Job Search

Here a some job searching tips

Even with many jobs in high demand, healthcare is still a competitive field.  Here are some practical things you can do to improve your chances of finding the right career – and getting hired.

Proofread and fill out your application correctly.

Since all healthcare careers require close attention to detail, you want to make sure that you start off proving that details are important to you.

Look beyond the hospital.

While hospitals are key care centers, more and more healthcare is being delivered at home, in outpatient centers, in nursing facilities and in communities. Check out our page on “Where Care Happens” for more ideas about where you might find a great career.

Think beyond nursing.

You have probably heard that there is a demand for nurses, but that doesn’t mean that a nursing degree is a guaranteed job – or that nursing is for everyone. There are so many ways that you can help patients and make a difference in your community. Community outreach workers, medical interpreters/translators and IT professionals are just some of the positions that are becoming more and more important – and have huge rewards. Learn more about career options.

Take math and science courses.

If you are looking to follow a career path that requires a degree, make sure that you get a strong foundation in the basics. Almost all programs have strict “pre-requisite” requirements – meaning that you need to show that you can handle basic math, language and science before you will be allowed to take advanced coursework. Working hard and getting help early saves you a lot of time, money and frustration. 

Know the requirements before you start.

All healthcare jobs require background and Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checks before you can work. Be sure that if you are going into these fields, you can pass these checks. Learn more about the CORI.

Listen to the experts.

If you are thinking about going into a field, find someone – a teacher, a career counselor or someone who already has that job – and ask them as many questions as you can. And listen carefully to their answers. They can often give you tips on what to expect and what skills you may need to prove that you have to get a job.

Do your research.

Never go into an interview without knowing something about the company you are interviewing with, and the job that you are applying for. You should already have an idea of what the pay range is for the area, what the basic duties will be, and what skills you will need. Then you can impress the interviewer by asking more specific questions and showing your understanding.

Think about the future.

When you are choosing a career path, a school or a training program, understand what it means for your future. A lot of entry level jobs seem like they are good money when you start, but as soon as your family grows or your needs change, you can learn that they don’t pay enough.

Beware of debt.

If you need more school before you get a job, be sure to select a program carefully. Some programs are very expensive and can leave you with huge monthly payments that can quickly get you off track, so that you have to take “any job” just to make ends meet instead of being able to follow your career path. Community colleges are often affordable options for most people, plus you should research financial aid options.

Get career counseling or coaching.

If you are having trouble finding a job, stop by a local career center. They often know where the job openings are, and what you need to do to get the job. Plus they can help you with resume writing and interviewing skills. Learn more about career centers.