Guide to finding therapy jobs online
Once upon a time, finding a job required opening the newspaper. Active job seekers were expected to "pound the pavement" in search of career opportunities. Hospitals and private practices relied on want ads in local papers and flyers posted in break rooms to advertise new therapy jobs.
It's amusing to think about because - like so many other parts of life - the internet has completely changed the job search process.
Of course, searching for a job online is hardly a new idea. Jeff Hill launched Monster.com (then called The Monster Board) in 1994, and the site is now one of the most well-known online job boards. In the fifteen years since Monster's launch, thousands of job sites have popped up in cyber space, each with its own hook, niche, or special feature. As a result, the process of searching and applying for therapy jobs online has grown more sophisticated than ever.
While you don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure out how to navigate a therapy job board, some of the finer points of searching for therapy jobs online are often overlooked. This guide takes a closer look at how to optimize your online search for therapy jobs.
Online job search strategy
Why are you searching for a new job? Your motivation will determine your online job search strategy. If you are out of work or simply miserable in your current position, you will most likely want to adopt an active job search strategy. On the other hand, if you're comfortable in your current position but are open to the idea of a new job or a change of location, you'll probably choose a passive strategy.
Active job seekers take an aggressive approach to job hunting by uploading their resumes to multiple sites, conducting regular searches, applying for therapy jobs online, and reaching out to potential employers. Passive job seekers can browse therapy job boards for an opportunity that peaks their interest, or they may choose to upload their resume and simply wait for the right employer or recruiter to contact them.
Of course, if you currently have a job, you may not want your employer to know that you're looking for a new position. If this is the case, be sure to register with a job board that offers the option to keep your personal information anonymous. TherapyJobs.com gives you the option to withhold your name and contact details while still allowing employers and recruiters to view your profile. If an employer is interested, they can contact you through the site's secure online message center.
Navigating a therapy job board
While every therapy job board is different, the functionality is often similar and the goal is always the same: Matching qualified candidates with sought-after positions.
Create a Profile
To get the most out of your search, be sure to register on the site and complete an online profile. In addition to your name, contact information, and job preferences, you will be asked for details regarding your education and experience. You can enter these details manually, or you may be given the option to upload your resume or copy and paste it into a text field.
Providing complete and accurate information in your profile is critical if you plan to use the "apply online" feature. Additionally, some therapy job boards allow employers and recruiters to search their database for candidates. Having a complete profile significantly increases your chances of finding a job on that site.
Advanced Search
Most job boards offer advanced search options. You can search by keyword, location, specialty, facility, and/or job type. When you perform a search on TherapyJobs.com, you will be redirected to a results page. From there you can change or reset filters on the left side of the screen. It's easy to switch from viewing occupational therapy jobs in Florida to COTA jobs in Wisconsin. Simply click "undo" next to the applied search filter you wish to change and choose a new one from the list below.
RSS Feeds
Active job seekers can subscribe to RSS Feeds to get notifications about new or updated therapy jobs on a daily or weekly basis.
Take advantage of this time saving feature on TherapyJobs.com. Simply click the "Learn more about RSS Feeds" link on the search and subscribe to the feed of your choice. You can view the feed of new jobs via your web browser (Microsoft Explorer, Firefox, etc.); an RSS aggregator like Newsgator or Feed Reader; or My Yahoo, My MSN, and Google.
Apply online
Once you find a job post that matches your preferences, it's easy to submit an application. If you are a logged in user with a complete and accurate profile, you can submit your information with a click of the mouse. You may wish to attach a message or cover letter to personalize the application.
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