For many recent optometry graduates the daunting task of finding a position as an optometrist remains. Usually the first position that a new eye doctor holds after graduation is not their last. Considering the instability in the first five years of practice, it is highly recommended that an optometrist keep their curriculum vitae (CV) current. A professional CV has a couple of key components, and the one we will focus on is the “professional qualifications.” This component is what will separate you from the rest of the new eye doctor pack. Remember that you are competing for a position of optometrist where all applicants will graduate, have worked on research projects, had great externships, and list goes on of similarities. It is the job seeking optometrist that can separate themselves that earns the highest reward of an offered role in a practice. With this in mind, consider how you position yourself in the social media realm. Below are samples of how to market your “professional qualifications” to set you apart.
- Experienced in Facebook: This is the section that you describe your ability to post weekly on Facebook to drive patient awareness of the practice. Describe how you would use topics such as dry eye or children’s vision to create awareness of the importance to have regular eye exams. Describe how you can partner with contact lens vendors to increase “likes” thus increasing awareness of your page.
- Experienced in Google+: This is the section that you describe how regularly posting to Google+ increases the likelihood that your office website will increase in the rankings on Google search. To learn more, read What the Plus!
- Experienced in Twitter: This is the section that you describe how the younger generation communicates and emphasizes the importance of staying connected. As a new optometrist to the practice, your ability to communicate on Twitter allows for patients to have direct access to the office and keep your office at the forefront of their minds when an eye concern arises.
Whatever social media you are comfortable with and believe is necessary for practices to
grow, that is what you communicate in the “professional qualifications” component of a curriculum vitae. Too many job seeking optometrists put together a CV that looks very similar to other optometrists applying for the same position. If you want to be noticed you must highlight areas that you can add value to an optometry practice. The knowledge of leveraging social media to the benefit of the practice is a great asset to highlight.
