Five Steps for Reentering the Healthcare Job Market

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Most of us take a break at some point in our careers, whether due to a layoff or a voluntary event such as childrearing, caregiving or retirement. But whatever your hiatus’ cause, it’s nice to know that now is actually a great time to plan your reentry into the healthcare job market. In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the healthcare and social assistance job sector has grown by 533,200 positions in the last 12 months alone.

Of course, that’s not saying your transition won’t have its challenges. Healthcare is a dynamic field, and the past few years saw some big changes—from implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to the consolidation of many regional systems and payers, and to the evolution of new healthcare models. However, if you complete these five steps, you should be able to compete with any job seeker and land a new position.

1. Take a close look at what you want.

Working in the hospital ER may have thrilled you five years ago, but it’s quite possible you may prefer a different department (or healthcare venue, or type of schedule) now. Fortunately, there are a lot of options out there—and one is bound to be right for you. Before you begin sending out resumes, take some time to make a list of the “must haves” for your next position. Then search current healthcare jobs (the Health eCareers website is a great place to start) and note the types of employers and opportunities that can satisfy those needs.

2. Polish your skills.

Depending on when you last worked in the industry, you may need to update your skills or even learn a few new ones. While you’re taking a look at job opportunities, jot down commonly referenced education, certifications and abilities required for the ones that interest you. You can then determine if you need to take any refresher courses or continuing education classes in order to compete effectively with job seekers who haven’t been on the bench for a while.

Note: If your healthcare specialty—such as physical therapy—requires state-specific licensing, you should also make sure you fulfill the requirements for renewal.

3. Reach out to your network.

Are your former supervisors or co-workers still working in healthcare? Reach out and let them know you’re reentering the market. You may find it helpful to sit down with a few of them to learn more about what has happened in the industry. While you’re at it, get their thoughts on additional steps you can take to improve your appeal as a job candidate for today’s hospitals, physician offices, ambulatory care clinics and other healthcare employers.

If you don’t know anyone currently in the industry, you may want to join a professional association or seek volunteer work at a healthcare organization of interest. Both options are excellent ways to meet professionals who can help you get your foot back in the door.

4. Update your resume.

Think that a short period of unemployment means you don’t need to revise your resume? You’re probably wrong. Unless you were actively searching for a new job when you last worked (using an updated document), there are most likely skills and accomplishments you need to add.

If you’ve been out of the market for a longer period, it’s even more important that you refresh this essential job search tool. You may want to start by reformatting it as a functional resume (the quickest way to highlight skills, accomplishments and qualifications) rather than list your work experience in standard chronological order.

5. Ask for feedback.

Rejection is part of the job search—regardless of whether you’re reentering the market or never left at all. While unpleasant, it’s also an occurrence from which you can gain valuable information. Whenever you interview for a job you don’t get, reach out to the hiring manager for feedback. There may be a skill you didn’t realize you needed to be competitive or an experience you can seek out that will improve your chances the next time around.