Applying to jobs but not getting interviews?

Revisit your resume! Sometimes when you are not getting called in for interviews, this could mean either your resume is not getting past an applicant tracking system or is not succinctly showcasing your abilities. Remember, you want to tailor your resume (and cover letter) to each position you apply for. 

• Visit our Resume Tips & Support page

Getting interviews but no offers?

Practice your interviewing skills! You can practice mock interviews alone, with friends or family, or Career Services.

• Review a list of behavioral questions on the Interview Items page

General Tips

• When applying for jobs, make sure you are at least or around 70% qualified. You do not need to be 100% qualified for a position in order to apply!

• Apply directly to company websites! 

Hard Skills (Perishable)

The technical skills you learn when in school or at work. They are quantifiable and showcase if you can perform the job at hand. (I.e. taking vitals, data entry). Skills you continually need to work on to keep up with industry standards.

Soft Skills (Durable)

The personality habits/traits you have. These showcase how you will act as an employee. (I.e. teamwork, customer service skills).  

To Know

• Each employer is different and looks for a different combination of both hard and soft skills  

• Showcase on your resume the hard and soft skills that you think would be most coveted by the employer  

• Soft skills are just as important as hard skills and are equally as desired 

Willing to Start Over

• Regardless of your experience in another industry, you may need to be willing to take title and pay cuts to get your foot in the door.

• You have to be able to establish your skills and abilities in your new role in healthcare.

• Know that the healthcare field is growing and pay cuts may not last long

Volunteer

• One way to prove you have the skills required for the job

• You can start to build your network in the healthcare field

• See what you like and dislike about healthcare - where you want to work

Use Your Existing Experience

• The soft (transferable/durable) skills you used in previous industries can be useful for healthcare

• Make sure you include your relevant experience in your resume and cover letter/relate your previous experience and education to the positions you are applying for

• Examples: Teamwork, working under pressure, customer service skills, etc.

Non-Traditional Job Search

• Ask your friends, family, and professional network if they know of any job openings - you can even contact your doctor's office!

• A professional or personal recommendation goes a long way - ask professors and previous managers

Update Cover Letter, Resume, & LinkedIn

• Express your desire to change careers, to learn, and tell them your passion

• How your existing skills relate to the job change

• What you have done to help the transition (i.e. education, volunteering, etc.)

Be Patient

• Stay motivated and focused - It takes time when switching career fields!

• Keep in contact with your Online Career Services Team - we are here to help!

Why is it so Important?

• Affects many aspects of your career (e.g., how you are perceived, respect others have for you, effective communication, career success, etc.)

• Ensures proper communication/information is not missed or misinterpreted.

• Lack of professionalism can lead to the breakdown of team dynamics, resulting in a decrease in productivity, resentment between colleagues, being passed up for promotions, or even loss of employment.

Do's

• Dress professionally and show up on time

• Take accountability and learn from mistakes

• Follow through on commitments

• Treat everyone with the same amount of respect, no matter their job title

• Engage in open, collaborative teamwork

Don'ts

• Argue every single time you disagree with someone

• Show up late

• Only respond to emails that benefit you

• Leave out important information in communication

• Blame others for your mistakes

Communication (Email, Verbal, etc.)

• Applies to workplace, school, and personal use

• Each interaction will impact how others view you

• Read emails entirely

• Reply respectfully, with appropriate grammar and tone

• Reply in a timely manner (1-2 business days is standard across most industries)

• Even if there is not much to say, acknowledge and thank the sender

• If you do not have an answer, let the sender know you are looking into it, and when they can expect to hear back 

Remember!

• When applying for jobs, use a professional email!

  • • Do NOT use "nicknames" or anything unprofessional (e.g. PimaHorseGirl is unprofessional)

    • We recommend to use iterations of your legal name/numbers

• Professionalism is a habit and requires effort

• Not one person is perfect - we all make mistakes!

• The KEY is to recognize when you make mistakes AND knowing your shortcomings and where you can improve.

• By always trying your best and being respectful, that kind of attitude will extend to the rest of your work relationships and improve both efficiency and communication.

Common Job Titles and Health Care Industries

• • • HCA, AAS Job Titles and Environments (pmi.edu)

    • HCA, BS Job Titles and Environments (pmi.edu)

    • Program Director Curated Job Titles List

    • Career Services Curated Job Titles List

**Please note, the jobs you are qualified for will be dependent on both your education, work experience, and the specific skill set you have developed. You may not be qualified for or interested in each job on the above resources. These are simply intended to help provide you with guidance on what to use for your search terms so you can research job postings and the required qualifications.**

• Please keep in mind that different companies can potentially require a different level of education for the same job title.

• When job searching, always keep in mind that your education and experience are equally important!

Do you have questions, or would you like further Job Search Support? You can contact Online Career Services HERE!

Are you an active student or graudate of another Online program and would like Job Search Support? You can reach out to Online Career Services HERE!