Q&A: Mass Applying, Networking, Resumes and More
In the market for a job as a physician, advanced practitioner, nurse, allied health or non-clinical professional? Wondering about the best way to approach the job search and application process? We’ve got you covered!
It’s true you can’t control the many variables that affect the healthcare job market (like fluctuating demands, number of applicants, turnover rates, economic conditions and, of course, pandemics). However, there’s a lot about finding a job you can control. First and foremost, you can build a strategic approach to your job search and application process that saves time, conserves energy and reduces stress!
If you approach the process haphazardly and without much foresight, you may end up spinning your wheels and growing more frustrated by the day. Taking the opportunity to get organized and become informed will pay dividends by leading you to a position that’s an ideal fit.
Healthcare Job Search Q&A
These answers to common questions about the healthcare job search and application process can help you build a strategic approach that works for you.
What is the chance of getting a job offer based on the number of applications sent?
The number of applications you send can affect your chance of landing the right job. According to Feb. 2023 research from Zippia, across all industries, among people who got job offers:
- 31% sent 21-80 applications
- 30% sent 11-20 applications
- 27% sent 1-10 applications
- 20% sent 80 or more applications
- 13% sent 0 applications
How do companies fill most of their jobs?
Even though applying to more jobs may improve your chances of landing one, companies fill most jobs via networking. According to Zippia, companies report that:
- 80% of positions are filled via networking
- 70% of positions are never even listed on publicly published job sites
How can I network to find a healthcare job?
Throughout your career, you should always continue networking. The best way to network to find a healthcare job is to contact colleagues, peers, mentors, and past educators and supervisors. Make connections in person and online and reach out to ask whether their companies are hiring and to let you know if they have leads.
How important is my resume or CV during the application process?
Submitting a resume or CV that’s complete, concise, and error-free is essential. A CareerBuilder survey of hiring managers said their absolute deal breakers on resumes were:
- 77% — Typos and bad grammar
- 35% — Unprofessional email address
- 34% — Lack of quantifiable results
- 25% — Long paragraphs
- 18% — Not customized to the company
- 17% — More than two pages
- 10% — No cover letter
Should I mass apply to jobs?
While it may be tempting just to hit that apply button repeatedly, mass applying is putting quantity over quality, and it may not be the best idea. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of your situation.
Mass applying will undoubtedly improve the number of times you’ve put your name in the hat for jobs, but it may also:
- Make you seem unprofessional, vague, careless or even desperate
- Keep you from carefully crafting your application to meet each position and employer
- Make you feel disappointed since there are more opportunities to hear no
If you do decide to mass apply, just be sure to take the time to:
- Tailor your application to each job and employer
- Create a unique or interactive resume that will stand out from the rest
- Ensure your application, cover letter, and resume or CV are free from errors
How can I organize the job search and application process?
To streamline your job search:
- Get your boilerplate resume/CV and cover letter ready beforehand
- Ask a friend or family member to proofread all materials and run them through an electronic grammar checker
- Gather all supporting documentation you’ll generally need for applications
- Create a Word doc with answers to common application questions so you can cut and paste and edit as needed
- Create a spreadsheet to keep track of all applications, application dates, websites, etc.
- Set aside a specific time each day to search for jobs, apply, respond to job-related emails, etc.
- Set a target number of applications to submit each day or week
- Research each company and position thoroughly so you can tailor your application, resume, CV and cover letter for the specific job
- Don’t forget to review your online presence to be sure it is professional and reflects the information you send out in applications and materials (update your LinkedIn resume, etc.)
- Simplify your job search and work with a recruiter!
To start now, connect with a Cross Country Search recruiting expert.
