If you’re looking to secure a new job in 2021, you might want to consider a career in Allied Healthcare or Dentistry, if you aren’t there already. While numerous jobs came and went last year, due to the pandemic, healthcare professionals top the list of jobs that will never go away. This doesn’t mean just doctors, dentists and nurses, but PTs, OTs, SLPs, hygienists and other allied healthcare providers are all in high demand right now.

Whether you’re looking for a complete career change or a fresh start, we’ve got some tips to help you secure a new job in 2021, and to do so in short order.

Bring Your Resume Up to Date

First thing you need to do is bring your resume up to date. It’s also extremely important to make sure your resume is clear and concise. The essential five factors to include in your resume are: your objective, your education, your job experience, your achievements and your skills.

If you have any questions about whether your existing resume is going to help you get your foot in the door or if it is going to kill your chances of getting the job you deserve, you’ll want to learn how to create a powerful resume before going any further.

Be Realistic About Your Objectives

Now that your resume is up to date, you’ll want to set some specific goals. You must, however, be realistic about your objectives. For example, you cannot expect to be hired as a physical therapist if you don’t have a physical therapy degree. You should not expect to find and get hired for a position across the country in the next 48 hours. These things can take some time, especially when a move is involved. So, take some time to set realistic objectives, then align yourself with individuals who can help you achieve those goals.

Apply and Follow Through

While you may want to apply for multiple jobs, it is important you follow through on those applications too. Do not just apply, apply, apply and then sit back and wait. In addition, you don’t want to apply for an open position and then not respond when an employer reaches out for more information or to set up an appointment. The same goes for recruiters too. If you are contacted by a recruiter regarding your job application, follow through. If you don’t, you could be missing out on your ideal job without even realizing it.

Market Yourself Well

One of the biggest mistakes job applicants make when attempting to “sell” themselves to a potential employer is to be too humble about their accomplishments. It is equally as bad to be too modest about what you can get done. What you need is to figure out how to market yourself well.

This is not something most people do on a day-to-day basis, so it can take a little practice. You basically want to highlight your accomplishments while demonstrating how your skills will benefit the company. Who are you (professionally-speaking)? What do you bring to the table? Why should the company hire you instead of someone else? These are the types of questions you’ll want to answer. The ultimate goal in marketing yourself is to show a potential employer you are the right person for the job.

Know What Skills Are in High Demand and Emphasize Those

While your resume will give a potential employer a glimpse at your unique skills and abilities, he or she is likely going to want you to talk about those skills during your job interview. If you’re familiar with the company where you are interviewing, you will also be able to communicate how your skills will directly benefit the group. 

To start with, do a little research so you know what skills are currently in high demand, both at the company and in general. Then, when you’re interviewing, be sure to emphasize your soft skills (like leadership skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, problem-solving skills, worth ethic, interpersonal skills and more) as well as your education, technical degrees, job experience and other abilities.

Be Patient, But Outgoing

When it comes to looking for a new job, patience is definitely a virtue. You should have no unrealistic expectations that you will submit your resume, get called in for an interview and receive a job offer all in one day. Don’t get me wrong, it does happen now and again, but it should not be your expectation. The hiring process can take time and, depending on the process at the companies where you want to apply, it could involve multiple approval points.

So, once you have completed a job interview (and providing you are interested in continuing to move forward in the hiring process), follow up with the recruiter to find out what’s your next step. If you don’t already know when you should expect to hear back, ask. You’ll want to stay on top of things until you receive an offer or until you decide you move on.  

Do Not Be Afraid to Negotiate

One thing many job applicants do not always consider, or even realize, is it’s okay to negotiate if you are unhappy with the initial offer you receive. While you may have discussed salary, benefits, continued education and hours with your potential employer or recruiter during your job interview, this does not mean your offer will include everything you want.  

Never refuse an offer outright. If you don’t like the offer, negotiate. You know what you want and what you need. You also know your worth. Don’t be afraid to speak up and do a little negotiation. There may be a little give and take, but if the job’s right, it could be well worth the time and effort.

Remember, Companies Are Still Hiring Despite the Pandemic

Do not let the pandemic be your reason for not pursuing the job you want. Companies are still hiring despite the pandemic, especially those companies providing healthcare services. While the interviewing process may be a little different and you could end up conducting your initial interview over Zoom or some other online platform, you can still interview.

In all honesty, doing a virtual interview before going into an office for a face-to-face interview, can be an effective way to weed out positions and companies not right for you. If your virtual interview goes well, then you can schedule for an in-person interview to see what the office is like, meet your potential co-workers and participate in a working interview where you can show your skills and abilities.

Do realize, however, countless people are out looking for work right now. Fortunately, following these tips can help YOU secure a new job in 2021. If you want some extra help, The People Link is here for you. For the past two decades, The People Link has been dedicated to matching qualified applicants with open positions in both the Dental and Allied Healthcare industries, to the benefit of all. Start by going online and taking a look at our current job listings or call Mya today at 818-890-9998 to discuss your options. You’ll be glad you did!