Look Before You Leap - Your Job Search And Where To Start

THIS ARTICLE PROVIDED BY LARRY STEWART, PRESIDENT OF PHYSICIAN SEARCH GROUP, COMPHEALTH

Medical schools and residency programs teach the art of practicing medicine, but, new physicians frequently emerge from training without knowing just what style of practice will suit them best. In fact, research has shown that an alarming number of new physicians are unhappy with their first practice setting. This is most likely a result of poor career planning, a mistake that most new physicians make. This common mistake is made simply by not starting the planning process early enough and not thoroughly thinking through all the aspects involved in finding the right career.

In order to know where to begin your job search, you must first know what it is that you are looking for -- or at least have a general idea of in which direction it may be found. When looking for that first job, you should begin by first developing your personal requirements. These requirements are things you consider to be necessary in making you personally happy. For this article, we have categorized the questions you should ask yourself into three areas: work environment, geographic preference, and compensation & benefits.

It is important to consider not only which factors are most important to you now, but also which of those will become important in the future.

Work Environment / Clinical Setting
Questions to ask yourself are: What clinical setting best suits me and my experience? Am I looking for something similar to past positions, or would I like to try something new? What type of pace am I most comfortable in, and what shifts am I willing to consider? What are my short and long-term career goals and what settings will best help me reach these goals?

Geographic Location
You may already have a good idea of where you want to live, but, if you do not have a specific location identified, the following considerations can help you evaluate what location will be the best fit for you.

Size of the community. Small towns appeal to some individuals, while larger cities appeal to others. And yet some prefer suburban areas that combine the best of both worlds. Your choice of community size should reflect your lifestyle and take into account the activities you enjoy and the type of community that you are comfortable in. Consider aspects such as commuting time, and the availability of housing, school and religious options.

Proximity to friends and family. How often do you wish to see your friends and family? You may have friends or family that you would like to remain near. You need to decide if you wish to be within driving distance, and consequently how far you would be willing to travel for visits. Keep in mind that if you are outside of driving distance, a location that is farther away, but with better access by air, may be a better alternative for you.

Housing costs and options. Housing costs and the availability of housing should play a major role in evaluating a job. For example, housing costs will be higher in the Northeast or metropolitan areas of California or Florida, however, resale values will also be higher. Compare this to housing costs in the Deep South and the Midwest that will be more moderate. There are several good Web sites on the Internet that can provide you with cost comparisons. You also need to look at the type of housing you prefer and where it is available. Do you like city living in apartments or condominiums, suburban houses with small lots, or less urban settings with more room between neighbors?

Spouse's Employment. If you are married or have a significant other who will be relocating with you, the question of whose career comes first can be a difficult issue. You should have open conversations about this before making any decisions. Of course, the ideal move is one that benefits both careers. You should recognize, however, that this is not always possible and there may need to be trade-offs and compromises involved in your decision-making process.

Quality of schools. If you have a family or are planning to start a family, this is a major decision when considering relocation. The quality of schools varies dramatically from area to area. Actively research the schools in the locations you are considering. Most school systems' test scores, teacher to student ratio and funding per student are reported, and many now post this information on the Internet. If you have a preference for private schools, make sure you research the availability and costs, as these can be very different even within the same city. Try to obtain general information from the prospective employer and do the follow up yourself.

Social structure. What type of community do you want to live in? Do you feel like there are enough people with similar interests and lifestyles that you can build friendships with and become an active part of the community? Make sure you feel like you will fit into the environment around you.

Recreation. What types of leisure activities do you enjoy? Are there activities that you do not currently have access to, but would like to be close to in the future? Are cultural activities like museums, symphonies, and ballets high on your list? Is the great outdoors more your style? Are you looking for a mix, or is there one thing that you can’t live without? Remember, boaters need lakes and skiers need mountains. Don’t forget to factor in the needs of your entire family in your decision.

Religion. If you have particular religious preferences, make sure your personal needs can be met. Contact the churches or synagogues in the area and visit them when you interview. Realtors and personal contacts can also be helpful sources of information.

Compensation
The issue of compensation will play a key role in your decision. Never take a job just because it pays well; look at the entire picture, especially the future potential. Are there benefit costs that cut into your compensation, or are there added benefits that actually make the total package more attractive? Don’t forget to adjust compensation for cost of living when comparing multiple packages and locations. If you’re using a recruiting company, your staffing consultant can be a big help in negotiating your compensation. Think about your needs now and in the future, and the ultimate needs of your family.

Benefits
Most employers offer some type of benefits package, however these vary greatly. The value of the benefits package offered must be considered in conjunction with the salary to get a true picture of what an employer is offering to you. You must also decide which benefits you value most. For instance, if an employer pays the premium on health insurance for family coverage, yet you are single, the value of this benefit to you would probably be low. Items to evaluate under benefits include the following:

• vacation and sick leave
• health insurance benefits, including cost to you, type of coverage, inclusion of prescription, dental and vision coverage
• paid holidays
• retirement plans such as 401k or 403b and company pension plans
• life insurance
• short and long-term disability insurance
• professional liability insurance
• continuing education allowance

Take the opportunity to evaluate these criteria while you are still in your residency and you will be a step ahead when it comes time to choose your first job. Good career planning is something you can never start too soon and it can save you and your family valuable time, headaches and possible expenses both now and in the future.

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