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Job offers do not always come to the most advanced or best qualified optometrists. Many times they go to the one who gives the best first impression.
Before employers will invite you through the front door for an interview, you need to catch their attention with a winning curriculum vitae. Don’t let your application get a one-way ticket to the recycle bin. Here are seven tips to put your curriculum vitae into the “yes” stack.
- Be an English major (or get to know one) – For the sake of all those who will read your application, please have it proofread by someone good at grammar and punctuation. Your parents were taught these rules in school, but you may have forgotten since texting and tweeting do not require them. If your CV looks like it was texted, you might want to see if Starbucks is hiring.
- Make an impression – First impressions are huge, so they should be face-to-face if at all possible. Try to give your CV to one of the hiring doctors in person if at all possible. Optometrist employers are looking for individuals who have the courage to step forward and ask for a job. Your boldness will show you can and will take initiative if hired.
- Use multi-channel distribution – The evolution of technology has left many optometry practices in various phases of change, so you must be flexible in distributing your CV. Be prepared to offer your CV in print, email, Facebook, jump drive, or YouTube for the convenience of your future employer.
- -Study the job description – Too many times our CVs are one-size-fits-all. The individual reading CVs to decide who to interview will bypass these one-size-fits-all CVs and choose the ones with genuine answers and information tailored to fit the job description.
- Be a people person – When listing your skills on your CV, make sure you showcase the ones that are related to working with people. This will demonstrate a knack for networking and a willingness to get out and meet people.
- Communicate assertiveness in your experience – Use words that communicate you are a “make it happen” type of person. Such words as “achieved” and “successfully implemented” are words that demonstrate assertiveness.
- Always be current – Employers want to see what you have been doing recently. Keep your CV up to date by adding any new relevant experiences, skills, or projects.
Finding a great optometry job has become increasingly difficult as more optometrists are graduating and seeking employment. Unfortunately, graduating does not guarantee a job. Getting hired requires taking the education you received and working hard to set yourself apart from the pack. Be different, be memorable, and be employed by using the seven tips above.
