Finding that FIRST job

After getting through those two gruelling years of exams, papers (GROUP papers included, which is still the most ridiculous idea I have ever had to take part in), readings, random assignments, clinical placements, research projects, and hopefully some bar nights to undwind, it's finally time to get down to the nitty gritty and secure yourself a job to help you pay off your student loans. Yes, you can still get a job with a provisional license even if you have not yet passed your CAOT exam, that's not the problem here. The issue at hand is more about getting hired. By somebody. By ANYBODY.

This post will hopefully not be relevant for the upcoming graduates but unfortunately the current trend seems to be lack of employment opportunities across the board. Just a few years ago OT grads were being sought after by employers like Justin Bieber is by tweenie boppers. Unfortunately, our economy encountered something called "the recession" (we all remember that one?) and the healthcare sector is just feeling the shockwave now. Jobs are fewer and farther between but the number of new graduates are increasing. That just triples the competition.

1) Take some time off:

My first piece of advice would be, consider taking some time off. If you can afford it. Once you start working, it will be hard to get away. If you've always dreamed of backpacking across Europe, do it now. Not that exploring Europe in grungy clothing and surfing hostels full of bed bugs was something I was wanting to do, but I definitely felt like I should have taken some time to just go and LIVE. It's not impossible now, but I do know that it will take some careful planning and perhaps some sacrifices.

2) Network:

Talk to your preceptors, see if they know anyone or can connect you with anyone in the field. Talk to your friends, your classmates. This is in fact how I got my first job - I got word from a friend that there was an opening so I jumped on the opportunity and got the job. Another key point in networking is to go out and just submit your resume to practice leaders of different hospitals, and to any place that might hire an OT (e.g. private practice, school districts). And STAY IN CONTACT. Follow-up every month or two, so they know you're still looking or interested.

3) Settle... for now:

This is the advice I hate to give as I'm not a settler by any means. Ambition is wonderful, and I highly encourage it. However, in this field, you need to work your way up. Take casual positions at hospitals. Take positions in private practice. Take maternity leaves. Just get your foot in the door somewhere. To be quite frank, you are not likely to get that dream job on your first go. Not even on your second or third go. But no matter where you work, you get experience, and you get people who will act as good references for you in the future. You also will get paid, which can be the factor that makes the difference. Just think of it as priming for when you DO find your dream job and decide to apply for it.

4) Stay open-minded:

This goes along with the temporary settling advice. When you graduate, you may think "I am going to work in pediatrics" or "I'm never going to work in mental health." But there are so many different opportunities for OT's, sometimes you never know until you get a chance to try something if you'll love it or hate it. In fact, when you first graduate it is the best time for you to jump around different jobs. You don't have any seniority anywhere anyways, so you won't be losing much by switching from one job to another. It's also very expected, since most new grads start off in temporary positions. And yes, I am jumping temporary positions right now - it kind of keeps things interesting because you don't know where your career will take you next!

5) Spend time on your applications:

This is just sound advice for ANY job. Cater each resume and cover to the specific job you are applying to. Get someone to look it over. EDIT, for crying out loud. And if you get an interview, please do research and know a bit about the job and the employer. Studying can also give you a leg up, as you're sure to run across some case scenarios in your interview.

6) Consider moving:

Yes, this is a hard one to grasp for many. But I moved to the boonies to some small farm town for my first job, and it was the BEST decision I've ever made. I ended up getting my dream job, and the experience I needed to get that same dream job back in the city. There are just more opportunities / less competition when you go further away from the city, so if you're really keen on working in a particular area, a temporary move away is worth considering.

6) Don't freak out!

You WILL get a job at some point. People retire. People go have kids and come back part time or not at all. Organizations get more funding and companies grow. Just keep at it. I understand it's a frustrating process, but it will happen at some point.

Good luck and happy job hunting!!! And don't forget....