How to Expedite Your Job Search

While looking for a new job can be an extremely frustrating experience, your efforts will be more quickly rewarded if you do a little preparation ahead of time. This doesn’t mean you need to spend all of your free-time updating your resume and scanning job sites for potential employers. Of course “pounding the pavement” does tend to speed the process along, however I’ve got a few tips to help you expedite your job search.

Really Take a Look at Why You’re Looking for Work

Has your existing job worn you out? Have you suddenly found yourself in desperate need of a change? Maybe you feel like you’ve fallen into a rut and are having trouble advancing your career. Perhaps you’ve been passed up for a promotion? Or maybe, you’re planning a move and simply need to find a new place to work? It could even be you simple want a change of environment and pace. You need to really take a look at why you are looking for work. Once you know why you’re looking for a new job, you will be able to figure out exactly what you want.

Figure Out Exactly What You Want

I know this may sound so simple I shouldn’t even need to mention it, but you’d be surprised how many people start looking for work before they have determined what they really want. I’m not necessarily talking about a job title or position, although that is important, I mean what do you want out of your new job? How do you want your new job to be different than your old job?

• Do you want to work in a larger office with plenty of room for advancement or would you prefer a smaller office with more of a close-knit family feel?
• Do you want a job where your employer encourages, and maybe even helps pay for and facilitate, continuing education classes?
• Is professional advancement important to you?
• Do you want or need specific hours?
• Would you rather work close to home or are you open to a short commute?
• What level of compensation are you looking to get? Do you have a specific range or minimum amount you seek?
• What type of benefits do you want?

Determine Your One Defining Factor

Once you know why you are looking and what you want exactly, now it’s time to figure out what the one key factor is in determining whether or not you will accept an extended job offer. What is the one defining factor which will get you to accept or cause you to pass up an offer?

Only at this point will you be able to update your resume appropriately and truly begin your job search. Should you need assistance with writing a powerful resume or you are looking for a position in the healthcare industry, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the various job listings and other resources at your disposal.

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates in positions throughout the United States. If you are actively looking for work as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, nurse practitioner or dentist, please feel free to visit my website or contact me at 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Job Seeker Interview Tips You Need to Know

If you are in the market for a new job, it is important you know how to prepare for and what to do doing any interviews you may procure. While writing your resume may have seemed like the most daunting task, it is often just the first step in your job hunt and, in reality, is only used to get your foot in the door. Once you do that, your goal becomes selling yourself to a point where you receive one or more job offers.

Although people have different ideas on what actions they need to take to prepare for a job interview, here are some job seeker interview tips you need to know:

Do Your Research and Prep Work Ahead of Time

It is always best to know before you go. Research your potential employer. Find out what the business is all about. Understand how the position you are applying for fits in to the overall company goals and objectives. Learn a little about the individual who will be conducting your interview. These actions will help you familiarize yourself and enable you to answer interview questions more intelligently.

You should also take some time and figure out how you would answer some of the more common interview questions. You don’t have to memorize your answers, but simply formulate what you may want to say ahead of time if you are asked to:

• “Tell me about yourself.” aka give a succinct overview of you as a professional
• Explain what interests you most about the position
• Talk about why you left or are planning to leave your last job
• Explain why you would be the best candidate for the position
• Tell the interviewer what you know about the company
• Give examples of times you used the particular skills required of the job (e.g. problem solving, handling patient issues, dealing with customer complaints, overcoming work-related obstacles, etc.)
• Express your career goals (be sure to include how the position fits into your goals)
• Give the interviewer your desired salary range

Doing your research and prep work ahead of time will help you be more at ease and minimize your chances of getting thrown off guard during your interview.

Be Sure to Dress for Success

You always want to be sure to dress for success regardless of where you are interviewing. Professionalism is a quality most employers look for in potential employees and what you wear has a significant impact on how you are perceived. Those who dress professional and carry themselves well are generally taken as more serious applicants than those who don’t bother taking the time.

Arrive to Your Scheduled Interview on Time

Arriving late to a job interview is never a good idea. In fact, you’ll probably want to arrive at least 10-15 minutes ahead of time to check in, complete any additional paperwork and get yourself settled. Allow for traffic and unexpected delays on the way to your interview. As long as you factor these in, you’ll be on time and ready to go. It is also wise to go to the restroom, check your hair, makeup and clothes, use a breath mint as needed, and turn off your cell phone before you head into your interview. Just make sure you do each of these without making your interviewer wait.

Make a Great First Impression

People tend to make judgements quite quickly and trying to change a person’s impression of you later on is much more difficult than going the extra mile the first time around. This is why most people are well aware of the importance of making a good first impression with the individual doing their job interview. Unfortunately, what they often forget is all of the other people they meet along the way. Be friendly to each person you encounter. Say hello. Smile. Make eye contact. How you come across in those first few moments can mean the difference between you being given an offer and you not even being considered.

Do Your Best to Avoid Bad Habits

It is not uncommon for people to develop certain bad habits over time. In many cases, we may not even be aware of these habits or how they come across. Making a conscious effort to avoid habits like slouching down in your chair, mumbling, tapping your nails, playing with your hair, biting on a pen, crossing your arms in front of your chest or daydreaming. Focus on:

• Sitting up straight
• Maintaining eye contact
• Smiling
• Staying attentive
• Nodding
• Speaking clearly
• Expressing interest
• Making natural gestures

You want to come across naturally, comfortable and professional. Don’t let your bad habits ruin what could be a potentially great career move.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Asking questions during a job interviews is often taken as a sign as to whether or not an individual is interested in the position. It is for this reason most interviewers want the people they are interviewing to ask questions about the job, the company, the role they will play, how job performance will be measured, expectations and what the future of the organization may hold.

Don’t Sell Yourself Short

When doing a job interview, you cannot assume your resume will do all the talking and the individual most qualified for the job (which you hope is you) will receive an offer. When you go in for a job interview, it is up to you to sell yourself. Highlight your best qualities and qualifications, and make sure your interviewer knows why you’d be the best fit. Don’t sell yourself short. If you’ve got the skills for the job and you want the job, it is up to you to make the sale by getting the job offer.

Get Help Finding Your Ideal Job

The People Link is a professional recruitment service which specializes in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates in positions throughout the U.S. If you are looking for a job in the healthcare industry, please visit our website to review our current job listings and the job seeker services we offer. You can also call 888-773-0014 today for a free, no-obligation job consultation.

The Importance of Checking References

Checking references is a vital part of the hiring process. While a candidate may look very good on paper, as most people will do what they can to highlight their positive qualities and make their resumes stand out, it is important to validate the information they provide.  In fact, one of the only ways an employer often has of verifying the employment history, experience and skills listed on a resume is through a reference check.

Failing to conduct reference checks could mean you and your company end up with employees who are unable to do the jobs they've been assigned, or who perform poorly, despite their ability to gloss through their initial interview.

How References Can Help Make Sure You're Getting a Good Candidate

Employers who want to make sure they are getting a good candidate should, at the very least:

• Contact one reference towards the beginning of the recruitment process, so they know if they want to continue.
• Follow up with a second reference prior to making an offer.
• Contacting a third reference, if either of the two prior references brought into question the individual's work ethic or experience.

Be wary of fake referees. Sometimes people will list co-workers as previous employers to ensure they get a better review. Asking what the referee's relationship was with the candidate will help eliminate this problem. 

Types of Questions to Ask During a Reference Check

Knowing the right questions to ask during a reference check can determine whether you will learn anything about the applicant or simply have the wool pulled over your eyes. Consider each reference check as an opportunity to uncover the real story about the individual you are looking at hiring. Is this person reliable? What is his or her behavior like in the workplace? Does he or she have strong communication abilities? How are his or her decision-making skills? How does the person deal with time management?

In addition to gathering basic information to confirm dates of employment, duties performed, on-the-job performance and responsibilities held, you may also want to consider asking questions like:

• What are the applicant's strengths and weaknesses?
• Could the individual be held responsible for completing projects and meeting deadlines without extensive intervention?
• How did the individual react after making a mistake?
• What types of obstacles did the individual face on the job? What did he or she do to overcome these obstacles?
• How does he or she operate as part of a team?
• What was it like working with the person?
• Why did he or she leave?
• Would you work with the individual again if given the opportunity?
• Is there anything else I should know about this person?

Keep in mind you want to elicit honest answers to your questions. Do not put words in the person's mouth as while this may give you a glowing review of the candidate, it could cover up more serious issues which should have been revealed during the reference check. 

Streamline the Hiring Process

The People Link is a professional recruitment service which specializes in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates in positions throughout the U.S. If you are looking for top-of-the-line individuals to fill vacant positions, simply let us know what you are looking for and we can help you find it. We conduct interviews prior to sending you applicants, and help gather references on your behalf. To find out more about the services we offer, please visit our website or call Mya at 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

Are You Hanging On To Employees Longer Than You Should?

Many employers may have a difficult time letting go of an employee, even when that employee has become extremely problematic, unproductive, incompetent at his or her job, or is the subject of extensive disciplinary actions. These employees are not interested in being part of the team. They simply generate chaos and hinder production. You can spot these employees because they don't respond to constructive feedback, tend to renege on agreements, refuse to take responsibility for their own actions and don't take others' needs into consideration.

What employers with dead weight do not often realize is holding on to such employees is not beneficial to them or their business. In actual fact, keeping these employees on does far more harm than good.

Reasons You May Be Hesitant to Let an Employee Go

It is not uncommon for a dead weight employee to try and make him- or herself appear irreplaceable or invaluable to the company where he or she works. Many times this makes it harder for a boss to identify dead weight and let the employee go.

Resolving this problem starts with looking at some of the reasons you may be hesitant to let an employee go:

• The employee has been with your company for a very long time
• The employee is a family member or friend
• The employee has developed such a positive rapport with your clients, you're worried about the potential backlash
• The employee has proprietary information you're worried will leak out
• You can't imagine anyone else doing the employee's job
• You're worried about the income you may lose
• You are afraid of violating labor laws
• You don't like confrontation
• You've begun to second guess your decision

Let me tell you this with certainty, even if you feel terminating a dead weight employee may cost you in income, staff or clients, the exact opposite is probably true. Getting rid of a bad apple in the mix will usually improve conditions. At the very least, you will prevent ill-will amongst your staff, save yourself a lot of lost time and frustration, and even reduce the risk of losing good employees and clients.

Signs You Have An Employee Who Needs to Be Replaced

As long as you can identify a dead weight employee, you can take action to remedy the situation. Some of the most easily-spotted signs you have an employee who needs to be replaced includes:

• Continual dishonesty and lies of commission or omission
• Incompetence on the job, despite extensive training, coaching, practice and a reasonable amount of time for the employee to adjust and adapt
• Flat out refusal to do the job or operate as a member of your team
• Undependable; cannot be counted upon to be on-time, adhere to deadlines or keep commitments
• Engages in unethical behavior such as: harassment, in-office bullying, or other activities in violation of your company's code of conduct

If you have an employee who fits into this category, it is likely he or she needs to be replaced.

Bringing In a Competent Replacement

Most employees are willing to work hard, be a contributing member of your team and help your business thrive. This should make it relatively easy to bring in a competent replacement for any dead weight employee you need to terminate. Once you have made the decision to free yourself of the bad apples, we are here to help.

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates in positions throughout the U.S. All you need to do is let us know what you are looking for and we can help you find it. To learn more about the various services we offer, please visit our website or call Mya at 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

How to Spot Promise in a Potential Employee

Hiring can be a difficult task at times, particularly when you aren't 100 percent sure the characteristics you are looking for or the qualities you really seek. Although many employers would agree that hiring a skilled, qualified and experienced employee is a guaranteed bet, other factors must be considered. Keep in mind, the promise in a potential employee cannot necessarily be seen on his or her resume.

When it is your job to interview potential employees, day in and day out, you kind of develop a knack for being able to spot potential. Again, when I say potential, I'm not talking simply about which individual has the highest skill level or the most experience. What I'm referring to is being able to determine which of the potential employees you are interviewing is going to be of the greatest benefit to you and your company? Which individual will be willing to work the hardest, excel at the tasks he or she is given, and become part of your dedicated team? How do you spot these precious gems? What type of people do you want to avoid?

If you know how to spot promise in a potential employee, you'll have a much greater chance of being able to successfully staff your office, build your company up and ultimately succeed.

Signs You Have a Motivated Job Applicant

Spotting a motivated job applicant doesn't take much when you know the signs. Much of what will tell you whether an applicant is motivated or not is in what he or she says. Be careful not to overlook these key signs when doing job interviews, or you may miss out on potentially wonderful assets.

• Expresses sincere interest in the company, what it does and how they fit in.
• Talks about their own strengths and skills, and how this would help in aiding the company's expansion and success once they are brought on board.
• Speaks about their motivation, i.e. why they got into this particular profession and the goals they would like to achieve (both personally and as part of your group).
• Has a personal conviction about their potential position and willingness to do the tasks assigned.

What to Watch Out for During the Interview Process

Once you have reviewed a person's resume and determined he or she may be a potential candidate for a specific position within your company, your next step is to schedule an interview. Spotting promise during this interview is easy, so long as you know to watch out for these tell-tale signs:

• Is the individual more concerned with the benefits he or she will be getting?
• Is the individual talking a lot about time off? Schedules? Over-time?
• Does he or she seem to have attention on what the bare minimum is to get paid?
• Does the individual seem more interested in what he or she will get from the company, rather than what he or she can lend to its success?
• Is the individual more interested in personal gain than providing an excellent service to the company and its public?

These are all potential signs an individual is less duty-motivated and not quite as team-oriented as you may want. What you want is to hire an employee who not only has integrity, personal conviction and takes pride in his or her own work, but one who realizes the success of the company is beneficial to all. Those individuals who are willing to work hard to contribute towards your company's growth are worth their weight in gold. Let the others go. They'll only pull you down in the long run.

Finding the Right Fit

Good employees do exist, if you know what to look for and where to look. The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates in positions throughout the 50 states. To find out more about the services we offer, please visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

How to Maximize the Productivity of New Employees

Hiring new employees to fill key roles in your organization is extremely important. If positions are allowed to go unfilled, it can lead to heavy workloads, low morale, disgruntled staff, patients not receiving the high quality service for which your group is known and other long-term complications.

Although the hiring process can be lengthy at times, once you have found an ideal employee the question becomes how to maximize his or her production as quickly as possible. You don't want to have new hires fumbling around with low morale due to lack of productivity. What you want is for your new employees to become valuable assets to your team in very short order, as this will not only make your job easier, it will improve your employee retention rate and the ability to provide your patients with top-notch service. 

Ways to Help Your New Hires Succeed

When a new employee is hired, he or she is generally eager to please and willing to do what is necessary to meet or exceed the employer's expectations. It is your job as an employer to help make sure this happens, particularly if you want to retain the employees you worked so hard to procure. The first few days are crucial, but these tips can help you ensure the success of your new hires:

1. Educate your new employees on the business itself, its core operations, as well as how their position interacts with other positions and the success of the organization. You want them to understand how your business creates value to the consumer, i.e. why you do what you do.
2. Make sure your new employees understand their specific job description. This way they will know exactly what their job entitles (and what it doesn't), so no confusions will arise.
3. Figure out reasonable expectations for your new employees and then clearly lay out these expectations. Many new employees fail simply because they are unaware of what is needed and  required of them.
4. Take the time to train the employees and give them adequate time to learn. A new employee is not necessarily going to be able to jump right in and do the work as fast or efficiently as people who have been with you for years. Consider the learning curve.
5. Eliminate any internal, organizational roadblocks or red tape which could prevent the employees from being able to do their jobs.
6. Keep the employees motivated. When a new employee does something right, be sure to praise those actions as this will encourage such behavior to continue. When mistakes are made, correct and provide constructive feedback so the employee will learn and hopefully avoid similar behavior in the future.
7. Do routine performance reviews or evaluations. These are simple way to identify and address any issues or concerns employees may have. It also provides you with an opportunity to maintain communication with your employees and potentially nip any problems in the bud.
8. Be sure you and your staff are willing to have new employees join your team, and willing to listen to and potentially adopt any ideas which might streamline production.  New employees can sometimes bring a fresh perspective and level of experience your organization may not have previously enjoyed. Revel in it, rather than shunning it.
9. Last, but not least, if you observe a new employee struggling, step in to find out what's going on. Was something missed in his or her training? Is he or she running into obstacles you can help resolve? Is there a personality conflict? Is he or she distracted by personal problems? Taking a few moments to help uncover or address an apparent obstacle can do wonders when it comes to improving work performance...a fact you would do well not to ignore.

Staff Retention Doesn't Have to Be a Mystery

Retaining new staff doesn't have to be difficult. It's really no mystery. If you have found the right employee, he or she is willing to learn and adapt to a new environment, and you take into account the ways you can help your new hires succeed, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised with the results. Most disciplinary actions or employee dismissals will result from lack of proper training/acclimation to the organization. Of course there are always exceptions. Hopefully those will be few and far in between.

Following these simple tips can help improve productivity among new hires and help your employees succeed, which is exactly what you want!

For help with getting open healthcare positions filled, please do not hesitate to call us at 888-773-0014 or visit our website for a complete list of the services we offer.  The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, dentists and other healthcare candidates around the U.S.

Resume Tips to Get You Noticed

Pursuing a job in the healthcare industry is not always a simple task. Even when it seems as if countless positions are available, the competition can be quite tough and getting your foot in the door may feel next to impossible. One single job may elicit hundreds of applicants. So, the question is, how do you get yourself noticed? How do you secure an interview for a highly-coveted job?

If you are currently pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, the one tool you have to get yourself noticed and give you a fighting chance over other applicants is your resume. Before an employer is going to schedule any interviews, he or she is going to first look over the resumes which have been submitted to figure out which ones seem to show promise. You can't expect an employer to waste time on conducting an interview if the applicant is not qualified for the position in question, doesn't have the necessary skills or does not have sufficient experience to meet their current demands. Resumes are how employers narrow the field.

It is for this reason you need to invest the time in making sure your resume fits the bill. While updating your resume can be one of the most time-consuming steps when beginning a job search, it is also one of the most essential. Without a good resume, your chances of getting noticed diminish dramatically.

These five factors must be included in your resume if you want any chance of securing an interview:  

Clear Statement of Your Objective

In this section of your resume, you will need to make a clear statement of your objective and where it is you intend your career to go. Of course your main objective is to get the job, but you also need to lay out your career direction, while at the same time letting the employer know you are an exact match for the position they need to fill.

Don't make a generic statement here. Lay out where you have been and where you plan to go as a result of your employment with their company. Regardless of your past jobs and experience, your objective can help catch an employer's eye and let him or her know they've found an ideal match.

Complete Summation of Your Education

Adding a complete, yet concise, summary of your education is key in letting a potential employer know you have the degrees and/or qualifications they have deemed necessary. For example, a company looking for a Physical Therapist Assistant will want to know the applicant they are interviewing has completed an accredited PTA program, obtained an associate's degree and is licensed to work in the state where the company is located. Just because someone has experience as an Executive Assistant doesn't mean he or she is qualified to be a PTA.

Listing your education and degrees towards the top of your resume will make it easy for a potential employer to see you have what is takes.

Your Job Experience

The job experience section of your resume needs to include a list of jobs you have worked regardless of whether it was full-time, part-time, as an intern or independent contractor. At the very least, you'll need to list:

• Names of the companies where you were employed.
• City and state where each was located.
• Position you held (If you held multiple positions, list the last one you held.)
• Period you were in the company's employ. (This should be listed Month/Year to Month/Year.)
• A brief description or bullet list highlighting the responsibilities you had.

This list should be complete, yet need not drag on and on. Be brief in your summation. Include any important information or data you consider relevant to the position for which you are applying. Structure this section so it is easy for an employer to scan over your past employment and see how you might fit into their organization.

Specific Achievements

Listing out your specific achievements is a way to allow employers to see what you brought to your previous companies and what you could potentially bring should you be hired. Here is where you can list specific examples of how you:

• Saved the company time
• Improved sales and income potential
• Sped up production
• Improved quality of services
• Initiatives you introduced
• A positive difference you made
• Successful projects you were part of or ran
• Organizational issues you resolved

Be sure to use percentages and numbers to highlight extent of your achievements.

A Detailed List of Your Skills

This next section should be a detailed list of your skills. Depending on the position for which you are applying, your skills could either help you secure an interview or lose out on a job for which you may be the ideal candidate.

If you are applying to be a physical therapist, you'll want to include not only your science and motor skills but also your ability to plan health care treatments, work as a member of a team, provide detailed instructions to patients, understand patients' needs, observe and diagnose different situations, make decisions, problem solve, as well as have strong communication abilities.  

Now this may be just the beginning of a good resume, however it will give you a good start.

For a more in-depth look at what it takes to produce a powerful resume potential employers are bound to read, I urge you to download this eBook. If you are interested in having your resume written for you, The People Link offers a professional resume writing service as well.

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates in positions across the country. To find out more about the various job-seeker services we offer, please visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

Tips to Help You Get Your Ideal Dental Job

From childhood through adulthood, people rely on dentists to help them maintain the health of their teeth, gums and mouth, as well as diagnose and address any dental problems which may arise. This means a dentist is one of those careers you can count on to be in high demand for a long time to come. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of dentists in the United States is expected to grow at a much higher rate (around 18 percent between 2014 and 2024) than the average for all occupations.

So, whether you are right out of dental school, looking to join a new practice, planning to relocate, or simply wanting to shift the focus of your career into a particular specialty area, it is important you know how to define your objectives so you can properly conduct a job search. If you don't, you could end up selling yourself short or settling for a less-than-ideal job.

These basic tips can dramatically improve your chances of getting the dental job you deserve:

Make Sure Your Resume Highlights Your Strengths

The first action you should take before beginning your job search is to update your resume, taking care to highlight your strengths. Focus on your education, clinical skills and expertise. If you have obtained particular certifications, make it known. Do not be afraid to flaunt your abilities. You need to stand out from other applicants and your resume is one of the key ways to accomplish that.

Many resources exist to simplify creating a powerful resume to help you get your foot in the door. You can also seek assistance from a professional resume writing service. The key is to make sure your resume is professional and showcases you and your abilities.

NOTE: You may want to tweak your resume according to the specific job you are pursuing. For example, if you are planning to apply for a position as a Pediatric Dentist, your resume should focus on your pediatric dentistry experience and accomplishments.

Dental Associates: Salaried Compensation or Percentage of Production?

Another point you will want to consider before applying for a dental job is whether the practice is interested in hiring you as an associate and paying you a flat salary, a salary with potential production bonuses, or a percentage of the collections. While benefits do exist for each of these, you need to figure out which situation is most suited for your needs and future. Don't be afraid to ask:

Will you be earning a salary or percentage of the practice's income?

Is a guaranteed salary being offered, with an additional percentage of collections? How much can you expect to receive overall?

If a salaried compensation is being offered, is it at least commensurate to the average salary for a dentist? Payscale lists the median salary for a dentist in the U.S. at $123,942, however salary will depend greatly on where the practice is located, your certifications and other key factors. Many dentists can make between $120,000 and $200,000 or more per year.

If you are being offered a percentage, what is the percentage? Will your percentage be for production or collections? How much does the practice make on average? Will earning a percentage put you in the range of income you require?

 If a flat minimum daily, weekly or monthly rate is being offered, can you also earn bonuses? What are the bonus tiers?

You should also be sure to find out whether the dental practice is interested in hiring new graduates, or only individuals with a minimum amount of experience. This too can affect income and hiring success.

Professional References Can Make All the Difference

While your resume will do a lot to help you stand out above other potential job applicants, professional references can make all the difference. Take time and care when adding references to your resume. Don't list just anyone as a reference. List individuals who have an in-depth familiarity with your skills, abilities, education, and strengths.

In instances where you are applying for a specialty position, or applying to a practice which focuses on a particular area (such as a pediatric dental office), be sure to list references of previous employers, dentist and co-workers who have knowledge on your expertise in this area. Employers often depend heavily on references and listing individuals who sing your praise is always beneficial.

Don't Sell Yourself Short

Although you may not want to tout your own horn too loudly, it is equally as key to not sell yourself short. Obtaining a degree as a dentist is quite an accomplishment, and if you have furthered your career by becoming a cosmetic dentist, endodontist, pediatric dentist, periodontist or orthodontist, you can be a valuable asset to any dental practice. Even in cases where a practice may only be looking for a general dentist, you being a dental specialist in another area could have career benefits later on.

By following these simple tips, you can hone your job search and increase your chances of finding the position right for you.

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates around the U.S. If you are a seasoned dentist or new dental graduate who is actively looking for work, please feel free to check out our current job listings, visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Certifications Physical Therapists Require

Physical therapists (PTs), like most healthcare professionals, are required to obtain specific certifications before they will be allowed to begin practicing in their given field. By completing the required curriculum, clinical education and hands-on training, it significantly helps to improve the chances that the physical therapist will be able to perform his or her duties knowledgeably, professionally, with confidence and to industry standards.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree

The first certification a physical therapist is required to have is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. In the past, PTs could opt to pursue a Master of Physical Therapy degree or a Master of Science in Physical Therapy degree, however neither of these are currently being offered in the United States. To practice as a PT in the U.S., you must obtain a degree from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). As it currently stands, 233 accredited PT programs exist throughout the country.  

State Licensing

Once you have completed your education and obtained a DPT degree, your next step will be to take and pass the national physical therapy exam (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). This exam allows the FSBPT to assess a new graduate’s basic, entry-level competence following graduation to, "...help ensure that only those individuals who have the requisite knowledge of physical therapy are licensed in the physical therapy field." and "To help regulatory authorities evaluate candidates and provide standards that are comparable from jurisdiction to jurisdiction."

Individual states may have additional requirements for licensure, such as passing the jurisprudence exam designed to test your knowledge on state laws and rules or completing a specified amount of practical experience. The law does require PTs to be licensed in each state in which they intend to practice.

Specialty Certification

If you are interested in becoming a specialist in a particular area of physical therapy, you can continue your education so as to become a board-certified specialist in any of these areas:

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Geriatrics
• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Women's Health

Oftentimes obtaining board certification can help a physical therapist gain entry into a particular area of practice or acquire a job he or she may not have otherwise been qualified to hold. Board-certification may also lead to increased opportunities and income.

National Provider Identifier

All physical therapists and other healthcare providers are required to have a unique and standard National Provider Identifier (NPI) as part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. This 10-digit identification number is to be used by the covered individual for all administrative and financial transactions between other providers, health plans, clearinghouses or other entities which may require the number for valid purposes.

The purpose of assigning a number to each healthcare provider is to improve efficiency and effectiveness as it pertains to the electronic transmission of healthcare records and vital information.

To apply for an NPI, individuals can go to the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System website, create a login and complete the application. It is recommended all new graduates do this step as soon as possible following graduation.

Medicare Number

Another certification most employers will want an applying PT to have is a Medicare number. Any physician or non-physician practitioner who plans at some point to bill Medicare for services will need to have a Medicare number. It doesn't matter whether you are an individual practitioner or under another person's employ, a Medicare number will be a necessity.

Medicare Enrollment Applications can be obtained through the Department of Health & Human Services website. All applicants need to do is download, print and fill out their Medicare enrollment application, then mail it in to get the process started.

Why Choose Physical Therapy?

Looking to get into the healthcare industry? Whether it be as a first-time job or a career change later in life, physical therapy is one of the fastest growing fields in the United States. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the demand for physical therapists is expected to continue climbing until at least 2020. Even Forbes listed PTs as one of the "10 Jobs In High Demand That Require A College Degree." In total, the healthcare industry had four jobs which made this list: physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, medical and health services manager, and registered nurse. Needless to say, those looking for a career with long-term potential would be wise to consider physical therapy or another career in the healthcare industry.

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates around the U.S. If you are a PT graduate or soon-to-be graduate who is actively looking for a job, please feel free to check out our current job listings, visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Attention New PT Graduates: Are you Sabotaging Your Own Interviews?

Once an individual graduates from a physical therapy (PT) program and obtains his or her degree, the next obvious step is to find a job. While some graduates may already have jobs lined up ahead of time, others will have to begin what could be a very long job hunt involving sending in their resumes, doing interview after interview, and working hard to market themselves to potential employers.

Even when new graduates have great qualifications, lots of hands-on experience, a strong work ethic or board-certification in one of the specialty areas of physical therapy, what these graduates may not realize is they could be sabotaging their own job interviews without even knowing it by omitting one simple step. In some instances, neglecting to apply for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) and Medicare number could be all it takes to prevent you from beating out the competition.

Applying for Your NPI and Medicare Number Now Could Make You More Desirable to Employers

Having both an NPI number and a Medicare number is essential for any physician or non-physician practitioner like a physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech language pathologist. These numbers are a form of identification issued by the federal government to health care providers for the purpose of improving efficiency in the healthcare industry and reducing fraud or abuse of the system.

By applying for an NPI and Medicare number prior to going out on job interviews, you could actually make yourself more desirable to employers and prevent losing out on a job for which you may be the ideal candidate.

Employers in the healthcare industry, and in most industries for that matter, like to see it when potential employees take initiative. Showing initiative is a positive quality and one which can easily put one candidate ahead of another in terms of desirability. As it could take up to three months for a new PT graduate to establish his or her NPI and Medicare number, sending in your application now could come across as a sign that you are taking your career seriously and looking to get ahead of the game. It could also make an employer be more willing to hire you as you are closer to obtaining your identification numbers than other candidates.

So if it came down to you and another candidate, neither of whom had an NPI or Medicare number, you would probably receive a job offer as you were the one who thought ahead and got the ball rolling.

How to Apply for Your NPI and Medicare Number

It doesn't take much to apply for either an NPI or Medicare number. For an NPI, individuals can go to the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System website, create a login and complete the application. Medicare Enrollment Applications can be obtained through the Department of Health & Human Services website. All applicants need to do is download, print and fill out their Medicare enrollment application, then mail it in to get the process started.

This one simple action of applying for these numbers before going out on job interviews could prevent you from sabotaging your own interviews and, more importantly, help you secure your ideal job.

For recent PT graduates who are actively looking for work, please visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation. The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates around the U.S. Job seekers can also take a look at our current job listings any time, day or night.

Why Can't I Get This Position Filled?

Filling a position at your medical office, dental practice or health care facility can be a difficult task, even if you have an influx of qualified applicants. At times it can seem as though none of the resumes you are reviewing match your requirements or needs. You do interview after interview and while each person may have his or her own positive qualities, you aren't 100 percent sure any of them would be an ideal fit. The problem is you need the position filled now. So, do you compromise and hire someone you hope will work out? Do you keep interviewing applicants to see if anyone might stand out above the rest?

In actuality, you don't have to do either. All you need to do is figure out exactly what position you want filled, what specific qualifications you are looking for and then you'll have a much easier time finding your ideal candidate.

The Importance of Figuring Out Exactly What You Want

While reading this you may say, "Well I know exactly what I want, I want a physical therapist for my outpatient clinic." Well, if you are having trouble finding one, it's likely you haven't figured out the specific qualifications you want met. Maybe you are uncertain as to whether you need an additional PT or you simply need a PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant)? Perhaps you need a dentist, but aren't completely sure if you want to hire an employee or an associate? Do you want someone with experience in orthopedic physical therapy or pediatric? Would a PT with geriatric therapy experience be more suitable to meet your current needs than a PT who is knowledgeable in neurological therapy? These uncertainties can prevent you from being able to fill a much-needed position, or worse yet, hiring a person who is not going to work out.

Extra Cheese, Pepperoni, Veggie Supreme?

Look at it this way...filing a position is like ordering a pizza. You can't call a pizza delivery place and say you want a pizza, but not tell them the type of toppings. Do you want extra cheese? Light sauce? Are you a meat-lover and want pepperoni or sausage? It could be a veggie supreme is more to your liking. You might even be looking for rare toppings only certain pizza places offer. You have to be very specific with what you want or you are probably going to be unhappy with your order, or not end up order anything at all.

Break Through the Barriers to Hiring and Get Your Positions Filled

Although it may seem daunting at times, hiring doesn't have to be complicated and you don't need to settle. Being specific about what you need and want in an employee or associate will often allow you to break through any of the apparent barriers you've been encountering in the hiring process and get your position filled.

If you only want to hire applicants who have completed certain training programs or been certified by specific organizations, you'll need to make it known to potential candidates, in ads, on job posting boards and with any headhunters whose services you retain. Should you be looking for an applicant with more than 15 years experience in a specified field, don't be afraid to say so. The person you want is out there. Whether you are looking for a dentist, physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, RN or other health care professional, you can find the person ideally-suited for you and your group. You just need to know what you want.

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified healthcare candidates around the nation. To find out about the services we offer, please visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Want to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired in the Healthcare Industry?

Healthcare professionals are in high demand these days. According to an Economic News Release from the U.S. Department of Labor, job openings in the healthcare and social assistance industries increased by over 172,000 last year. While much of this may be associated with the Affordable Care Act, the fact is the medical community is getting quite crowded and will continue to be for at least the next five years. More and more patients are seeking healthcare benefits, not just traditional medical care provided by doctors and nurses, but treatment from physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and chiropractors as well.

Now this may sound like a positive thing to a jobseeker in the healthcare industry, it often takes a lot of work for an applicant just to get his or her foot in the door. Then, how can you be sure your resume will attract the attention it deserves and stand out above other applicants? Fortunately, if you are looking to launch or re-launch your healthcare career, The People Link can significantly increase your chances of getting hired.

We Go Beyond Getting Your Foot in the Door

Our goal, here at The People Link, is for jobseekers to locate and secure the permanent, career position they seek. We also work with employers in order to secure an employee who is not only ideally suited for the hole they are looking to fill, but who could potentially become an invaluable member of their team. We do not strive to just place people in positions, our objective is long-term viability.

When a jobseeker like you comes to us, we take the time to discuss your career objectives, assist you with your resume as needed, and find out about your ideal position so we can get started on finding you a match. You can peruse our current job listings as often as you want. You'll also receive e-mail alerts of positions which may interest you. If it looks like you'd be a match for a particular position, we'll work one-on-one with both you and the company doing the hiring to arrange an interview, gather follow-up information and help seal the deal. Whether you want to work in an outpatient clinic, private practice, skilled nursing facility, hospital or home health setting, we can help.

The services we provide are offered at no cost to jobseekers, so you've got nothing to lose. It is the employers who pay us a finder's fee once we have found the perfect match. No upfront fees required.

How The People Link Gives You an Advantage

One of the ways The People Link gives you an advantage is we have close to 20 years experience. We have the connections, know what employers are looking for, understand how to successfully promote applicants, and how to find an ideal fit. For nearly two decades our team has been finding and matching employers with job seekers. During this time we have amassed a significant number of connections in the healthcare industry, as well as maintained a very high retention rate (98%). To us, you aren't just another job applicant, you're a real person in search of a long-term career. We are here to help you accomplish your objective.

Positions Currently Available

Although the number and types of positions currently available with The People Link are constantly changing, these are a few of the healthcare jobs we are seeking to fill at this time:

• Physical Therapist for Outpatient Clinic
• General Dentist for Private Practice
• Registered Nurse for Home Health Agency
• Physical Therapist for Outpatient, Home Health and Inpatient
• Pediatric Physical Therapist for Home Health Company
• Physical Therapist Assistant for Outpatient Clinic
• Occupational Therapist for Home Health
• Certified Hand Therapist or Hand Therapist for Outpatient Clinic
• Registered Nurse for a Hospital Position
• Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist for Outpatient Clinic
• Occupational Therapist for Hippotherapy Ranch

Where you live in the United States does not matter, we have positions available all around the country. We can even help you find a job if you are planning to relocate to another city or state. Physical therapists and dentists are a few of our most requested positions, so those in these industries are encouraged to apply.

Let Us Help You Secure Your Ideal Job

The People Link is a professional recruitment service specializing in finding and placing qualified health care candidates across the U.S. To find out more about what we can do to help you secure your ideal job in the healthcare industry, please visit our website or call 888-773-0014 today for a free, no-obligation job consultation.

Physical Therapists Still In High Demand

Of all the careers in the health care industry, physical therapists (PTs) continue to be in high demand. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of physical therapists is expected to grow an estimated 34 percent between 2014 and 2024, a rate far above the average of other professions. We should also see a similar demand for physical therapist assistants during the same period of time.

While some of this growth will be attributed to aging baby boomers, physical therapy is considered by many to be a contributing factor in improved patient outcomes, fewer trips to the ER, shortened hospital stays and more rapid, long-term recovery. Physical therapy not only helps lower health care costs, it promotes patient well-being as well, which is a win-win for the health care industry.

What Employers Are Looking For In a Physical Therapist

What are employers looking for in a physical therapist? Although one of the basic requirements employers are looking for in a PT applicant is a degree in physical therapy, along with a license to practice in the state, employers generally want to see certain qualities in their applicants. Qualities employers often sought after include:

• Professionalism
• Initiative
• Strong work ethic
• Good communication skills
• Competence
• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Organizational skills
• Teamwork
• Creativity and problem solving
• Honesty
• Positive attitude
• Self-motivation
• Willingness to learn
• Dependability

Specific certification could also be required, depending on the facility. For example, some employers may be looking for someone who has worked in an outpatient clinic before, or has spent time treating geriatric patients. In certain instances, an employer will need to find a PT who has attained specialist certification in sports or women's health. Highlighting your certifications and past employment could help you stand out from other potential applicants.

PT Positions Available

If you are a physical therapist with either a B.S. in Physical Therapy or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, we may have a PT position suited for you. It doesn't matter whether you are a recent graduate or a PT with years of experience, The People Link will work hard to get you connected up with the right employer.

As of right now, we have more than 60 different physical therapist positions available throughout the United States. We have jobs for PTs in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington.

Many of these positions are in outpatient clinics, although we do have PT positions in home health, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient clinics and pediatrics. We also have a few PT Director positions needing to be filled and one PT position at a Hippotherapy Ranch.

In Search of the Ideal PT Job? Contact The People Link Today!

Whether you are looking for a PT job, interested in starting a new career, planning to relocate, or need some help getting your resume ready to begin the job search, The People Link is here to help.The People Link is a professional recruitment service with more than two decades experience of finding and placing qualified health care and PT candidates throughout the U.S. Our success can be seen in our client testimonials, as well as our extremely high retention rate of 98%.

To find out more about PT jobs currently available, please visit our current job listings, fill out a job application form or call 888-773-0014 to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.

Hiring Tip: How to Find the Right Physical Therapist

While a physical therapist (PT) can be an invaluable member of a health care team, not all PTs are of the same caliber. If you are a skilled nursing facility, health care facility or outpatient clinic who is looking to hire a physical therapist, you may be wondering how to find the right PT? What attributes and qualities should a physical therapist exhibit? Where can you find a qualified applicant? What are the benefits of seeking help from a seasoned health care staffing specialist?

Basic Attributes You Want in a Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are some of the most sought-after professionals in the health industry. This may be due in part to patients longing for and actively pursuing the tailor-made, hands-on care offered through physical therapy services. Physical therapy allows patients to choose a natural approach, and in some instances, avoid major surgery or debilitating injuries. A skilled PT can aid a person's recovery, assist in rehabilitation, allow for improved mobility and improve overall quality of life.

Due to the one-on-one care physical therapists are required to provide, some of the basic attributes and qualities you'll want in a physical therapist include:

·         Competence

·         Responsibility

·         Confidence

·         Heightened observational skills

·         Empathy, compassion and support

·         Resilience

·         Good communication

·         Passion for the job

·         Sociable

·         Ability to educate patients on their own self care

·         Physical dexterity

Determining Your Exact Needs

Before you go out in search of a physical therapist on your own, it is important you determine your facility's exact needs. While all PTs are required to complete an accredited Physical Therapy Training Program, pass the national exam, and meet the licensing requirements of the PT board in the state where they plan to practice, specialty certifications are available.

According to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, physical therapists can obtain specialist certification in these eight areas:

·         Cardiovascular and pulmonary

·         Clinical Electrophysiology

·         Geriatrics

·         Neurology

·         Orthopaedics

·         Pediatrics

·         Sports

·         Women's Health

Benefits of Contracting an Experienced Health Care Staffing Specialist

Finding a qualified physical therapist for your health care facility is not always a simple task. In fact, it is not uncommon for an employer  to  spend hours upon hours scouring hiring sites, posting to job boards and sifting through volume of applications to try and fill one position. Often times PT jobs go unfilled as the time and effort required is just too much.

Fortunately, The People Link  is a professional recruitment service  who specialize in finding and placing qualified health care candidates across the country. We have over 20 year experience and a very high retention rate at 98%.  It doesn't matter where in the U.S. your business is located, or the position you are trying to fill, we are committed to helping you get the results you seek.

To find out more about our current services, please visit our website or call 888-773-0014 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you find the right physical therapist!