NURSE PRACTITIONER Job Search Guide

Knowing What You Want

Finding a Recruiter

Crafting Your CV and Cover Letter

Where and How to Search for Jobs

Preparing for Your Interviews

Evaluating Job Offers

Negotiating Your Contract

2 Health eCareers’ Nurse Practitioner Job Search Guide

The first step — knowing what you want — sounds simple, but can actually be the most difficult part for many people. You need to ask yourself this important question, and be brutally honest:

What does my ideal job look like?

When answering this question, keep these two important factors in mind:

Location/Quality of Life

Are you flexible enough to relocate just about anywhere if it’s the right job for you? Or do you only have specific geographic areas in mind? When narrowing down locations, keep in mind options like whether you see yourself in a large urban area or a smaller rural one; what type of climate you thrive in; and amenities like cultural options and outdoor recreation. If you have a family, you’ll want to consider their needs as well — for instance, will your spouse be able to find a new position in their field? Do you have kids who can’t easily (or won’t want to) switch schools? You should also be aware that salary can vary among locations. Find out what nurse practitioners make in your area at Salary.HealtheCareers.com

Type of Practice

Do you have a specific type of position in mind, or are you flexible? Are you set on joining a private practice or a hospital, or would you consider a student health clinic, a government position (e.g., VA), research, or academia? On the right is a list of pros and cons to help you narrow it down. Then use the checklists to rank your priorities under both headings to see what picture emerges. You might be surprised!

PRACTICE TYPE

Rank your practice-type choices 1–9, with 1 being the environment you desire most.

Solo Practice

Small-Group Practice with Single Specialty

Medium-Group Practice

Large-Group Practice

Outpatient Clinic/Urgent Care

Hospital

Public Health Agency

Student Health Clinic

Government (VA, Military, etc.)

OTHER FACTORS

Rank these priorities 1–12, with 1 being the most important to you. If you’re completely flexible about location, skip this section.

Large City

Small Town

Job Opportunities for Spouse/Partner

Good Schools

Other Family-Related Considerations

Warm Climate

Cold Climate

Mountains Nearby

Ocean/Lakes Nearby

Cultural Amenities

Outdoor Recreation

Commute time

Whether you’re an established nurse practitioner looking for a new opportunity or an NP close to graduating, it’s never too early to start the job-search process. If you’re a soon-to-graduate NP, you’ll want to start researching your options close to the end of your program. If you’re a practicing NP, start looking 1-3 months before you’d like to make a move.

STEP 1 | Knowing What

You Want

TEAM PRACTICEPros: • Manage your own patients • Higher salary

Cons: • Lots of administrative tasks • Less opportunity for specialization

HOSPITAL PRACTICEPros: • Shared patient responsibility • Opportunity for specialization • Opportunity for collaboration

Cons: • Very little autonomy • More bureaucracy • Potential lower salary

MULTISPECIALTY GROUPPros: • Shared patient responsibility • Opportunity to specialize • Opportunity for collaboration • Higher salary • More referrals

Cons: • Shared control • Potential personality differences • More administrative tasks • All physicians in the group need to be on board with bringing in an NP

3 Health eCareers’ Nurse Practitioner Job Search Guide

If you’re set on a certain geographic location — especially if it’s an area already flush with qualified candidates — then using a recruiter probably isn’t the best option for you. That’s because a practice/hospital in a highly desirable location likely has more than enough nurse practitioner candidates to choose from without the employers needing to pay hefty recruiter fees.

But if you’re willing to explore some of the unique opportunities that recruiters are often able to find — perhaps even something you hadn’t considered before — and if you’re willing to relocate if necessary, then it’s time to start searching for the right recruiter.

Types of Recruiters

Internal/In-House Recruiters: If you’re interested in working for a specific organization, most large-group practices and hospitals have their own internal recruiters who can help you get in the door and who are knowledgeable about the group’s philosophy, current provider mix and office culture.

External/Independent Recruiters: These are third-party search firms (also called placement firms) contracted by the employer to help them find the best candidates. Such a firm may recruit for all positions on the healthcare spectrum, may recruit physicians, PAs and NPs only, or may focus only on certain specialties or geographic areas. These recruiters will be able to share opportunities from multiple employers.

You should never be asked to pay any recruitment fees, as all placement fees are paid by the employer, whether the firm is hired on a contingency basis (they’re paid only when a candidate is hired) or a retainer arrangement (they’re paid either way).

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT RECRUITER

• Ask for recommendations from colleagues.

• Research companies that reach out to you through the mail, email, industry events, networking groups, etc.

• Review the valuable information on the “Practice/Professional” tab on the American Association of Nurse Practitioners website at aanp.org/practice.

• Send your CV to a couple of recruiters who specialize in your area of expertise or geographic location.

• Interview a recruiter before signing on. Make sure you’re talking to the actual person who will be helping you, not the sales or support staff. Find someone you’re comfortable with; it could be a lengthy relationship. Ask questions like whether they have experience with your particular specialty or desired geographic area, how many nurse practitioners they’ve placed and how long those NPs stay in the practices they’ve been placed in.

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO be honest. How will they know exactly what you’re looking for unless you tell them? Make sure they know the type of job you want and your salary expectations, as well as where you want to live and whether you’re willing to relocate.

DO ask questions. Keeping in touch with your recruiter throughout the process isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected.

DON’T sign with more than one or two. An employer who receives your CV from several recruiters will think you’re having a hard time finding a job or might believe you don’t know what you’re doing.

Before you begin looking for a recruiter (also called a search firm or placement firm) to help with your job search, you need to determine whether you actually need one. Your answers in Step 1 will come in handy here.

STEP 2 | Finding a Recruiter

(If You Need One)

4 Health eCareers’ Nurse Practitioner Job Search Guide

Your CV is your first impression — a document to get your foot in the door for an interview — so it’s important to be thorough and accurate. Use the checklist at right to find out what to include. Choose a format for each section (e.g., chronological, with most recent experience first) and stick to that format throughout.

And whether you’re working with a recruiter or contacting employers directly, you’ll need a cover letter that grabs their attention; we’ve got some tips for writing those, too.

Cover Letter FAQs

Q: What’s the purpose of a cover letter?A: Employers might receive dozens of CVs for the same position, so a well-written cover letter is your chance to stand out. Make your opening sentence an attention-grabber that makes the reader want to continue, but avoid sounding desperate.

Q: What should my cover letter include, and how long should it be?A: A cover letter should never be more than one page. It should include a salutation to a real person (never “To whom it may concern”), an intro paragraph that explains which position you’re applying for and why, and a few highlights from your CV.

Q: Can I use the same cover letter for every position?A: Every cover letter should be customized to show that you’ve done your homework. Reference something unique about the organization or a specific reason you believe this is the right position for you.

Q: Can I email my cover letter and CV?A: Many cover letters and CVs are submitted electronically, either via email or an online application tool, but some are still sent through the mail or hand-delivered. If printing, use clean white paper and a traditional font. Whichever method you choose, make sure you proofread! Ask a friend or colleague to be a second set of eyes.

WHAT TO INCLUDE ON YOUR CV

Contact details: Name, address, phone numbers, LinkedIn profile and professional-sounding email address

Work experience: Name of practice or hospital, location, job title, dates, summary

Rotation sites, dates and preceptors

Education: School names and locations, dates, degrees earned

Academic honors/activities/leadership positions

Research/publications

Professional memberships

Licensure/board certifications

Professional awards/honors

Language skills

Relevant volunteer experience

References: Names, titles/positions, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO read other CVs for inspiration. Ask colleagues if you can peruse theirs, and search online for examples. Some websites offer templates you can work from.

DO use only high-quality paper and ink when printing your CV, and never submit photocopies. If you’re submitting your CV electronically, use a Word document instead of a PDF — this makes it easier for your recruiter to make changes and it’s vital for employers who use keyword-scanning software.

DO ask colleagues, family and friends to proofread your CV thoroughly for punctuation, spelling and grammatical errors.

DON’T exaggerate any details about your experience, and don’t guess about date ranges.

DON’T get fancy with unique typefaces or brightly colored paper thinking they will help your CV stand out. (It will stand out, but not in a good way.)

For NP jobs, you’ll need a professional CV, which stands for “curriculum vitae” in Latin and means “course of life.” A CV is longer than a resume – often 2-4 pages – and is a detailed record of your career and education.

STEP 3 | Crafting Your CV and Cover Letter

5 Health eCareers’ Nurse Practitioner Job Search Guide

Before you start using your social media channels to get the word out about your job search, take a critical look at each one, making sure there’s nothing questionable that might lead employers to immediately place your CV in the “no” pile. This means deleting any negative posts and photos, such as derogatory comments about your current job. Other things to avoid are highly charged political or religious posts, off-color jokes, and anything else that a potential employer could see as a character flaw or an embarrassment. Once your social media channels are cleaned up, you can start using them to network and search for positions.

If you’re working with a recruiter, you might not need to network or search as much, but you’ll still want to update your social media channels and learn how to use them to the fullest advantage.

When you’re looking for a job, it’s all about networking. You’ll want to let as many people as you can know that you’re actively searching for a new position. This can be done in a variety of ways: through networking groups, by discussing your plans with colleagues and friends, and by taking advantage online job boards and social media sites.

STEP 4 | Where and How to Search

for Jobs

Healthcare job boards like HealtheCareers.com and AdvancedPractice.com

General job boards like Indeed.com and SimplyHired.com

Specialty job boards like: NP Job Center American Academy of Nurse Practitioners NPHF CareerLink Many state NP organizations also host their own job boards.

Journal of the American Medical Association: JAMACareerCenter.com

New England Journal of Medicine: NEJMCareerCenter.org

WHERE TO SEARCH: ONLINE JOB BOARDS

• Keep your social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter updated, and post frequently about your search.

• Accept invitations to networking and social events hosted by hospitals and clinics. Bring copies of your CV.

• Join your nurse practitioner association and keep an eye out for events (including annual meetings or conferences), webinars or other networking opportunities.

• Subscribe to industry trade journals like NEJM and JNP.

• Attend career fairs in your area. These events are often sponsored by larger hospitals and clinics and sometimes by recruitment firms. Bring copies of your CV.

• Tell everyone you know. You never know which friend or colleague will know someone who’s looking to hire.

• Keep business cards on you at all times — you never know when you’ll make a connection! Create them on moo.com or zazzle.com.

NETWORKING TIPS

Facebook – If you’re openly searching, post a notice that you’re searching for a new position, and encourage friends and family to share your information.

LinkedIn – Double-check your profile to make sure all of your details match up with what’s on your CV and with the skills associated with the jobs for which you’re applying. Make sure to turn off your activity when you’re updating your profile. Otherwise, your connections will be notified of all the updates you’re making. Search for and join LinkedIn Groups that pertain to your specialty and other interests.

Twitter – Again, if you’re openly searching, Tweet about your job search frequently and encourage retweets. Follow NP job boards, recruitment firms and hospitals/practices you’re interested in.

Consider using NP-specific online communities and apps like Figure 1, Clinician 1, Skipta, or Doximity. Ask colleagues for recommendations.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE TOOLS

6 Health eCareers’ Nurse Practitioner Job Search Guide

You scored a job interview! Now what? Since our first impressions of people are formed within seven seconds of meeting them, it’s important to go into your interviews knowing how to act, what to say and what to expect.

An interview, whether it’s on the phone or face to face, is your chance to demonstrate why you’re perfect for the job — and to determine whether the job is perfect for you. But even if you decide early on that it’s not the right position for you, maintain an interested and professional manner throughout the interview. Although this job might not be the right one, the company may have a more suitable position later, or the hiring manager might have important contacts in the industry (like other hiring managers). No matter how you feel about the position, always act like every interview is the only one that matters.

To help you with the interview process, we’ve compiled a list of “do’s and don’ts” for before, during and after your next interview.

STEP 5 | Preparing for Your

Interviews

DO clear your schedule. Whether it’s a phone or face-to-face session, give yourself plenty of time in case it runs longer than you expected.

DO research the employer. More than 80 percent of hiring managers say it’s essential for interviewees to ask a lot of questions, but you won’t know what to ask unless you’re familiar with the organization. Discuss it with your recruiter, if you have one, and check the company’s website and social media channels.

DO prepare a list of questions about the position. Besides asking specific questions about the employer, you’ll also want ask questions about the job itself,

like how many patients you will typically see in a day, the on-call schedule, specific job responsibilities, etc. For employers new to NPs, you’ll want to ask if they have any questions you can address. Consider bringing a summary of the state regulations which you can find at aanp.org/legislation-regulation.

DO review your CV if it’s been a while since you prepared it. You don’t want to seem forgetful about details from your own life!

DON’T underestimate the value of practicing. Ask your recruiter, colleagues, friends or family to help you prepare, or practice in front of a mirror.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

DO dress appropriately.

DO find a quiet place to talk if it’s a phone interview, and make sure you have excellent reception and plenty of battery life if you’re talking on a cell phone.

DO silence your cell phone/pager. Sounds like a no-brainer, but hiring managers say that many people forget, and it’s very disruptive if the phone rings.

DO watch your body language and other non-verbal clues. Never slouch, although leaning slightly forward during a conversation shows interest. Maintain good eye contact (but not too much) and don’t fidget or flail your arms about when speaking, although some hand gesturing is fine.

DO take notes with a notepad and pen that you bring with you.

DO ask the interviewer when you can expect to hear from them.

DON’T BE LATE. In fact, be early — but not too early. And be sure to call if you’re going to be late for any reason.

DON’T speak negatively about a previous job or employer. And avoid using slang or peppering your answers with words like “uh…” or “um.”

DON’T forget to ask all the questions you prepared.

ON THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW

DO send a thank you note to the interviewer; a brief, handwritten note makes a good impression. Send a note even if you’ve decided the position isn’t right for you.

DO follow up with a phone call or email after an appropriate length of time, but

don’t say anything confrontational like, “You said you would contact me within two weeks, but it’s been three.”

DO assess your performance afterwards, thinking about what you did right and what didn’t go as well, so you can adjust for your next interview.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

7 Health eCareers’ Nurse Practitioner Job Search Guide

In a perfect world, the position you accept should be one that you plan to stay in for a very long time. That’s not always how it ends up, though, so it’s important to consider all factors before making a final decision. This includes not only your salary and the other terms of your contract, but also whether you’re a good fit for the position and culture — and whether they’re a good fit for you.

Our list of “do’s and don’ts” will help you clear your mind so you can focus on the big picture in preparation for making this important decision.

You rocked your interviews and the job offers are starting to pour in — now you have some important decisions to make. Whether you have to choose between several positions or there’s just one you’re truly interested in, take time with the decision-making process to be absolutely certain you’re making the right choice.

STEP 6 | Evaluating Job Offers

DO ask questions if you’re unclear about anything at all, even if it’s something you discussed already that needs clarification.

DO listen to your inner voice. If there’s something about the position that just doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore your feelings. It’s important to feel comfortable with your new coworkers and work environment.

DO compare positions side by side. Make a chart with the pros and cons of each position you’re most interested in.

DO ask colleagues for advice. Every PA you know has had to make similar decisions at one time or another, so discuss any concerns with others. You might even find someone who is familiar with your potential employer.

DO take time with your decision. No one wants to feel rushed into making a quick decision about such an important matter. Official job-offer letters normally have an “expiration date” that allows time for contract negotiations.

DON’T choose based only on salary. If one position pays more than the other, try to figure out why. Is the position with the higher salary in a less desirable location, or are they offering more because they’ve had high turnover? Consider all factors, including whether they give frequent raises or bonuses, and how their benefits compare to other employers. Research NP pay for your specialty and state at Salary.HealtheCareers.com.

DON’T think only about today. Ideally, you want to be in this position for a long time, so think ahead to what the job might look like for you in five or ten years. Is there room for advancement? Are there opportunities for additional training or other professional-growth opportunities? If you do accept the position but later decide that it isn’t working out, will you be able to walk away without any obligations, financial or otherwise?

DON’T forget to include others in the decision. When you have a family’s needs to consider, your decision needs to be a group effort, especially if accepting the position will mean your family has to make personal sacrifices like switching jobs/schools and leaving friends or family behind.

DON’T despair if you discover than none of the positions you’ve been offered is the right one for you. You’ll have to start the process over, but you’ll be able to formulate an even more successful job search plan the second time around. You’ll know what worked before — and what didn’t — so you can make the necessary adjustments.

DO’S AND DON’TS

8 Health eCareers’ Nurse Practitioner Job Search Guide

An employment contract is a pretty important document. It spells out — in painstaking, often hard-to-digest legalese — what will be expected of you, and what you can expect from your employer. Reading through it can be a bit of a downer, because it also contains all the worst-case, what-if scenarios that could possibly occur during and after your employment.

We’ve compiled a list of the types of things you can expect to find spelled out in a nurse practitioner’s contract. Read through the list carefully, making certain you know whether your contract includes everything you’ll need to be comfortable with the terms of your new position. We’ve also included some important “do’s and don’ts.” If you’re uncomfortable with any of the terms, there might be room for you to negotiate; most NPs begin with salary, but things like office space, work schedule, time off and insurance benefits can often be negotiated as well.

The bottom line is this: DO NOT SIGN any contract unless you’re absolutely certain you understand everything in it.

Contract term: Start date and end date; whether it renews automatically.

Salary: including whether you’re eligible for overtime pay or yearly bonuses.

Salary enhancements: e.g. tuition reimbursement for continuing education, student loan repayment, signing bonus, etc.

Relocation assistance, if any.

Employment benefits: e.g. health insurance, vacation/sick time, paid holidays, profit sharing, life insurance, retirement plans, malpractice insurance, professional membership dues, etc.

Scope of duties: Full-time or part-time; expected number of patients to be seen per day;whether you will be required to perform administrative or teaching duties; on-call schedule; commute time if you are required to work at more than one site.

Branding and Visibility: Listing on the office door and directory; use of name in advertisements, release of performance metrics to health plan auditors

Additional work outside the scope of the position: whether you’re allowed to participate in research, publishing articles, teaching, consulting, etc., and if you have to share any of the compensation.

Restrictive covenants: Also called non-compete clauses; whether you are restricted in any way following termination, and any penalties for violations.

Termination clauses: e.g. grounds for termination, severance pay, tail coverage for malpractice insurance, etc.

CONTRACT COMPONENTS

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO ask questions if you don’t understand something. If the terms aren’t clear, ask for them to be rewritten. If there are discrepancies between what you were offered verbally and what is in the contract, now is the time to fix the issue.

DO get it in writing. If any amendments are made to your contract, make sure you get a signed copy reflecting all of the changes. An oral contract will not hold up in court.

DON’T sign the original until it’s absolutely final. Some NPs might be tempted to sign (out of convenience) if they’ve been given assurances that changes will be made; don’t be one of them. Your negotiating leverage is at its peak before you’ve signed the contract, so only sign a good one!

Congratulations, you’ve received an offer (or more than one)! The final step in the process is to evaluate your employment contract and negotiate any outstanding details.

STEP 7 | Negotiating Your Contract