Learn how you can stand out in today's competitive job market. This presentation is from an AORN webinar with Phyllis Quinlan, RN-Bc, PhD, and President/CEO of MFW Consultants To Professionals. Find the right perioperative position for you, or post a job at AORN's Career Center: http://www.aorn.org/careercenter.

1. How To Create a Competitive Advantage in Today’s Job Market
TM

2.  Highly competitive job market
 Technology is a key component in the
recruiting and screening efforts
 Applicant tracking and applicant management
systems for online postings are common
▪ Key words can move you to the top of the
initial search
▪ Tailor your resume according to the outline
qualifications and necessary skill set

3.  Cover letter
 First impression
 Brief summary of intent
 Letter must be perfect in context and grammar
 Great opportunity to explain gaps in employment
 Formatting
 Fancy fonts not necessary
 Times New Roman 12 point font presents well
and translates well uploaded into software

4.  Format
 Easy to follow is vital
 Inclusive of education, work history, accomplishments
 Accomplishments that distinguish you for the position
that you are applying for
 Be mindful of catch phrases used in job posting
 CV
 More inclusive of accomplishments over time
▪ Presentations
▪ Publications
▪ Awards

5.  Is Social Media is often checked by:
 Recruiters = Screening
 Employers = Background check
▪ Must be taken very seriously
▪ Use discretion when posting on:
▪ You Tube
▪ LinkedIn

6.  Telephone Screening is common first step
 Recruiters will listen for:
▪ Preparedness/knowledge about the position/role
▪ A sense of enthusiasm
▪ A sense of engagement
▪ Personality/friendliness/appropriate humor
▪ Ability to articulate skills and knowledge
 Dos and Don’ts
 Treat that phone interview with the same importance
as an in-person interview
 If you are not ready, prepared, calm, in a quiet place
and alone; ask if you can call back in 10 minutes and
allow yourself to get settled

7.  First Impression
 Business/Sunday-best attire
 What they see MUST match the cover letter/resume
 Be able to speak about yourself in a manner that
promotes contributions/accomplishments and
TEAM
 Resources
 http://www.aorn.org/Career_Center/Be_a_Career_
Activist,_Not_a_Job_Seeker.aspx#axzz2HnB5dhLZ
 http://www.aorn.org/Career_Center/The_2_Questio
ns_You_Should_Always_Ask_in_an_Interview.aspx
#axzz2HnB5dhLZ
 http://www.best-job-interview.com/

8.  Recruiter will commonly:
 Send/email a confirmation letter for the
interview with specific instructions
▪ Date/time
▪ What to bring
▪ Where to go/where to park
 You will be evaluated with your ability to follow
those instructions
▪ Responsibility
▪ Accountability

9.  Purpose of method:
 Exploration of past experiences/activities that reflect
how your will respond to a given situation in the future
 Past predicting future approach
 Goal:
 Understand how you may perform in the position under
given circumstances
 Understand your temperament and critical thinking
skills
 Preparation:
 Be thoughtful, do not jump to an answer
 Be honest
 Practice on Online resources

10.  Never leave without a contact business card
for follow-up purposes
 Emailed thank you note
 Brief thank you and statement that you believe
that you would be a good match & why
 If you have not heard anything within 7
days absolutely call recruiter back
 If you are not selected
 Ask what could I have done differently and be
professional and open to answer

11.  Must understand that the process has a beginning,
middle and an end
 Must be gracious, professional
 Do not burn bridges
 Positive attitude
 If you are not selected realize that it does not imply that
you were a bad candidate, but that there was just a
better candidate one on that given day
 If you leave with a great impression, you may be invited
back for a different opportunity
 Networking is Vital
 Have a resume and card with you during any
networking opportunities