May 15, 2019

Don’t Get Lost in a Sea of Ophthalmology Job Candidates

Hundreds of new Ophthalmologists will enter the market this summer and it’s likely that you already know the general traits and skills your job candidate competitors are going to tout on their resumes. “I’m patient-oriented, a fast learner, quality-focused, detailed in my work…” Sound familiar?

When you are on the hunt for a new position, it’s important to stand out from the sea of candidates. Lucky for you, when it comes to truly standing out, ETS Vision experts have you covered!

To truly stand out:

  • Ask questions!
  • Focus on becoming a better communicator. Are you conveying confidence? If folks on the other end of your interview are noticeably distracted, it’s a good indicator that you need to work on your ability to engage someone in conversation.
  • Tell a story about yourself that is interesting, but also describes who you really are.
  • Practice interviewing with classmates or friends who will give you honest feedback.
  • Focus on recent success and future goals. Avoid dwelling on the negativity of past experiences.
  • Highlight additional training beyond what is typical. Extra classes, seminars or wet labs that you have participated in can help prove your worth.
  • Speak specifically to your surgical skillset and the surgical tools you have experience with. Examples include a femto-second laser for cataract removal or micro invasive glaucoma surgeries.  
  • Research the practice you will be interviewing with and prepare question based on what you learn.
  • Don’t just talk about it; show what you can do with a strong CV that highlights your skillset and experience.
  • Note your ability and/or experience with building a referral network.
  • Ask for the job. Many candidates never actually acknowledge their interest in the job.

How to not stand out:

  • Don’t act disinterested or unimpressed because you think it will make you appear more in demand. Our recruiters have encountered doctors who show no interest, only to be shocked when they never received an offer.
  • Do not highlight irrelevant experience. For example, if the practice you are applying to does not participate in clinical trials, there’s really no need to push your research experience.
  • No tagalongs. Don’t bring your spouse or significant other to the interview unless specifically invited by the employer. It happens more than you think and most of the time it will damage your chances of landing the job.
  • Dress to impress! Don’t show up in disheveled scrubs, even if your interview is after a shift.
  • Don’t be shy. Engage with the staff. If you don’t think staff members influence the hiring decision, you are wrong. Often, they are the main influencers.

ETS Vision recruiters are witness to the best and worst interviews. We’re constantly digesting responses from employers and candidates, which provides relevant, timely feedback regarding the skills and attributes that need to be highlighted. Take advantage of the opportunity to use our recruiters as a resource or even a coach. It’s in your best interest, so don’t shy away from asking for our feedback and advice. We’re here to help! Recruiters build strong relationships with practices built on trust and mutual respect, and having our recruiters support can yield results during the interview process.

News/Insights

Beyond the Salary – Intangible Benefits to Consider Job Search

Beyond the Salary – Intangible Benefits to Consider

Sep 27, 2021

When looking at changing practices, financial compensation is often one of the first things to be compared. It's easy and quantifiable.  As you evaluate and compare differ...

Reasons to Use a Recruiter in a Candidate-Driven Market Job Search

Reasons to Use a Recruiter in a Candidate-Driven Market

Sep 1, 2021

We'll be the first to admit it's currently a hot employment market, with demand for qualified associates at unprecedented levels all across the country. If you're an Optometri...

Two New Factors to Consider in Your Job Search Job Search

Two New Factors to Consider in Your Job Search

Aug 20, 2021

The employment market for Optometrists and Ophthalmologists has never been better. That's good. But there are some things to consider that have been less important in previous...

Maybe It’s Time to Go – 7 Signs to Start Job Hunting Job Search

Maybe It’s Time to Go – 7 Signs to Start Job Hunting

May 28, 2020

Every job has its good days and bad, but what are the signs you need to be polishing up your CV? At ETS, we work with practices and candidates every day, and these are the thi...

Job Seekers: It’s Time to Strengthen Your Personal Brand Job Search

Job Seekers: It’s Time to Strengthen Your Personal Brand

May 19, 2020

Eye care practices across the country are going to take some time to rebound in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdowns. This will surely delay or slow down the hiring of Associate...

Is a Personal Brand Website Right for Me? Job Search

Is a Personal Brand Website Right for Me?

Mar 9, 2020

There was a time that you literally had to be a computer scientist to create a website promoting your expertise. With the rise of Wix, Squarespace, Wordpress, and other platfo...

Looking for a New Job While Keeping Your Current Job Job Search

Looking for a New Job While Keeping Your Current Job

Feb 6, 2020

Nearly everyone agrees that the best time to look for a job is when you are gainfully employed. It can be tricky, but here are a few hints.  1) Don’t share with co-workers...

6 Good Reasons to Look for a New Opportunity Job Search

6 Good Reasons to Look for a New Opportunity

Jan 27, 2020

At some point, virtually every Optometry or Ophthalmology associate finds themselves wondering if it’s time to seek greener professional pastures. Setting aside the justifia...

Reasons Why 2020 May be the Best Time to Find a New Job Job Search

Reasons Why 2020 May be the Best Time to Find a New Job

Dec 23, 2019

As each year comes to a close, it is natural to take inventory of the things we’ve accomplished over the past twelve months. At the same time, we get to look forward to what...

How to Keep Your Job Search Productive During the Holidays Job Search

How to Keep Your Job Search Productive During the Holidays

Dec 18, 2019

From November to January, most of us have about a million distractions competing for our attention. Between the mashed potato-induced comas, wrapping gifts and ringing in the ...