I’m always on the lookout for things that will help you land a job interview – which of course greatly improves your odds of getting a job!
If more than half of all job openings never get advertised and offices are getting between 40 and a 100 hygienists applying for openings they do advertise – you really have a slim shot and sometimes need to do some extreme things improve your odds.
These strategies aren’t really for mass duplication (like some of the other things we share). These are targeted things you can do when there’s an office you really want to work for – whether they have a current opening or not.
So this week I’m going to share some simple, but extreme things you can do to stand out in a big way.
Sweeten the Deal
Hand-deliver your resume or (better yet) postcard with a dozen (or maybe just a few) cupcakes or cookies. Dental sales reps do this. Why? Because it’s a nice thing to do and it gets you to remember them. There’s also some psychology behind it as it compels people to want to return a favor. In this case the favor you hope is returned is an interview.
Create a Personal Message
I know many of you absolutely hate the thoughts of creating a video resume – either because you don’t like the way you look/sound on camera or because it’s too much work. I totally get that. But here’s a quick and easy solution to the latter. Most cell phones have video cameras that are pretty good quality. Just have someone in your family shoot a quick (30 second) video clip of you saying something like:
“Hello All Smiles Dental! Michelle Jones here. I know you may not have a dental hygiene opening right now. But when you do, I hope you’ll remember me. I love dental hygiene and have two years of experience. And, I’m really good at relating to and creating trust with patients. Give me a call at 503-895-4340 – I’d love to talk with you more.”
Customer Support
Almost all doctors listen to their patients, right? If they are a good doctor, they want to know that their patients are happy (patients that pay their bills anyway). And, most are happy to do them a favor even.
So what you should do is find out from all of your local friends where they go to the dentist. Make a list and either decide to cash-in on those relationships now or hold on to them for the future (maybe when an opening comes up). Either way, I would find that information out and see if they would be willing to go to bat for you in the form of letter or note of support to the doctor (or maybe even a phone call).
Honestly, this is one of those reasons that most jobs go unadvertised – people who know people.
Happy Birthday
Okay, so you only want to do this if you sorta know the dentist or front office manager. But you could send or drop off a birthday card with just a quick note in it – “Wishing you a happy birthday – Michelle Jones, RDH”.
It’s a small gesture but it does tend to get remembered. I would not include your business card, so that it’s more genuine and, again, I would definitely not give one to a doc you haven’t ever met as that might appear kinda creepy.
Targeted Networking
People love to help people – because most believe what goes around comes around. So I would suggest you send a personalized e-mail to some offices. Tell them you know they are not hiring now, but would love it if you could meet with them for even just five minutes (or maybe over coffee or lunch) to know what it is they look for in a great job candidate. And then also ask them to share your information with other offices they hear might be looking.
And here’s an extra one that’s related. Do this same thing with some dental sales reps that service offices in your area. They visit them all the time and often will know when jobs are opening – they can help you as both a contact and possibly reference. Remember, they will see it as an opportunity to gain or retain a new customer if they can help you land a job.
