Over the last eight months, we have had a regular need to hire staff, both in Buffalo, New York as well as in Batavia, New York. As a result of reviewing multiple resumes and conducting multiple interviews, we have witnessed a cultural change in professionalism that is not for the better. In speaking with other organizations, we have discovered that we are not alone in what we have witnessed. If you have intentions of seeking new employment, please read further, as I will detail what I have encountered, and provide you with insight on how to easily standout from other applicants.

We have been blessed with the need to expand our employee roster consistently over the last eight months. As a result of opening and/or contracting with practices, there has been a need to provide them with clinical support staff. Within Western New York, there are multiple post-secondary schools offering every clinical program you can think of from Rochester to Buffalo. Therefore, there is the potential for a large supply of candidates for recruitment. While the quantity may exist, the quality is not always as plentiful.

We typically advertise open positions on indeed, of which we also market on our social media sites, as well as our website. We make the best attempt possible, to provide specific details about the job, and what the qualifications are. So it still surprises me when we receive applicants for a nursing position, who have never gone to nursing school, and with current employment that has nothing to do with healthcare. If you apply to be a nurse, you actually have to be a nurse, as in you actually need a license registered in New York State. Immediately, those candidates are easy rejections. I wish I could tell you that I only receive one or two of these applicants for such positions, however at least 25% of the resumes are like this.

After eliminating the obvious rejections, I then look for the definite’s and then some maybe’s. The definite’s possess all that we are looking for, such as experience in that particular medical specialty; consistent loyalty to employers, not jumping from job to job, etc. And with the maybe’s, although they may not have experience with the particular specialty, if they have clinical experience that can be reasonably transitioned into the new specialty, and have not jumped from job to job, I will consider them.

Once ready to call and schedule interviews, I have learned that nobody answers the phone anymore. Or, maybe one applicant out of ten will answer the phone. And, not only do they not answer the phone, I’ve also learned the hard way that they may not return your call. So now, my protocol is to call the applicant, leave a voicemail, and then send a text message as well. The text message has never failed me. Scheduling interviews can be difficult. Applicants are eager to seek out new opportunities, but they’re not always eager about scheduling outside of their convenience. I’m willing to be flexible, especially depending on their current position, but I also have to be realistic. If they want the job badly enough, they’ll coordinate their schedule to ensure they can get to the interview. That’s if they show for the interview. Yes, you read that right. For every position that we hire for, we can expect at least one interviewee to be a no show, without a call, text, or email letting us know they won’t be there. If for whatever reason you cannot make an interview, I highly suggest you contact the company to let them know. While you may think it will go unnoticed, think again. And, there’s no saying that it won’t impact you down the road. Business owners and managers talk to fellow colleagues at other organizations all the time.

Although it is standard professional courtesy to write a thank you note in follow up to the interview, this likely occurs maybe one out of 25 interviews. If you want to stand out, send a thank you note! It can be via email. Because this happens so infrequently, when it does happen, you bet I take notice!

All of the above truly surprises me. Before becoming a business owner, when I applied for a new opportunity, I waited anxiously in hope that I may be called for an interview. If I was fortunate enough to receive a call, I didn’t expect the company to schedule around me, but rather, I would be there at whatever time they requested. In preparation to the interview, I would select a professional outfit and print out multiple copies of my resume. On the day of the interview, I would leave in plenty of time, fearful of being late; and absolutely would follow up with a thank you note, as well as likely following up if I hadn’t heard anything, to see if the position had been filled yet. I was persistent and I was eager, two qualities that don’t appear to be as prevalent anymore.

If you have been selected for an interview, your resume has demonstrated promise to the company that you could be their next employee. Let their review of your resume be an honest reflection of who you are, not only looking good on paper, but even better in person. Don’t waste the opportunity to demonstrate the best version of who you are. Even if you aren’t selected for the position, I promise you the efforts will not be wasted. It will lead to one of multiple things: 1.) Consideration for employment for a different position within the company; 2.) Recommendation to a different employer who may be able to use you; 3.) Great practice/preparation for the next interview. “Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in” Bill Bradley.