Career and Life Planning Guidebook for Medical Residents

are a place to gather information and tomeet people who may help you in your search, even if you don’t find your ideal position at that specific event. There are downsides with career fairs, but if you understand the terrain, your visit can be productive. Recruiters are looking for candidates and you are looking for a position. They will have their selling points ready and you need to be ready, too. Come prepared with copies of your CV and your list of priorities. Prepare questions in advance. Dress to impress because you may end up interviewing with a key player. And most importantly, be respectful. If you visit a booth, take a minute to talk with the recruiters–don’t just grab the freebie and run. You may not be interested in their open position, but recruiters are experts at networking, and if their opportunity isn’t right for you, many are happy to share your CV with their colleagues. “Although I do few recruiting fairs, I have built relationships by attending social events at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. I once made prior arrangements to meet a potential candidate there among other medical student friends and spouses, which was within the candidate’s comfort zone, and we ultimately signed him.” – Melissa Grubbs, Physician Support Manager, Ephraim McDowell Hospital F I E L D N O T E S ALUMNI AND MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONS One of your richest resources is within the alumni of your own medical college and other alma maters, including undergraduate school and even high school. Your professors, faculty advisors, and residents from previous years are usually more than willing to talk with you about your search. If possible, speak with physicians you trust and who know you, building on relationships you already have. Alumni associations, the alumni office staff, and even university career centers are designed to provide you with access to meet people who can make a difference in your career. They live to serve you. As mentioned earlier in this chapter, medical associations represent another opportunity to network with physicians with the same career and clinical focus. Associations are designed to help professionalsconnectwitheachother.Thesecontacts often have knowledge about openings that aren’t advertised or posted anywhere. Also, employers often post positions on the job boards of specialty associations. Associations host networking events and offer continuing education for professionals. The primary challenge with this resource is carving out time to meet people or attending association meetings and conventions. Associations provide an opportunity to be very targeted in your approach— the difference between fly-fishing and throwing out a net that just may catch anything and everything. Search Strategy 157 WWW.PHYSICIANCAREERPLANNING.COM