As Nurse Practitioners (NPs) near graduation, the next big step is often finding the right job. For many, the NP job search can feel overwhelming, especially if no preparation is done beforehand. To help set you up for success, here are five essential steps every Nurse Practitioner should take to prepare for their job search in 2024.
Consider Long-Term Career Goals
Before diving into the job search, take time to reflect on your long-term career goals. Make a simple list outlining where you want your career to go over the next 2, 3, or 5+ years. This list doesn't need to be overly detailed, but it should help you think about what job aspects—such as specialty, work setting, or location—are most important to you.
Ask yourself questions like:
- Do I want to work in primary care or a specialty?
- Am I looking for a hospital setting, private practice, or community health?
- What type of work-life balance is essential to me?
Identifying your goals early on will make it easier to focus on job opportunities that align with your career aspirations.
Create or Update Your CV
Your curriculum vitae (CV) is one of the first impressions you make on a potential employer, so it’s crucial to have it in top shape before applying. Whether you're creating or updating your CV, ensure it's organized and easy to navigate. List your qualifications, clinical experiences, and education in reverse chronological order, so employers see your most recent experience first.
Pro Tip: Tailor your CV to highlight skills or experiences that align with the job you're applying for. This makes your CV stand out from other Nurse Practitioners and shows how you're a great fit for the role.
Create a Job Wish List
Just because a job is available doesn’t mean it’s the right fit. To help narrow down your search, create a job wish list that includes the most important aspects of your ideal job. This could include factors like:
- Location
- Patient population size and demographics
- Patient load
- Salary expectations
- Benefits
After compiling the list, prioritize it by ranking these items from "must-haves" to "nice-to-haves". This can be a helpful tool when you’re deciding between multiple job offers down the road. Having a clear idea of what you want makes it easier to find the right Nurse Practitioner job.
Search for Organizations in Your Desired Area
If you know where you’d like to work geographically, it can be a good idea to go straight to the source. Many healthcare organizations post their available jobs on their own websites. By browsing job boards of hospitals, clinics, or private practices in your preferred location, you can find positions that may not be listed on larger job sites.
Keep in mind: Some job boards may feature both medical and non-medical roles, so be sure to read job titles and descriptions carefully to ensure you're applying for the right positions.
Explore Additional Job Search Options
Don’t limit yourself to job boards. Nurse Practitioners can also find new opportunities by attending virtual career fairs, networking through LinkedIn, or connecting with NP recruiters.
Virtual career events allow you to meet multiple organizations in a low-pressure environment. These events are a great way to learn about new job opportunities, make connections, and even submit your CV to potential employers. Networking on LinkedIn also provides access to job postings and offers a chance to engage directly with hiring managers and recruiters.
Ready to start looking for opportunities? Check out the job board.
*Originally posted on 3/5/2021. Last updated on 9/17/2024.
Ashley Poshard is the Manager of Program Relations and Data Quality. She joined PracticeMatch in 2021 and brings over a decade of database management experience. Formerly an in-house physician recruiter and PracticeMatch client, she excels in engaging physicians with the platform. Ashley collaborates with program coordinators nationally, offering educational opportunities and gathering feedback. Her role involves implementing innovative features and services, fostering long-term physician engagement with PracticeMatch. Additionally, Ashley leads the data team, working to maximize data collection efforts and enhance the PinPoint Database's size, value, and quality, solidifying PracticeMatch's position as a leader in healthcare recruitment and data management.