Ever thought of converting a rotation into a job offer? Many graduating PA-S II should begin planning their careers while there are still training. Technically speaking, what better time than when you’re rotating through a particular clerkship to make a favorable impression on a would-be employer rather than wait until after your graduate.
So why not get a head start now before you’re forgotten and/or lost in the shuffle? It’s easier than most students would think. But you must be willing to implement 6 actions during this time while you’re “apprenticing” as a student; all while uncovering essential information while exercising professionalism & educating yourself as a regular job-hunter would in their job search. Thus, researching the practice, employer early not only will help transition you into your 1st job but also do well in your final grade as well.
In this article, I will share six tips from an insider that will help get your foot in the door, to land that coveted job of yours, here they are:
Tip # 1: Be an Invested Mentee:
Always assure them know with your enthusiastic disposition that you are willing to participate, learn and contribute from all patient presentations even as a student rather than being a passive selective observant. You must build an unforgettable positive picture of yourself by showing a willingness to be actively involved even in the minutiae of any case. Implicitly and explicitly express & remind them of your “availability” even beyond what’s commonly assigned or expected for a student in a clinical rotation. Always maintain a highly visible profile/presence. Conversely don't be a pest or dead wood.
Tip # 2: Be an open-minded Mentee:
Even if you think you’re not interested in a particular aspect of the specialty. Let’s say geriatric cases are very appealing to you but not doing lumbar punctures per se, then that could be a minus against you. In other words, you would be sabotaging your chances if this surfaces in the open. This would be tantamount to the “kiss of death” if you were to vocalize such disinterest or infer it to a preceptor during the rotation. Develop the attitude and mindset that you want to learn every skill possible under the sun for that or any other rotation. Minimize disqualifying yourself from potential consideration or from building your skill set early in the game. The more varied your skill set the more marketable you are when faced with competition.
Tip # 3: Be a Truthfully Humble Mentee:
Do not be arrogant. The difference in being confident is being aware and assured in your abilities & limitations. Especially when responding to “pimped questions” by the mentor. Even unintended non-malicious deceptiveness never bodes well with hiring potential employers.
Truthfully, is always best to say you do not know the answer or are unsure, however, you would do your best effort to research the answer to the question posed rather than guess at the answer your preceptor is looking for. Surely you will be more respected if you know and acknowledge your limited knowledge at hand. Not knowing or being a “walking Harrison’s” is not a “crime” nor a sign of “weakness” as sometimes we’re led to believe.
Tip # 4: Be an Appreciative Mentee:
Grateful people are remembered fondly; so be mindful and thankful for everyone you met during the rotation including administrative staff, ancillary clinical staff, and housekeepers or operators, etc. Not expressing your gratitude for their time and/or effort in assisting you in your development is not only inconsiderate but downright the surest way to fall out of favor if an opportunity ever presented itself in the form of a job offer. The key here is to have ready and pass a few handwritten thank you cards, or a batch of homemade cookies or brownies. Nothing says “thank you” better than such a selfless gesture and token of consideration in their eyes.
Tip # 5 Be a Professional Mentee:
Nowadays healthcare workers are increasingly hurried –and patients as well. This makes it easy to be abrupt, stressed out, or easily become impatient with others. Remember we’re all humans and occasionally can say or do things that may come across as inconsiderate or at worst, self-centered. The key here is to always take “the high road” when dealing with others. Respectful interactions mean treating others as you would like to be treated yourself. By conducting yourself under this philosophy you are showing your cultural sensitivity and a high degree of maturity that very few can match. In summary, being friendly towards others makes you a standout in the minds of those whose path you crossed even if they meant no ill will towards you.
Tip # 6: Be an "Investigative" Mentee:
Always be cognizant of the practice or organizational cultural values, strengths, and weaknesses and see if they match yours as a potential workplace you would like to be part of when starting out of school. It’s perfectly acceptable to express or demonstrate your interest in returning as an “employee”. If that’s the case, covey this during the near end of the rotation to different team members, key preceptors, and/or hiring authorities.
“Investigate” before leaving by asking if they would consider hiring somebody with your background and personality profile. Go ahead, and submit a resume, but only if they are as interested as you are. You uncover the fact that they would be willing to consider “grooming” you once on board. Be ready with your elevator sales pitch -- to explain in 30 seconds or less your desire to join the group, but more so how would you fit in. Yet, more importantly, how will they benefit from hiring you instead of someone else. For most employers that always seem to loom big in their minds, and/or the biggest hurdle to overcome for newly minted PAs.
