Whether you’re just leaving secondary education or looking for a new role in the field, you face a lot of challenges when seeking a job in healthcare management. Contrary to what some believe, it is not necessary to have years of experience or an impressive resume to land a good-paying, career-building position — if you know how to look and stand out as a candidate.
Healthcare management has plenty to offer, including an impressive level of demand, high-paying jobs, and careers that make a difference in the quality of lives of many. The question is, how can you find a position? Take a look at some strategies for tackling interim healthcare management jobs, for example.
Earn the Necessary Degrees
It’s not always necessary to have a degree to enter the field, but having access to certificates that show your skill is vital. Public health and healthcare administration pathways are common options for those who wish to work in healthcare management.
It also helps to gain certification, including those opportunities offered by organizations such as the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management and Professional Association of Health Care Office Management. These certifications don’t require years of education to obtain, but they demonstrate highly desirable skills that employers need.
Network in a Professional Group
Networking is a valuable step in the right direction for all those looking for healthcare management jobs. Who you know matters. Most healthcare subsets will have numerous professional groups within them, and many offer online and in-person networking opportunities.
In healthcare management, some of the most important groups to become a member of include:
- Professional Association of Health Care Office Management
- Medical Group Management Association
- American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
Don’t overlook local organizations and online connections as well.
Start at the Bottom and Work Your Way Up
Whether or not you have a significant amount of education or healthcare experience, it is critical to put in the hard work, and that often means working up from the bottom. Take a job as an assistant and work hard to develop your value within the organization. Show that you can grow with the organization, or gain valuable skills that another employer may find very valuable.
The old saying of “getting your foot in the door” is still a valuable part of the process. The difference in the healthcare management field is that companies seek employees who have a history of stability within an organization. While you may end up working at different jobs, the key here is to demonstrate reliability with the employer.
It also helps to find the right gig from the start. Consider the organization’s hiring titles. What types of positions does the company have available? Is there growth in the organization within leadership? If you cannot tell that prior to applying, ask during your interview. It’s not just about getting any job — it’s about finding the right position for growth.
Tailor Your Resume to Your Specific Goals and Strategies
If you want to be in a role such as a manager or supervisor, make sure your resume includes direct insights into the management and supervision you’ve done in previous positions.Ensure that no matter what role you are applying for, your resume clearly demonstrates you already have those skills. Be as direct and clear as possible on your resume to ensure that the would-be employer can see what you are bringing to the table.
One way to gain that experience is to take on interim positions, those that allow you to work for a short time to meet a company’s needs. This gives you a range of experience and learning opportunities while streamlining your goals for getting into key positions.
Finding the Right Job Means Doing Some Research
Some organizations expect multiple degrees and a long work history, but many of today’s hiring companies are looking for people who want to work hard to achieve growth and who bring highly desirable qualities to the workforce. Offer what they need to ensure you get the job you are most interested in having.