Learn how you can stand out in today's competitive job market. This presentation is from an AORN webinar with Phyllis Quinlan, RN-Bc, PhD, and President/CEO of MFW Consultants To Professionals. Find the right perioperative position for you, or post a job at AORN's Career Center: http://www.aorn.org/careercenter.
How to create a competitive advantage in today's job market
1. How To Create a Competitive Advantage in Today’s Job Market
TM
2. Highly competitive job market
Technology is a key component in the
recruiting and screening efforts
Applicant tracking and applicant management
systems for online postings are common
▪ Key words can move you to the top of the
initial search
▪ Tailor your resume according to the outline
qualifications and necessary skill set
3. Cover letter
First impression
Brief summary of intent
Letter must be perfect in context and grammar
Great opportunity to explain gaps in employment
Formatting
Fancy fonts not necessary
Times New Roman 12 point font presents well
and translates well uploaded into software
4. Format
Easy to follow is vital
Inclusive of education, work history, accomplishments
Accomplishments that distinguish you for the position
that you are applying for
Be mindful of catch phrases used in job posting
CV
More inclusive of accomplishments over time
▪ Presentations
▪ Publications
▪ Awards
5. Is Social Media is often checked by:
Recruiters = Screening
Employers = Background check
▪ Must be taken very seriously
▪ Use discretion when posting on:
▪ You Tube
▪ LinkedIn
6. Telephone Screening is common first step
Recruiters will listen for:
▪ Preparedness/knowledge about the position/role
▪ A sense of enthusiasm
▪ A sense of engagement
▪ Personality/friendliness/appropriate humor
▪ Ability to articulate skills and knowledge
Dos and Don’ts
Treat that phone interview with the same importance
as an in-person interview
If you are not ready, prepared, calm, in a quiet place
and alone; ask if you can call back in 10 minutes and
allow yourself to get settled
7. First Impression
Business/Sunday-best attire
What they see MUST match the cover letter/resume
Be able to speak about yourself in a manner that
promotes contributions/accomplishments and
TEAM
Resources
http://www.aorn.org/Career_Center/Be_a_Career_
Activist,_Not_a_Job_Seeker.aspx#axzz2HnB5dhLZ
http://www.aorn.org/Career_Center/The_2_Questio
ns_You_Should_Always_Ask_in_an_Interview.aspx
#axzz2HnB5dhLZ
http://www.best-job-interview.com/
8. Recruiter will commonly:
Send/email a confirmation letter for the
interview with specific instructions
▪ Date/time
▪ What to bring
▪ Where to go/where to park
You will be evaluated with your ability to follow
those instructions
▪ Responsibility
▪ Accountability
9. Purpose of method:
Exploration of past experiences/activities that reflect
how your will respond to a given situation in the future
Past predicting future approach
Goal:
Understand how you may perform in the position under
given circumstances
Understand your temperament and critical thinking
skills
Preparation:
Be thoughtful, do not jump to an answer
Be honest
Practice on Online resources
10. Never leave without a contact business card
for follow-up purposes
Emailed thank you note
Brief thank you and statement that you believe
that you would be a good match & why
If you have not heard anything within 7
days absolutely call recruiter back
If you are not selected
Ask what could I have done differently and be
professional and open to answer
11. Must understand that the process has a beginning,
middle and an end
Must be gracious, professional
Do not burn bridges
Positive attitude
If you are not selected realize that it does not imply that
you were a bad candidate, but that there was just a
better candidate one on that given day
If you leave with a great impression, you may be invited
back for a different opportunity
Networking is Vital
Have a resume and card with you during any
networking opportunities