I recently spoke to a group of speech pathology students at the Nebraska Speech, Language and Hearing Association’s annual convention. I tried to provide a perspective about resume development and the job search process knowing that is an important topic weighing on the minds of these students.

I list the nuts and bolts but most importantly I tried to give them food for thought in considering their first position as a professional. The process I outline below is geared toward ours as a contract therapy services provider but is applicable across most settings.

THE JOB SEARCH

WHAT SUITS YOU?

Define what fits you in terms of setting and population.

• Geriatric
• Pediatric
• Schools
• Long-term care
• Clinic/hospital
• Short-term travel

LOCATION?

Define what’s important to you.

• Near family
• Open to a long-distance move
• Big city
• Small town

PREPARE FOR THE PROCESS

• Develop a resume
• Contact three professional references for permission to use their names
• Research opportunities
  – Internet searches
  – Word of mouth/networking
• Prepare a concise/well-written letter/email to go along with resume

INTERVIEW

Answer honestly and be a good listener

Call with recruiter

• Understand who the recruiter represents (actual hiring company, head hunter, travel company)
• Where did you learn about the company openings that interest you (website, referral, etc)?
• Ask questions about the specific job, location and community
• Request information about company benefits

Phone interview

• Don’t drive or multi-task
• Take call in private
• Take notes
• Have list of questions prepared
• Be yourself and sell yourself

On-site interview

• Dress professionally
• Observe team dynamics
• Have list of questions prepared
  – Specifics about the job
  – Team dynamics
  – Supervisor support
  – Facility dynamics
  – Community
  – Timeline for decision-making
  – Additional information needed? References?
• Talk to potential co-workers about their daily routines
• Be yourself and sell yourself
  – Don’t ask what the company can do for you. Tell them what you can do for them.

FOLLOW-UP

• Email follow-up message is appropriate, particularly if that’s how you’re already communicating with them
• Most importantly the message should be sincere and well written (not canned)

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Consider your social media status/pages
  (do they convey a professional, respectable image?)
• Make sure your voicemail message is clear and professional (no cutesy music or silly messages)
• Don’t use a silly email address
  (ie: huskersrock@gmail.com)
• Return phone calls/emails promptly, even if you’re not interested
• Remember to never burn a bridge

IS THIS THE JOB FOR YOU?

Once you’ve interviewed and have the information, think about these things.

• Can you see yourself in the environment on a daily basis?
• Are you comfortable with the level of supervision?
• Is the company culture a fit with your values?
• Are you comfortable with the productivity expectations/caseload?
• Are the training and development (mentoring) opportunities what you’re looking for?
• Are you comfortable with the direction of the therapy department and philosophy of treatment decisions?

Go with your gut! Don’t try to make something work that isn’t right.