If you're in residency or fellowship you know how important it is to always be on the lookout for potential career opportunities. That's why it's also important not to dismiss possible opportunities simply because you may have heard a myth or two at one point in time. Below, we identify three physician career fair myths, and we explain why those myths are wrong.
MYTH #1: I can only attend a career fair if I am ready to accept a job.
Fact: All residents and fellows should attend career fairs. Career fairs are a great, low-pressure way to see what kinds of job opportunities will be out there after your training. During a physician career fair you will have the chance to talk with booth representatives to learn more about what opportunities they have, what locations they are staffing, the organization itself, or ask questions you may have.
Keep in mind some organizations are proactively recruiting for opportunities, so it doesn't matter if you won't be available for a few years. Additionally, the organization may also have a specialty that is in high demand so they will extend offers to those still in residency.
MYTH #2: I will only have one interview for an opportunity.
Fact: The interviewing process is exactly that, a process. Many organizations want to make sure that you will be a viable candidate before hiring you, so they will have multiple interviews so they can solidify which candidate would be the best choice.
Interviewing can be set up into stages of screenings, interviews, and follow-up interviews. Having multiple interviews with an organization is common, so don't be alarmed if you are asked to interview again.
The interview style can be a mix between phone, video conference calls and in-person interviews—so make sure you are prepared. There are many different reasons as to why you may have a follow-up interview, so don't think the worst. Make sure that as you are applying for opportunities you are allowing yourself enough time to go through the interview process.
MYTH #3: I shouldn’t start looking for job opportunities until I’m in my last year of residency or fellowship.
Fact: You don’t have to wait until the last second to look for job opportunities. It’s a good idea to start your job search early and attend physician career fairs so you can discover what you truly want in a job opportunity. The earlier you start the more time you have to figure out which practice type, organization and geographic area fits your needs best.
Another great way to look at opportunities is by going to physician career fairs and talk with recruiters to learn more about job opportunities. This is a low-pressure situation where you can ask whatever questions you may have.
Even if you are a first or second year resident and do not think you need to start applying for jobs, you may come across an organization that is ready to make you an offer. Some specialties are harder to find, so organizations may try to make you an offer while you are still in training.
Find Physician Career Fairs, Resources & Open Positions on PracticeMatch
PracticeMatch offers both live and virtual career fairs to help accommodate your busy schedule, and to look at opportunities across the country with Top Health Care Facilities. Unsure of when career fairs take place? Check out the PracticeMatch Career Fair schedule.
We also have no shortage of valuable career resources to help give physicians a leg up on their interviewing skills. Learning the purpose and basics of a job interview is great place to start.
You can start that job search quickly and easily by browsing open positions available through the online PracticeMatch Career Center or through the PracticeMatch mobile job search app. Get started today!