So you just graduated from school and are hoping to find a worthwhile position in the medical industry. The job market can be tough for a new graduate, especially since your professional network has yet to take shape. Don’t fret, because even in a challenging hiring scene, the previous graduates from your school are a useful resource to make your search an easier task.

With that in mind, here are three tips for leveraging alumni to help you land a great healthcare job soon after graduation.

Leverage the Alumni Database at your School’s Career Center

Most good colleges or medical technical schools provide a career center to assist new graduates in their job search. Take advantage of these resources! There is probably an online alumni database full of potential resources willing to help you on your quest.

Use the database to create your own spreadsheet of contact information. Send polite introductory notes explaining your situation while asking for advice on your search. Most alumni are quite happy to provide you information and potentially other professional contacts.

Use LinkedIn to help build your Professional Network

One of the first things you should do after graduation is create your own LinkedIn profile. The preeminent social network for professionals, LinkedIn also provides another method for reaching out to alumni from your school. Peruse their connections to see if there are any contacts working in the medical industry in your area.

Join your School’s Alumni Association

While it seems like an obvious step, make it a point to become an active member of your school’s alumni association. This is another great way to grow your professional network with people that share a common alma mater. Most alumni associations also offer job search assistance to help you throughout your career.

A partnership with a top notch staffing agency also helps your fledgling medical career. As one of the top healthcare staffing agencies in the country, Pinnacle Workforce can make sure your résumé and cover letter template are ready for the job market. Schedule some time with us at your earliest convenience.

There’s no argument that the interview remains the most important part of your job search. It is your chance to expound on the contents of your résumé, while explaining how you’ll make a positive difference for the healthcare company with which you are interviewing. You stand a better chance of earning a second interview and hopefully a job offer by successfully connecting with the interviewer.

What follows are three strategies suitable for connecting with an interviewer to help your chances of landing the position of your dreams.

Eye Contact. Eye Contact. Eye Contact.

Did we mention eye contact? It might seem a bit too obvious, but it is vital that you make natural eye contact with your interviewer throughout your face to face meeting. If you are taking part in a group interview where you are the only candidate, spread the eye contact around between all the interviewers.

Follow this same principle when asking questions during the interview. Eye contact definitely helps build a connection and a sense of trust between you and the interview team.

Don’t forget to Listen!

It is important to pay attention during the interview — listen closely to the interviewer and observe their mannerisms. Leverage your listening skills to ask meaningful questions throughout the interview; don’t necessarily wait to be called upon. Of course, pay extra close attention to their answers to your questions and use that information to form follow-up questions.

This interaction is part of the give and take process that helps you truly connect with the interviewer.

Be Personable and show Gratitude

It is important to remain personable, yet professional, throughout the interview. Consider taking an attitude that you are reconnecting with an old business colleague. Be sure to thank the interviewer for the opportunity to talk with them, and that you can’t wait for the chance to make a difference for their organization.

If you need further advice on interview preparation, talk to the knowledgeable recruiters at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top staffing agencies in the U.S. healthcare industry, we can help you take your medical career to the next level. Schedule some time with us at your earliest convenience.

There’s no denying that the Internet plays a large role in today’s job search process. Everything from online job sites to professional social networks like LinkedIn has become part of finding a new position in healthcare or any other industry sector. While you leverage the Internet for researching a company with an open position, you can also be sure that the hiring manager from that company will return the favor once you become a candidate.

Around 75 percent of hiring managers use the Internet to search for information about a candidate. So what will potential employers find when they search for you on Google? Are you worried? Let’s take a closer look at managing your online reputation.

Understand your Social Media Network Privacy Settings — especially on Facebook

When looking at the management of your online reputation, it is important that you fully understand Facebook’s privacy settings — which seemingly change on a weekly basis. A good policy is to assume everyone can see what you post or who tags you in a post, so don’t allow any embarrassing material to appear on any social network — including Twitter, Google+, in addition to Facebook.

Beyond that, ensure that you don’t mark anything shared on Facebook as “Public.” Keep your privacy settings to “Friends Only”. Additionally, watch who tries to add you as a friend, in case they may be a hiring manager.

Don’t Forget about Comments you Post

Any comments you post on Amazon or many other websites are searchable. So be sure to watch your online etiquette. It is reasonable to think that most companies aren’t looking to hire Internet trolls.

It is a good idea to regularly Google your own name to see what appears in the search results. If you have a common name, add additional keywords like your city in the search text. In today’s age, online reputation is almost as important as a well-written cover letter to ensure you get a shot at an interview and a job offer.

If you need additional advice on managing your online reputation, talk to the recruiters at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top healthcare staffing agencies in the country, we can help take your career to the next level. Schedule some time with us today!

Quality patient care is the prime directive for the healthcare industry. Of course, dealing with unhappy patients is a daily occurrence for many medical professionals. Finding ways to make these disgruntled patients less distressed benefits both the patient and the caregiver.

What follows is a look at a few strategies aimed at converting unhappy patients into those that are happy.

Empathy is Always a Good Policy

Empathy is one of the most important attributes your employees need to possess, and dealing with unhappy patients — your customers, essentially — is where it really comes into play. In short, your staff needs to put themselves in their patients’ shoes, so they can better understand their condition and needs. This is an essential first step in making patients happier.

Listening is a Vital Part of Empathy

You can’t be empathic without being a good listener. Your medical staff needs to truly listen to a patient’s needs — not merely “hear” them. They need to use good body language to help truly make a connection with the patient. This facilitates the fixing of any situations, giving patients a more positive outlook.

Help them to Fully Understand All Aspects of their Treatment

Many times patients become angry when they feel their care providers aren’t being honest with them or are treating them like a child. It is important to clearly explain everything about their treatment — new medications, healing times, etc. — so their lack of understanding doesn’t lead to a lack of trust.

A Good, Caring Disposition always Helps

Make sure your staff understands that they need to present a caring disposition when interacting with their patients. They need support and reassure those receiving care, all while ensuring their needs are being met by your entire staff — from doctors to nurses. The bottom line is that anyone in the healthcare profession must commit to quality patient care.

If you need additional insight on building a winning medical staff that puts patient care above all, talk to the experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top staffing agencies in the healthcare industry, we can ensure your business is a successful one. Schedule some time with us at your earliest convenience.

Finding happiness in your chosen profession is a goal for which many workers strive. While some derive their happiness from making as much money as possible, others gain a sense of worth from the type of work they perform. Both kinds of workers are plentiful within the healthcare industry, and some enjoy the best of both worlds — a top notch salary at a job they love.

On the other hand, some are forced to choose between the two. Which begs the question: Is a job you love worth a less competitive salary? Let’s take a closer look to see if we can find the answer.

You can’t put a Price on Job Happiness, can You?

Is it possible to actually put a dollar figure on job satisfaction? If you are currently in a position you love; doing meaningful work on a team of professional comrades, jumping to a different, higher paying job opportunity does come with a risk.

Would any added responsibility and longer hours disrupt your work-life balance? What if the work itself is less rewarding? These are important factors that need to be taken into consideration along with salary and a benefits package.

Ultimately the Right Answer lies within Yourself

Each worker brings their own set of priorities and needs to this question. Some may need the extra money a high salary would bring, when others prefer a stable position with friends and maybe a little less money in their pocket each payday. There are a myriad of factors that play into any worker’s ultimate decision.

In short, this is a question where the right answer is up to the person themselves. Choosing between a higher salary and a job you love is a decision that lies within yourself. Take enough time to look at every variable before making a final choice.

If you need any additional input on career development in the healthcare industry, talk to Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the nation’s top medical industry staffing agencies, we can help take your career to the next level. Schedule some time with us as soon as possible!

Just because you’ve earned your degree or a diploma doesn’t mean your days of learning have passed. In order to thrive in your professional career, continuing education is a must — especially in the competitive health industry. New medical equipment, software, and other innovations are a regular occurrence in this field, so rest assured that you’ll never stop learning in the world of healthcare.

Let’s take a closer look at a few things you can do to further your education after leaving school.

Earning Professional Certifications enhances your Skills

A good first step when continuing your education after school involves earning any professional certifications related to your profession and current job role. Do some research on your own and also talk to your manager and coworkers about their recommendations for worthwhile certifications. They are a great way to both expand and reinforce the valuable knowledge you need to do your job wisely.

Chances are your company will provide tuition and fee reimbursement to acquire a professionally relevant certification. Additionally, should it ever become time to look for a new position, certifications look great on a résumé.

Consider an Advanced Degree to truly grow your Career

Ultimately, if your career goals include moving into management someday, earning an advanced degree is arguably a must. If you only have your high school diploma or a GED, consider acquiring your Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree. You’ll greatly benefit from the added knowledge, while truly being able to make a positive impact at your organization, as well as getting noticed when it becomes time for promotions.

Once again, the best companies in the medical profession actively encourage their workers to further their education and offer tuition reimbursement as an incentive. This benefit is a must for companies hoping to attract the best talent. Take advantage of their support!

If you need any additional advice in growing your career in the medical industry, talk to the knowledgeable staff at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top staffing agencies in the world of healthcare, we can give you the positive insight that takes your career to the next level. Schedule some time with us today!

Of course, the interview is the most important contributor to your ultimate success during a job search. If you haven’t had much luck with your efforts, are the first impressions you give interviewers hampering your shot at a great job? Don’t fret if this is the case, chances are good that any problems are correctable.

Here are some techniques for making a better first impression on a job interview.

You Must Dress for Success!

Sure, it sounds a bit like a cliché, but you absolutely need to dress professionally during an interview. Don’t assume that business casual means “professional” when it comes to your first meeting with a potential employer. A suit and tie are a must for men, while a nice blouse with either a skirt or dress pants are a requirement for women.

Don’t Skimp on the Hygiene

Additionally, make sure your hygiene is exemplary. Men need to be well shaven, with any facial hair nicely trimmed, and everyone needs to spend extra effort on their hair and fingernails. Don’t go overboard with cologne or perfume, though.

A Firm Handshake and a Clear Look in the Eye

When walking into an interview, be sure to extend your hand first for a firm handshake, while making eye contact with the interviewer. While you may be nervous, this moment is your first impression. You need to get this part right!

Good Sitting Posture is a Must

Before the interview, take some time to practice your sitting posture. Seriously. Any subconscious slouching or other examples of bad posture can leave a poor impression on the interviewer.

Thank the Interviewer for the Opportunity

When the interview concludes, be sure to thank the interviewer for the opportunity. This is another time for a firm handshake and strong eye contact. Mention that you are available for follow up questions and that you look forward to the next steps in the hiring process.

If you need additional advice on interview preparation, talk to the experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top medical staffing agencies in the country, we can help you take your career to the next level. Give us a call or send us an email today!

Sure, job interviews are an important part of anyone’s career, but what if you are going after a position that gives you a big promotion? Approaching things differently in this case is probably wise for your overall prospects. You’ll need to step up your game and put forth more effort when you are prepping for the interview even when it is for an internal promotion at your company.

Here are a few strategies for ensuring you are ready for what may be the interview of a lifetime.

Research all aspects of the new position

Even though you are already familiar with how your company operates, and your executive team is hopefully familiar with you, making the effort to research the requirements of this new position is a must. Additionally, try to remember how the previous person in that role interacted with their staff. Make mental notes as who were the top performers on that team as well as any troublemakers.

Don’t forget to inform your current boss about the interview

Even though your boss may already know that you are up for a promotion, it is a good professional practice to inform that about your efforts. Ask for their advice and any other input they might have about the position. This may help you come interview time.

Don’t slack off on your current role

You need to still focus on your current role. Now is not the time to slack off while spending too much time dreaming about your potential promotion. Assume that your superiors are paying closer attention to your performance.

Stay professional during the interview

It is important to present a professional air during the actual interview, especially if you are familiar with the interviewer. Don’t assume that the position is already yours. Overconfidence can be the death knell for your promotion chances. Answer all questions clearly, and ask some meaningful ones of your own.

If you need any additional advice on interviewing or the other aspects of the job search process, talk to Pinnacle Workforce. We are one of the top medical staffing agencies in the country, with the knowledgeable recruiters that can help you and your career. Schedule a meeting with us today!

When trying to get a job in the lucrative medical history, a quality résumé is a must. If you are fresh out of college or a trade school with minimal work experience, it becomes more of a challenge to put together a candidacy that attracts the eyes of a hiring manager.

A lack of meaningful work experience doesn’t have to hamper your chances at getting a great job in the medical industry. Let’s take a closer look at how to enhance your résumé to help you get the position you want.

Focus on your Skills and Abilities

The most important thing when authoring a résumé with limited work experience is to focus on your abilities and technical skills instead of a section that lists your employment history. Research the position in question ahead of time and match up the requirements for that job with the skills you’ve earned through self-study or an internship.

If you tailor each résumé and cover letter to that specific job, you’ll stand a better chance of getting noticed by the HR personnel responsible for processing applications. Spending the extra effort definitely helps your candidacy. Make sure to place these relevant skills in an obvious spot on your résumé.

Exemplary Educational Performance needs to be Highlighted

If you were successful in college be sure to highlight this fact on your résumé. This includes a GPA over 3.5, any Dean’s List nominations or other awards, as well as internships that relate to the medical industry. Those technical skills developed in school that are useful in a medical or office environment should be placed in the abilities section of your résumé.

The bottom line is to not let any minimal work experience discourage you from going after the medical industry position in which you can thrive.

If you need any additional advice on tailoring a résumé for your medical job search, talk to the experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top medical industry staffing agencies in the country, we can help both you and your career. Schedule a meeting with us today!

As 2015 dawns, it is a great time to take stock of your career path and whether or not you are on the road to success. A new year gives you a great opportunity to try and land your dream job in the healthcare industry. What follows are a few steps you can take today to ensure your job search is fruitful and rewarding.

Make Sure your Résumé is Top Notch

If you haven’t already done it, take the steps to update your résumé with your latest work experience and accomplishments. Hiring managers process potentially hundreds of résumés for an open position, so make your CV is easy to read and follow. Don’t use too many different fonts or try to cram too much information on one page.

Focus on the tangible achievements in your experience instead of merely listing your abilities and responsibilities. Any new company wants to know how you will make a positive difference for their firm.

Maintain an Active and Professional Social Media Presence

A LinkedIn account needs to part of your job search arsenal, so create one if you haven’t already. Consider that account to be the online version of your résumé. Use LinkedIn to network with others in your field; you may even meet someone who already works for your dream company.

Feel free to endorse and recommend those in your LinkedIn network; chances are good they will return the favor.

Partner with a Top Ranked Recruiting Company in your Area

A partnership with a local recruiting company in the healthcare industry is a perfect step to ensure a great shot at landing your dream job. The best staffing agencies understand the local market and have a line on the best available jobs at the top companies in your region. In many cases, they know about these open positions before they are publicized.

Pinnacle Workforce is a great choice as a recruiter partner when beginning your job search. As one of the top healthcare staffing agencies in the country, we understand the industry and can help ensure your quest for a dream job ends well. Make sure to schedule a meeting with us as soon as possible!