Surgery is one of the most challenging and rewarding fields in healthcare. Many hospitals and clinics need skilled surgeons to perform different surgical procedures to solve minor and complicated health problems. The high demand for competent surgeons might make it seem like it is easy to find a surgical job, but it is not always easy.
Some surgeons take months or even years to find the right job. Many facilities already have enough surgeons to take care of their patients. Another reason is that competition for top positions can be very high.
Besides, hospitals with open positions want surgeons with specific skills or experience, and new surgeons may not have those skills. So, how can a surgeon find open positions and get hired? This article shares a few tips that surgeons can use to find relevant opportunities.
Use Recruitment Agencies
Looking for a job alone can be hard, especially for fresh graduates. Some surgeons check job sites every day without finding a promising opportunity. Others apply for jobs but rarely get feedback from potential employers.
Recruitment agencies can help competent surgeons access a pool of potential employers. They work closely with hospitals and clinics to expose job seekers to as many open positions in surgery as possible. They also understand what each employer wants and can guide job seekers when applying for relevant positions.
Some recruitment agencies match surgeons with the right job positions, which saves time and reduces recruitment hassles. Some agencies have a team to help candidates with resume writing and interview preparation. They also help surgeons know when to accept a job and when to wait for a better one.
Leverage Professional Networks
Surgeons with strong professional networks have an advantage when looking for surgical jobs. Additionally, networking helps surgeons learn about open positions even before they are posted on job boards. A friend or former colleague might give a helpful tip to a surgeon seeking employment. Mentors might also refer job seekers to the relevant hospitals that have open opportunities.
Professional networks also support fresh graduates and inexperienced surgeons. For instance, surgeons can share their job search stories and recommendations to streamline the job search process. That is why surgeons should keep in touch with classmates, mentors, professors, and co-workers.
Job Boards and Hospital Websites
Hospitals and clinics use many ways to find surgeons. Two of the most common are job boards and their official websites. Some hospitals post openings on trusted third-party websites where qualified healthcare providers are likely to find them.
Since some hospitals post on their websites, surgeons looking for jobs should visit “Careers” or “Jobs.” Section to access the open positions and apply. These websites make it easy to use and stay updated on the latest openings.
Medical Schools and Residency Programs
Medical schools and residency programs can also help surgeons find jobs quickly. Affiliate hospitals have strong ties with medical colleges, and they often notify them when they have open positions. Therefore, medical schools can connect graduates with facilities looking for surgeons.
Some schools even host job fairs or have special job boards for their students and former students. Surgeons should talk to their residency program directors or alums group leadership for referrals to relevant jobs.
Besides these strategies, surgeons can also visit the social media pages of hospitals and clinics. Some employers post job openings on their social media, while others share news about upcoming events, where surgeons can learn about any openings.
Surgeons can use all these methods to secure employment. However, using a recruitment agency is probably the easiest method. These agencies understand the job market and use their experience to help surgeons find the best jobs faster. They also help healthcare providers write resumes and prepare for interviews.