There are more and more graduating optometry students each year and with that comes the extremely competitive search for an associateship. Many students have taken their stress of optometry school and transitioned it to looking for a place to work once they graduate. Finding a professional position that affords a new OD the luxuries of living 
where you want, working in a reputable practice, and earning a salary that allows you to pay your loans, is not a sure thing without the proper planning and preparation. To give yourself the best chance for success, here are 4 steps to an associateship.
- Search – The biggest mistake I find in working with students and new eye doctors is that they have narrowed the search too quickly. Due to changes in family life and potential practice opportunities one should not narrow the search beyond the region of the country you would like to live. Keep your options open as seeking interviews in areas you may not initially want to go gives you the learning experience of going through the interview process and opens your mind to other possibilities. The best spot for job searching is found at Optometry’s Career Center
- Curriculum Vitae – To separate yourself from the crowd you must have a strong, attractive CV that gets the attention of future employers. If you just list all the papers you did in school and the externships you attended, this will put you right in the middle of the pack. Emphasize the areas that separate you from everyone else. Do you have an understanding of website development? Are you a mother who is active in local mom’s groups? Are you active in your church?
- Interviewing effectively – Take this lightly and you will be guaranteed to be placed on the alternate list. Many job seekers do not take the time to research the practice, think about what questions might be asked, and rehearse the answers. Those interviewing you want to know how you will add value to the practice and what skills you will bring to the table outside of being a great optometrist. Then share your answers from your heart and be yourself.
- Job offer – If you know what your long-term goals are then the dollar amount that you are initially offered should be a minor concern. Yes, you do need to pay those student loans back, but looking for the potential in a job opportunity is more important than $10,000 more a year in salary. If a practice is successful and has a strong record of historical growth then taking less to begin with may result in huge long-term gains.
