How to Get a Job

This is really for new graduates and any optometrist who wants to a new job.

Two nights ago I sat down in a meeting of my local optometric society.  We discussed many issues but at one point the economy and jobs came up.  How do you find a job in this economy?

The overwhelming answer?   Join the local society.

We discussed how optometrists often find they are unhappy in their job but don’t have the connections to meet people to find other jobs.  At the same time there really is no good place for optometrists to go online and post a resume.  For two reasons, first most of the sites are very small and the jobs listed are often in other areas of the country   Secondly you certainly do not want you current boss to go look online and find you resume posted there.

Optometrists have several modes of practice, they can work for the big companies including Sears, Costco, and Hour Eyes.  The can work for a smaller chain similar to the large companies or referral centers including PCLI and TLC who specialize in lasik or cataract surgery.  They can work for a school or a Veterans Administration, or they can be in private practice.  Each group seems to segment itself and tends to stick together.  In the local societies however you get people from all of these areas of practice.

By being exposed to people who practice optometry in different ways you obviously expand your pool of possible jobs.  I even know of cases where individuals skipped over the entire interview process and were offered jobs through their interactions at society meeting.

While I am on the subject of jobs, if you are applying for jobs with any of these different modes of practice do not send the exact same resume and cover letter.  These people are all looking for different things.  Some want to know about your ability to work with difficult cases, some care about you ability to work with other doctors.  Tailor your resume and cover letter for each one of these jobs.  It makes a difference.

Happy hunting and if you want any more specific advice feel free to comment below or send me an email.

“Dodge”