With the new year about to dawn, it’s time to take a look back at our top three posts of 2014 focused on the medical professional. With the economy continuing to improve, especially in the generally recession-proof healthcare industry, hopefully your job prospects remained robust throughout the year. Check out these posts for some valuable insight for when it comes time to enter the job market again.

The Affordable Care Act and Temporary Employment

The introduction of the Affordable Care Act means that freelance and temporary workers have more options when it comes to acquiring health insurance. If your current employer’s insurance is what is keeping you from exploring the added flexibility of a freelance career, the ACA now gives you an easy option for getting health insurance. Check out this article for additional insight on how Obamacare affects the world of temporary employment.

Should Medical Professionals use LinkedIn?

Social networking continues to be a growing trend for the job hunter, and LinkedIn remains the most important social networking website for workers in any industry, including medical professionals. With busy lives both in and out of the office, networking with like-minded folks in your industry becomes more difficult. This article takes a look at how to best leverage LinkedIn to enhance your career in the healthcare industry.

The Importance of Empathy in the Workplace

Empathy is an important trait to foster in normal life as well as your professional career. If you work in the medical industry, the importance of being a caring, understanding professional becomes even more vital, especially if your job includes a patient-facing role. This article offers a look at how developing empathy inside yourself helps your career in the healthcare field.

If you need any additional advice on the best steps to improve your career prospects in the world of healthcare, talk to the experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top staffing agencies in the healthcare industry, we can help grow your career to a new level. Make it a point to contact us today!

Even after the Great Recession, the job market remains very competitive. If you were lucky enough to be one of the few out of hundreds of candidates to get an interview, making an impression sometimes isn’t easy. Being sure to properly follow up with the company after an interview is a great way to stand out, earn a second interview, and then hopefully score a great job offer.

With so many in competition for so few open positions, it is important to shine before, during, and after an interview. Here are some additional tips for a successful post-interview follow up.

Always send a Follow Up Email or Letter

Sending a follow up email or letter after an interview is simply the professional thing to do. Use this opportunity to thank the person for the opportunity to interview for the open position. Additionally, leverage this chance to expound on some of the ideas discussed during the interview; consider it another window for you to sell the company on your abilities and personality.

Don’t be a Pest Regarding whether they’ve made a Final Decision

While it is important to follow up at least one time after an interview, don’t be a pest when it comes to finding out when and if they’ve made a final choice on which candidate earned the job offer. Never call back more than two times; if you haven’t heard either way, it’s best to move on to other opportunities.

Never get Discouraged by Rejections — Stay on Course!

Even if you didn’t get the job, it is important to never be discouraged when hunting for a new position. Competition for good jobs remains fierce, so don’t take the rejection personally. It is now time to focus on the many other open positions waiting for your résumé, interview, and professional follow up.

If you want additional advice on top notch résumé creation and interview preparation, talk to the experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top staffing agencies in the healthcare industry, we can help you find a perfect new position. Make it a point to schedule time with Pinnacle today!

The ideal organization is one where everyone is on the same team, working together to achieve a company’s short-term and long-term goals in an efficient manner. Unfortunately, not all organizations are ideal. Office politics and hidden agendas sometime hamper operational efficiency and adversely affect the company’s bottom line. Don’t think that the healthcare industry is immune from this issue.

You needn’t let office personality issues impact your job performance or the operation of the company as a whole. What follows is a closer look at navigating the water cooler and succeeding at work by using office politics to benefit both you and your employer.

Always remember what the philosopher Plato said: “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”

Finding Out the Influential at your Workplace

Sometimes analyzing who’s the most influential at your company doesn’t necessary follow an organizational chart. At your organization, it is vital to find out who are known for mentoring others; who are considered to be your firm’s intellectual leaders, and who are looking out for their own interests at the expense of the company’s.

Your ultimate success depends on building good relationships with everyone at your company, without becoming too attached to a clique or one group to the detriment of another. Be sure to listen closely when hanging out with your co-workers, instead of saying something gossipy that might harm any future prospects for additional responsibility.

Always remain Positive

Remaining positive while navigating the world of office politics is a great way to ensure you don’t get bit in the end. Stay above the fray; focus on performing above expectations, and learn how to use your growing influence wisely. Remember that honesty and integrity always serve you better than otherwise.

If you need any additional input on career development, talk to the experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top staffing agencies in the healthcare industry, we employ the top notch recruiters to help ensure your career stays on the right track. Schedule a meeting with Pinnacle today!

Getting your first job after school doesn’t mean your education ends. Personal growth and development are essential requirements throughout your career, especially in the medical industry where new technologies get introduced on a yearly basis.

If you want a personally rewarding and financially lucrative career, continuing your education is a must — both on the job and in the classroom. Let’s take a closer work at why professional development is an essential part of career success.

An Advanced Degree puts you on the Fast Track to Management

If you hope to move into management at some point in your career, earning an advanced degree definitely helps your prospects. If hospital administration is your ultimate goal, consider acquiring a MBA. The best employers offer tuition reimbursement to support the professional development of their employees, so take advantage of this perk if it is available to you.

Nurses need to consider following a development path from LPN to RN to potentially earning a Masters degree in Nursing. There are many Masters degree programs suitable for nursing, so do some research and express your interest in acquiring a degree to your managers at work.

On the Job Professional Development is a Must in the Medical Industry

With all the new technologies regularly introduced in the medical world, it is important to embrace these new concepts or risk being left behind in your career. The increased use of electronic medical records also offers many opportunities to learn new software and equipment.

Displaying a flair for new technology helps you to get noticed by your bosses. If you pick things up quickly, consider stepping up to the plate to train or tutor your co-workers. Showing leadership in this manner is another bonus for your career prospects.

If you need any additional advice for the best methods to achieve the personal growth needed for a successful career, talk to the experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top American staffing agencies in the medical industry, weknow the best ways to ensure your career development stays on the right track. Schedule a meeting with Pinnacle today!

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Any professional’s education doesn’t stop on the day they earn a degree or diploma, and the medical industry is no exception. A successful career means a lifetime of on the job learning supplanted by classroom education. For a medical professional, this could take the form of an advanced degree or acquiring any number of available certifications.

Frankly, your career growth in the world of medicine becomes supercharged when you make the effort to learn any professional certifications related to your line of work. Let’s take a closer look how.

Medical Certifications help your Earning Potential

If you feel stuck in your current position, with little room to grow financially or professionally, check into earning any certifications for your current job. Smart employers offer tuition reimbursement for any classes needed to help you study for the certification test. You should also check out any online or book resources to help you learn the material you expect to be on the test.

Once your certification is earned, make it a point to check into the possibility of a raise or an increase in job responsibility relevant to your new certification. If your employer isn’t willing — or didn’t even offer you tuition reimbursement — the time is ripe to look for a new position. Many employers appreciate employees who take the initiative to earn professional certifications, and they look great on a résumé.

Research the Professional Certifications relevant to your Medical Career

It is important to do the upfront research on any professional certifications relevant to career. A host of certifications exist for a wide range of medical professions, including medical transcription, medical coding, medical assistant, and much more. Your local recruiter is also a great source of advice on what certifications will help your career grow the fastest.

If you need any additional input on what medical certifications would look great on your résumé, talk to the industry experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the nation’s leading medical staffing agencies, we employ recruiters with the right business insights to ensure you enjoy a successful and rewarding career. Make it a point to talk with our team of recruiters today!

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Congratulations on landing that great job in the medical industry. Your hard work in crafting a winning résumé as well as your exemplary interview performance helped to show off your professional experience and accomplishments. Chances are you earned that position over potentially a hundred other qualified candidates.

But one person not to forget is your medical recruiter. They definitely played their role when first presenting you to your new employer. Maybe their insight into the company helped you ask a meaningful question or two during the interview?

Here are three reasons to stay in contact with your medical recruiter after starting your new job.

It’s Just a New Job, not a Full Career

Not to summon bad tidings, but you never know how long your new organization will be in business. Remember this is a job, not your full career, so you don’t know when you’ll again need the assistance of a recruiter. Developing a rewarding partnership with a medical recruiter helps ensure your career stays on the right path.

Recruiters understand their Industry

The best recruiters fully understand the subtleties of their industry, and those working in the world of medicine are no different. If you remain in regular contact with your recruiter, they are able to inform you of the hottest new technologies and treatment methodologies — things you need to be aware of for a full, rewarding career.

Recruiters have their Finger on the Pulse of your Local Region

The medical industry changes rapidly. Companies acquire other companies which may acquire the hospital you work at; let alone any changes due to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. An in-the-know medical recruiter is invaluable when informing you of any changes that may affect your current position.

In short, partnering with a top notch medical recruiter is the smart thing for a healthy career!

If you are searching for that leading medical recruiter to partner with, then look no further than Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top medical staffing agencies in the country, we employ recruiters with the proper industry insight to ensure your career remains on the right path. Be sure to schedule a meeting with us today!

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Sure, a well-crafted résumé is a vital part of any candidate’s job search arsenal, but be sure not to forget about the cover letter. A top notch cover letter is a perfect way to differentiate yourself from the other applicants for an open position. It allows you to go into more detail about your abilities and professional experience.

When you are on a job search, don’t skimp on the cover letter. Here are some tips to ensure you give the best possible first impression with your entire résumé package.

Tailor each Cover Letter for a Specific Position

It is important to personalize every individual cover letter for the open position in question. A form letter or something laden with boilerplate text won’t put you in the best possible light.

Make sure to use the cover letter to detail how your work experiences will benefit the company with which you hope to interview. This gives you the perfect chance to personalize the letter.

You can use a Template to save Time, but Personalize

If you are sending out tens of résumés at once, writing each cover letter from scratch could take some time. Use a cover letter template to save on your efforts, but don’t skimp on the personalization. Once again, you need to tailor each cover letter for every open job.

Don’t forget the Keywords

Any keywords related to your skill set or technical abilities should be used within both your cover letter and your résumé. Consider the person in HR responsible for doing the initial vetting of candidates.

When faced with hundreds of résumé packages to look through, HR staff usually skim the résumés and cover letters looking for keywords that stand out. If you use keywords, you raise your chances of getting called in for an interview.

If you need any more advice on authoring a top notch cover letter and résumé, talk to the experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the top staffing agencies in the country, we can help you put your best foot forward when on a job search. Schedule a meeting with us today!

College is over and now is the time to find a new job. As a new college grad, knowing how and where to apply for a job in the medical field can feel overwhelming. Taking the right steps to know how to apply as a new grad will make all the difference in the world. The right application will get seen by the right people and you will have a better chance of landing that dream job in the medical field. Here are some tips for putting your best face out there with your application:

1. Customize your resume. A job in the medical field requires a great deal of skill and training and simply relying on the odds when submitting your resume isn’t a smart plan. Look at the job description and tailor your resume to that position. Many times the job requirements will be the same as the skills you currently possess but it could be stated differently. Look for keywords within the job advertisement and match them to your skill set.
2. Capitalize on your experience. While you may not have actual hospital experience, you may have worked as an intern or volunteer in a variety of capacities. Much of your job experience can be linked to you chosen career as you learn about time management, role delegation, teamwork, and other valuable traits.
3. Create a flawless resume and cover letter. Whatever you submit to a company, make sure there are no errors. Take your time when applying and ensure everything is as perfect as can be.
4. Follow up on the application. Submitting resumes to various HR departments and medical personnel, it can start to feel like you are just taking chances with your information. Do what you can to follow-up with the process. Email or call to ensure your resume was received and inquire about the next steps in the hiring process.
5. Network and apply before graduation. Even before you’ve graduated, feel out the job market. You may not be able to apply for the jobs until after graduation but network with the companies ahead of time to have an “in” with the right people. It will be beneficial to have email addresses and information about the company for an interview down the road.

Take advantage of every opportunity to grow and increase your knowledge. Not only will this help to land you your dream job but you will find the field and company where you can do the most good. Even as a new grad, your skills will be valued and called upon to help others.

You learned the right way to study through nursing school. You learned the right way to take your nursing school entrance exams. Finally, you learned the right way to succeed in your nursing certifications but did you learn the right way to find a nursing job?  Finding a good fit both you and your future employer is critical. Too many times, job seekers feel as though the only party that matters is the employee but in reality, you, as a job seeker, should feel comfortable in your new job as well. While there is always a learning and adjustment curve, it should be a good fit from the start. There is right way and a wrong way to look for nursing jobs after you finish school.

Right Way: Submit your resume to open positions. Follow up within several days to ensure they received the resume and have your correct contact information.  Be selective with the companies you submit your resume and apply to jobs for which you are qualified.

Wrong Way: Applying to every medical job within twenty miles of your zip code. This not only frustrates employers when they are sorting through piles of resumes, it can present you in a negative light for a future open position for which you are qualified. Always follow-up with an email or call to the hiring manager.

Right Way: State the truth on your resume. Use appropriate verbiage as well as correct statistics for the success you’ve experienced and the goals you’ve reached. Don’t be modest about what you’ve done in your life so far. Many candidates don’t want to sound boasting but you should boast on your resume. That’s how potential employers know what you can do for their organization.

Wrong Way: Fudge your credentials. In any field it is wrong but in the medical field, your dishonesty can cost people their lives. This is not a field where you can stretch the truth or misrepresent your skills. Lying on your resume will get you nowhere, fast.

Right Way: Be persistent. Once you’ve found a medical facility that you really like, visit it and get to know the staff. Ask about job openings and humbly share your qualifications. The network you create with the team members in this casual setting can be beneficial to you when the time comes for an interview.

Wrong Way: Submit your resume online and never interact with the hiring manager or other team members. Giving up when you aren’t hired for the first position that comes along. Even if you are qualified, there could be other candidates who are a better fit and employers want to find the best possible team member to join them.

Submitting your resume will take time and effort but when you find that company where you fit in well and can provide quality care, you will be glad you did. Employers and employees alike should be pleased with the fit within the team and then overall as a company.

Looking for an Employment Coach to Help You Land the Job You Desire?

Let us assist you in your job search! Contact the experienced healthcare recruiters at Pinnacle Workforce Corporation for job-search tips and best practices.

The dreaded job interview is a necessary part of the employment process but did you ever stop to think about how the interviewer feels? They are in charge of the interaction and if they don’t do a good job, you may have the wrong impression of the company or they may not be able to correctly interpret your skills and hire the wrong person. Your interviewer has a great deal of stress on their shoulders but there are some ways you can help the interview be a positive experience. Even if you aren’t given an offer from that company, utilize the interaction as a way to learn and grow. Here are some quick things to remember when you’re in an interview so you are memorable:

1. Try to be calm. Your interviewer will be a little nervous, just as you are. Some people are naturally more at ease in situations but others while others can be nervous about even the slightest interaction. When you are centered and calm, the interviewers can be as well.
2. Know the answers. You should know how to answer the standard interview questions but also have intelligent ones to ask in return. Keep your answers succinct so you make a point and don’t sound like a robot but don’t ramble.
3. Engage the interviewer. You may feel intimidated by the other person and that is normal but if you prepare ahead of time, you’ll be able to go on adrenaline. Practice some questions you’d like to ask and then consider their responses. Be prepared for a variety of responses and even consider follow-up questions. You have every right to interview your interviewer to some extent.
4. Brush up on current events. You will undoubtedly make some small talk when you arrive, walk to the meeting room, or even during the beginning phase of the interview. Watch the news that day or at least that week so you have some neutral topics to discuss to calm your nerves and the interviewer’s nerves. Stay away from hot button items and controversial topics.
5. Don’t be boring. While it is a broad statement, boring rarely gets the job. The interviewer wants to see someone who has confidence as well as the ability to converse. Social skills are part of the interview process and the interviewer should feel as though you are someone they would personally want to work with on a daily basis.
6. Ask appropriate questions. If they have memorabilia on the walls and pictures on their walls, it is something they want to be noticed so you can ask questions about it. Stay focused on the company and the role but taking a small detour to enjoy life is one way you can stand out.

Not every interview will go as planned. Some interviewers will be strictly professional  with no small talk or stories to get through while others will take you on a tour of their lives so just be prepared for any type of personality to be behind that desk. Every interview is a chance for you to hone your skills and vocalizing your talents and skills so keep that in mind if you don’t hear back from an interview.