The Internet has begun to revolutionize every facet of society, including the medical profession. More particularly, physician recruitment has developed into a fast-growing area of Internet activity. Doctors who are serious about managing or advancing their careers can access a wealth of online information with a few mouse clicks.

What is the best way to use the Internet for job-hunting? What precautions should doctors keep in mind when establishing themselves as "cyberspace candidates"? The following guidelines are helpful in answering these questions.

Smart use of the Internet

The widespread growth and popularity of the Internet make it a convenient marketplace for businesses that cater to physicians' needs. It's estimated that there are over 10,000 physician-related web sites. Some are well designed and provide a wide range of services to practitioners. Others are less sophisticated and offer services on a much smaller scale.

Physicians who "surf" the web for employment information are a special target market for healthcare organizations that do business on the Internet. Recommended sites offer current job postings, the means for creating an electronic curriculum vita, career related articles, and links to other sites that enhance physicians' professional development. Links can include resources for Continuing Medical Education, professional journals and synopsized medical research, licensing boards information, relocation assistance information, and the like.

In deciding which sites to use regularly, it's beneficial to take note of the following:

How many job openings are in your specialty?
How regularly are the postings updated?
How appealing are the opportunities presented?

If you decide to submit your electronic credentials, evaluate the quality of service provided:

How quickly does someone from the organization contact you?
How professional and courteous are they?
What is their procedure for matching candidates and openings?
How does the contact benefit your career goals overall?

Appropriate Precautions

Electronic job hunting differs from standard job-hunting in several respects. The primary difference concerns the apparent impersonal nature of the employment process.

Submitting an electronic CV raises the question of who receives it and what they do with it. Reputable organizations make prompt contact with prospective candidates who have submitted their credentials online. If they haven't contacted you with several days, don't hesitate to contact them by e-mail or phone.

When you make contact, the organization's representative should clearly indicate what current opportunities appear to match your background, along with explaining the hiring process involved. Keep in mind, if pursuing a specific opportunity does not lead to an actual job offer, other position openings in the future might be just as appealing.

If you are job-hunting confidentially, it pays to be all the more discreet when supplying information about yourself over the Internet. Suggestions: indicate on your electronic CV your pager or cellular phone number instead of your office number. Don't give the actual name of the practice that you are currently associated with (refer to it in generic terms). Similarly, mention on your CV that references can be supplied upon request.

Anytime information is submitted electronically, it can be more easily transmitted elsewhere without your knowledge than if it were faxed or mailed. As much as possible, it behooves you to retain control over where your CV is forwarded. (The same advice holds true with respect to non-Internet based job hunting.)

There is no need to jeopardize your current situation through inadvertent indiscretion.
Another cautionary note. The ease and convenience of surfing the Internet means that it's easy to electronically register your candidacy with many different organizations (such as recruitment firms). If you are out of work, that approach might be beneficial. However, if you are gainfully employed, it pays to be more selective concerning the groups that assist you in your job search. Working with a couple of highly reputable recruitment firms is generally more advantageous overall.

###

Site Map | Home

© 2007 Professional Medical Placement. All Rights Reserved.
Toll Free Phone: 888-PMP-4DOC (888-767-4362)