold the font to highlight employer and title but use the same font style
- Stick to black & white! Leave the colorful resumes to the people applying for Marketing or Artistic positions.
- Dont include a photo, your picture is unnecessary.
- Have a friend or colleague that has similar industry knowledge proof read it!
- When naming your document, use a combination of your name and the date to make it easily searchable by recruiters when they save it (ex: CLester2021.doc)
*Copyright - Expressed permission must be granted by the blog owner to recreate, copy or use this material*
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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