How far ahead to start seriously looking for a job?

[Ketamininus]

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As I've mentioned before in some other posts, I'm a CA-2 who's just past the halfway point of my residency and enjoying the downhill ride towards the end. I've put together a pretty passable CV and list of references and have even sent it out for a few jobs so far. The question is...

Am I starting to look too damn early? Is there such a thing?

I do have some ideas where I'd like to practice, but not necessarily all the things I want to do (hearts vs. no hearts, heads, trauma, etc). I've had a few places that I've sent CV's to suggest I should contact them again in the summer, but also a few interview requests as well. I had hoped to have a job locked up by the end of this calendar year, so I could enjoy the last 6 months of my residency without worrying about that all the time.

Anyone want to weigh in on this? Strategy for job-hunting and timing thereof?

Thanks in advance!! 👍

 

[militarymd]

This current graduating class apparent all signed contracts by September of 2007.....and apparently those who have not signed are either undesirable or just have not made up their minds.

 

[toughlife]

This current graduating class apparent all signed contracts by September of 2007.....and apparently those who have not signed are either undesirable or just have not made up their minds.

so what's a good statregy to make yourself a desirable job applicant? what are employers looking for when they decide to grant an interview? What can I start doing now to make that CV look competitive?

 

[coprolalia]

I haven't started looking, at least in earnest, yet (i.e., haven't sent my CV to anyone and have been ignoring recruiter calls). Too soon.

-copro

 

[coprolalia]

so what's a good stategy to make yourself a desireable job applicant? what are employers looking for when they decide to grant an interview? What can I start doing now to make that CV look competitive?

I get the impression that the key thing you need, right now, is to have a pulse as well as a desire to be in whichever locale the job is. Oh, and being board eligible and having a few people who'll say nice things about you at your program when called is probably important too. In other words, this ain't like getting into residency.

-copro

 

[militarymd]

I get the impression that the key thing you need, right now, is to have a pulse as well as a desire to be in whichever locale the job is. Oh, and being board eligible and having a few people who'll say nice things about you at your program when called is probably important too. In other words, this ain't like getting into residency.

-copro

yep...pretty accurate...

It's a matter of fit with the group.....and also what the group is looking for...

 

[McLame]

Take your time and find a good job not one at an AMC or other malignant group out to screw you.


The majority of new graduates only are available once a year, but groups have needs all year long. Anesthesiologists are changing jobs and retiring all year long. Sometimes someone leaves unexpectedly that a group has not planned for, A senior partner in a group may give notice midsummer of his retirement so that he can move south before winter starts. By that time the group will have to wait over a year until the next batch of new graduates is ready or if you are a procrastinator and have not yet found a job you might be able to find a good opportunity.

 

[Ketamininus]

Take your time and find a good job not one at an AMC or other malignant group out to screw you.


The majority of new graduates only are available once a year, but groups have needs all year long. Anesthesiologists are changing jobs and retiring all year long. Sometimes someone leaves unexpectedly that a group has not planned for, A senior partner in a group may give notice midsummer of his retirement so that he can move south before winter starts. By that time the group will have to wait over a year until the next batch of new graduates is ready or if you are a procrastinator and have not yet found a job you might be able to find a good opportunity.

AMC? Academic Medical Center, I presume? Not sure I'd do that anyway, but just checking.

Not sure I'd be quite willing to such a "leap of faith" and be able to wait until right before I'm done to catch one of those opportunities. I have a house to sell and family to move, so I need to lock something up well in advance to be able to do that without losing my shirt in the process.

 

[McLame]

AMC? Academic Medical Center, I presume? Not sure I'd do that anyway, but just checking.

Not sure I'd be quite willing to such a "leap of faith" and be able to wait until right before I'm done to catch one of those opportunities. I have a house to sell and family to move, so I need to lock something up well in advance to be able to do that without losing my shirt in the process.

AMC (Anesthesia Management Company)

Bad positions at an AMC or malignant groups are always looking to hire a new graduate, who might fall for their lies. Don't be in too much of a hurry to find a spot, If you graduate without a job you can always do locums for a while until you find something good. At least then you might be able to work there a while, and learn about the group, before getting committed to the job and learn how to avoid a the mistake of working for a crook.

I have a house to sell and family to move, so I need to lock something up well in advance to be able to do that without losing my shirt in the process.

You need to be flexible about where you live if you want to get paid fairly, Rent, Don't buy a house otherwise you will be stuck trying to sell it when after six months you learn that your new group is not as fair and honest as you were initially led to believe.

 

[Sevo]

Your goal is to try to get a contract signed, at the latest, by January of your graduating year; ideally earlier.

Generally, most groups will have a good feel as to what their hirings needs will be by August -- plan to interview in the late summer or early fall of your CA-3 year.

I do agree with one of the other posters -- plan to rent for at least a year. A large number of anesthesiologists tend to leave their first job within two years.

 

[bubalus]

Now is too early. Most groups won't know what their needs are.

Interivewing some time Aug, Sept, Oct is reasonable. Get contract signed by Jan so you can have 6 months to do licensing, credentialing, etc.

It may be possible to interview earlier and get things signed sooner, but it seems like many groups are still figuring out their needs during May-July.

That said, if you are going to apply for a fellowship, now is a great time. Many are filling up early. Better to be at the front competing for 5/5 spots than at the back competing for 1/5.