Applying for Job when no openings listed

[JMC2010]

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Hi everyone,
I'm a third year resident and just applied for my first EM job which I find very exciting. So great to finally reach this stage!

Can any of the attendings give me some advice on how best to apply to a group that isn't actually advertising any openings? Do I just send the director my CV with a cover letter that says something like "I don't actually see any openings available for your group but I really want to work there for x,y, and z reasons and if anything comes available please think of me"? Obviously the official version will be a little more put together.

Is that a common thing to do? I'm assuming it must be as everyone talks about "cold calling" but it seems sort of awkward vs. pushy to me which is why i felt the need to check with you folks first. Appreciate your time.

 

[dotcb]

Find out who the director is of each place. Contact that person and ask if they are hiring or need any additional shift coverage. Depending on the location (especially in highly desirable cities) the way to get your foot in the door is to work at multiple places part-time until a full-time position becomes available. Sometimes a place will bring you in for an informational interview, even if a position is not available at that moment.

 

[zinjanthropus]

Find out who the director is of each place. Contact that person and ask if they are hiring or need any additional shift coverage. Depending on the location (especially in highly desirable cities) the way to get your foot in the door is to work at multiple places part-time until a full-time position becomes available. Sometimes a place will bring you in for an informational interview, even if a position is not available at that moment.

👍

 

[Muscletoe]

Talk to every group in town, and learn as much about the city's Emergency Departments as possible. They'll all ask where else you're looking, and you want to look like you're serious about getting a job in the area.
Have ready your CV and a list of references with their contact information. If possible, obtain a few letters of recommendation (held by a 3rd party, like your Program Coordinator, so they can be sent to several places, and so that the letters aren't just being mailed from you.)
Good luck!