Resume building • Cover letters • Interview skills • Job placement
Interactive Employer Map
This interactive tool facilitates your job search. The map connects graduates and health professionals to career pages throughout the length and breadth of the state’s 200+ hospitals and medical centers, letting you explore career pages and job listings at healthcare facilities across all Illinois AHEC regions. In most cases, these facilities also provide volunteer opportunities to students. Browse the map
Resume Building
A resume is often the first contact you will have with a potential employer and you must ensure that it represents your skills, experience, and education. It is important to research each potential employer and learn which specific skills they are seeking in an employee. You must tailor your cover letter to the specific job and you should ensure that your resume highlights the specific job duties and requirements. In many cases, this means that you need to tweak your resume. Here are some tips and tools for crafting your resume:
Cover Letters
Most often, you will submit a cover letter with your resume. A cover letter MUST be tailored to each employer. Make it clear that you know what will be expected of you and emphasize how you will be an asset to the organization. Avoid general comments about your personality and character – they are much more interested in specific skills and characteristics. This website offers some important advice:
How to Ace an Interview
The job interview is the single most important part of getting hired. The job interview is your opportunity to showcase your skills and leave a positive first impression of yourself. Follow these guidelines to ensure that you come across well.
- Do your research – Learn about your potential employer. Visit their website and become familiar with their services, their role in the local health system and the characteristics of their patients or clients. Become familiar with their I-PLAN, annual report or Community Health Needs Assessment. Talk to anyone you know who works there. You can learn about the position requirements and typical daily tasks. By researching the organization and the position, you will show that you are really interested in working there.
- Practice potential interview questions – By practicing out loud, you will learn to be more concise and polished in your responses. It will also help ease any nervousness that you might have prior to the interview. Make sure your answers are responsive to the questions, honest and sincere. Here are some common questions that come up during most interviews:
- Dress Appropriately – A good first impression is incredibly important in an interview. If you are unsure what to wear, select the most conservative, professional option. Avoid excessive jewelry, perfume/cologne, and flamboyant clothing. Above all else, make sure that you appear neat and clean.
- Practice good interview etiquette – Arrive to your interview on time, be aware of your posture and body language, and maintain eye contact. Also, be prepared to ask the interviewer some questions as well. This is your chance to gather additional information about the position and the employer’s expectations. By doing this, you will leave the impression you are prepared and professional.
Here are some additional insights on how to do well at your interview:
Job Placement
Job hunting has undergone massive changes in recent years. Many employers are posting their open positions on job search websites which contain a wide range of offerings that can be sorted by discipline and geographic location. This section includes information on some of the most commonly used websites and search engines. However, do not overlook listings for particular institutions. Most hospitals, health systems, clinics and public health departments post their open positions on their own websites.
3RNet – The National Rural Recruitment and Retention Network (3RNet) assists health professionals find jobs in rural and underserved areas throughout the country. Current openings are organized by geographic region and specific job titles can be searched by region, state or the nation. Each state has at least one lead organization, referred to as 3RNet members; in Illinois, this is the Illinois Department of Public Health. 3RNet members are available for consultation about what it’s like to live and practice in specific communities and can assist you in securing the one job that best suits your needs and wants.
Career Builder – Career Builder includes a search engine that allows you to browse available positions by location. It also allows you to upload a resume to make the application process easier.
Illinois workNet – The Illinois workNet Center System is an American Job Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. It offers a wide array of information and resources and includes specialized information for laid off and dislocated workers. It is not specifically focused on health careers.
Indeed.com – Many employers use this website to publicize current openings. You can apply for jobs through indeed.com and you can post your resume on their website. The site also offers samples of resumes and cover letters as well as salary information. It serves all geographic areas.
LinkedIn.com – Employers often choose to post current openings on LinkedIn.com. While anyone can browse available positions, LinkedIn works best if you develop a profile and ask to be notified when appropriate positions are posted.
NRHA Career Center – The National Rural Health Association’s Career Center maintains a database of current health sector jobs organized by state and discipline. The website also offers services such as career coaching, resume writing, reference center, and a career learning center. Some services are only available for members.
Illinois Area Health Education Centers