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JOB
HUNTING ON THE INTERNET
By
Calvin Bruce
The
widespread growth and consumer usage of the Internet is astounding.
Not only have e-commerce companies become the darling of Wall
Street; they have revolutionized many industries, including
healthcare. In particular, the advancements in Internet technology
and user-friendly applications have considerably changed the
employment landscape for physicians across the board.
Job
hunting via the Internet simplifies the process of identifying
outstanding opportunities and generating interest among prospective
employers. The traditional approach most doctors rely on to
secure employment involves scanning numerous journal ads,
mailing hard copies of their professional credentials, and
hopefully receiving timely feedback--which usually means several
weeks at the earliest.
Contrast
this approach with the process of web-based job hunting. With
a few keystrokes, a physician can access one or more web sites
that post job openings in his or her specialty. A well-formatted
web site makes it easy to navigate in order to identify desired
practice type, compensation range, and location.
After
identifying the most appealing practice opportunities, the
job seeker can complete an electronic curriculum vita (CV)
and transmit it via e-mail for prompt review by an agency
or in-house recruiter. Ideally, that individual will follow-up
promptly to acknowledge receipt of the doctor’s credentials
and begin the formal review process.
Assuming
there’s a good match of professional qualifications and expectations,
the interviewing procedure will be put into motion without
delay. The fact is, Internet-companies fully recognize that
time is of the essence when important business matters
are involved. In the words of agency recruiters, "If
you snooze, you lose."
Some
precautions
Having
mentioned some obvious benefits of Internet recruiting, broad-minded
physicians should also consider the possible downside of using
this approach to land an ideal job.
First
of all, learn all you can about the organization that posts
job openings. Physician recruitment is a booming market.
Companies of all sizes and professional experience (and integrity)
design appealing web sites and post employment notices. Undoubtedly,
well-regarded recruitment firms manage most sites. However,
there is nothing to stop a less-than-reputable firm from broadcasting
its services on the World Wide Web.
If
you’re not familiar with the organization sponsoring a given
site, take time to inquiry about them. Before submitting your
credentials, talk to one of the recruiters who works in your
specialty. A 5-10 minute conversation can convince you of
how advisable it is to forward your credentials electronically.
Trust your instincts as to whether you pursue employment opportunities
with that given agency.
Secondly,
exercise caution in transmitting personal information.
Keep in mind, information that you send via e-mail or fax
is out of your control once it is transmitted. To some extent,
the same thing could be said about mailing written credentials.
Persons on the receiving end have an obligation to handle
all such information confidentially and professionally.
The
difference is that information transmitted by e-mail can be
forwarded to numerous other recipients with a few mouse clicks.
That could be good or bad, depending on the circumstances
involved.
To
illustrate: Suppose a Family Practitioner submits her CV electronically
to a recruiting group regarding a particular Internet job
posting. What is to stop the firm from in turn e-mailing her
credentials to every other client with family medicine hiring
needs? Nothing, really. Of course, if the candidate is out
of work, the more exposure she receives on the job market
can shorten her search considerably.
There
is a downside, though. The physician may be happily employed
at the present and merely wishes to look discreetly at one
or two "golden opportunities." She is not in a hurry
to make a move, and certainly does not want to have her credentials
blanket the marketplace willy-nilly. That being the case,
loss of control over her paperwork is a serious issue.
When
working with Internet-based recruiters, agree on the procedure
for handling personal information about yourself with third
parties. Violation of such stipulations is justifiable reason
for re-evaluating or terminating the working relationship.
Thirdly,
request prompt communication when dealing with electronic
employment firms. The world of cyberspace recruitment
is much more fast-paced than traditional means of filling
job vacancies. The Internet facilitates speedy transmission
of information about an employer’s hiring requirements and
a candidate’s interest and suitability for a given opportunity.
In
the same way the recruiter expects prompt response to his
request for information about a candidate, the job seeker
himself can rightfully insist on timely communication concerning
the status of his candidacy. After all, ensuring responsive
communication is a two-way street.
Getting
ahead of the curve
In
increasing numbers, young physicians look to the Internet
as a primary source for job hunting. Generally speaking, they
are more Internet- savvy and comfortable in regularly using
e-commerce companies to meet their personal and professional
needs.
Apart
from job hunting, being familiar with the Internet has other
advantages. The impact of Internet technology on practice
management will certainly broaden and intensify. In fact,
operating a hospital or medical office in the 21st
century will surely be impacted by the rapidly evolving technology
that is revolutionizing the healthcare industry.
So,
it’s advisable to stay ahead of the curve. That is to say,
learn as much as you can about the Internet and its influence
on the medical profession. Consider, for instance, having
your own web page to promote yourself as a cyberspace candidate.
Your personal web site can later be modified to promote the
practice you join and to reflect your professional growth
in your specialty.
In
the final analysis, the Internet is an extremely useful tool
in job hunting--as well as a means to stay on the cutting
edge of medical advancements. Make the most of it.
Calvin
Bruce works as Senior Content Writer for MedCAREERS.com. In
addition, he writes for www.webmd.com
and other healthcare publications.
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