The 5 Worst Job-Hunting Mistakes Healthcare Job-Seekers Make
Whether you are a first-time job-seeker or you’re a veteran in your field, it is important that you take the right steps toward landing you ideal job. There’s more to a successful job search than ironing your best suit and printing out extra resumes. Today’s employers are looking for the best of the best, and one typo on your cover letter can can get you thrown into the “Do Not Call” pile.
Even though healthcare jobs are in demand, there is still stiff competition at every level. What mistakes could cost you your dream job? Find out now.
1. Failing to Ask Questions in an Interview
Employers want to hire people who are interested in the company and want to learn more. If, at the end of your interview, you fail to ask any questions, it will be assumed that you are not very interested or not prepared. If you ask smart, well-thought out questions, employers see that you have researched the company and really put thought into your interview.
It is equally bad to ask questions that are too simple or can be easily answered by reading the company’s website. Asking when the hospital or clinic was started doesn’t look good if the sign outside says “Founded in 1985.” Prepare questions you truly want the answers, too, along with follow up questions. Avoid questions that only require a one-word answer as they leave the conversation at a dead-end.
2. Not Sending a Thank You Note
A personal thank-you note informs potential employers that you valued the time they spent with you. Even if the interview didn’t go perfectly, a thank-you note shows that you are determined and thoughtful. A thank-you note shows respect and allows you to express, once more, your desire to work for that particular hospital or clinic.
Avoid stock thank-you notes. Hand-written notes say the most because it shows that you took the time to sit down and create a personalized letter. Add specifics and be sincere. Don’t come off as fake or arrogant. Most job-seekers forget to send thank-you notes, so sending memorable letter can make all the difference.
3. Being Too Polished or Over-Prepared
Of course you should prepare questions and examples, but a major interview mistake can be preparing too much. Interviewers can tell if you are too rehearsed or not genuine. Don’t be afraid to be yourself during interviews. Practice does make perfect, but too much practice can cause you to lose out on employment opportunities.
Don’t be afraid of having answers that aren’t textbook perfect. Be honest and highlight your achievements. The “right” answer isn’t necessarily what you think the interview wants to hear.
4. Using an Unprofessional E-Mail Address
“hot_nurse123@email.com” doesn’t exactly give off the impression of a serious healthcare job-seeker. A silly email address makes potential employers think that you don’t take your job seriously and that you may act similarly on the job. You may think your fun email address is memorable, but when a hospital seeks it, your resume is going straight into the “Do Not Call” pile only to be forgotten minutes later.
Stick with email address that contain your name. This way, potential employers can easily attach your email to your resume and your resume to what a great candidate you are.
5. Sloppy Speech
Speaking correctly, when on the phone with a potential employer or when in an interview, is just as important as having a typo-free cover letter. As a healthcare professional, you will be expected to interact with a wide variety of people, from children to adults to professional peers. No matter who you are speaking to, you must be able to speak clearly and concisely. This means leaving out the “ums” and “likes”, not talking too fast or too slow, and using strong words to get your point across.
You must be able to speak to the level of your audience. In an interview, you should talk to the potential employer with confidence but stay away from sounding arrogant. It is also important to not speak like a child who is being scolded. Don’t whisper or slur your speech, and remember to take a breath between sentences.
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