You’ve heard it time and time again…After “this many” decades of working for one organization, “so-and-so” has now found themselves looking for a new job. Sometimes it’s voluntary, and sometimes not, but no matter what, transitioning careers late in life can leave anyone asking, “What now?”
This process of recareering, as this transition process is often called, is becoming more and more common as the hardworking baby boomers retire later and continue working even in retirement.
Recareering offers a unique set of challenges, including the risk of less pay and fewer health benefits. That said, there are positives to changing careers at an older age, which can in some cases include job flexibility and more relaxed work environments.
For professionals like yourself, who are more likely to transition careers within the healthcare industry, the healthcare job market is growing faster than ever. Unfortunately, this also means that competition is stiff, as thousands of people are applying for these jobs.
Making sure your application stands out can be difficult for anyone, but older applicants often have a particularly difficult time with it. Here are some tips for finding and transitioning to a new career in healthcare with ease.
- Research early; research often.
Whenever you’re applying for a new job, it’s important to research the position and organization, but this is especially true if you’re embarking on a completely new venture in your career. Pro-tip? Find out which healthcare careers are in greatest demand. Clinical positions and IT are often cited as two of the fastest growing career sectors in healthcare.
- Give yourself an honest assessment.
Few of us find the time to intensively train and educate ourselves over the course of our careers, so don’t be discouraged if your skillsets aren’t matching those listed on job boards. Examine your skills, and consider how they might be applied within other healthcare positions. One advantage that younger applicants have is the time to pursue furthering education and training, so it’s up to you to give yourself an honest assessment, and if pursuing new training is an option, don’t be afraid to take the next step.
- Adjust your resume accordingly.
Particularly if you are branching into a new sector of healthcare, make sure that your resume highlights your most important skillsets for this specific position. The fact that you have years of prior experience in healthcare can work in your favor, so be sure that things like technical skills, leadership experience and knowledge of patient care are prominent in your resume.
- Utilize your network.
One major advantage that older applicants have over their younger counterparts is an already established network of healthcare professionals. Make sure your connections know that you are serious about this career change, and your name might just be the first to pop in their minds as new positions open up. Plus, by networking with individuals integrated in the job or organization for which you are applying, you can better understand the skills, training and education each organization values in their employees.
- “Show them what you’ve got” in the interview.
You know, and we know, that you’re a capable candidate for any position you put your mind to. Show your interviewer how well you understand the healthcare industry and its processes. Show them how, although the industry has evolved, you have evolved with it. Understand the current trends that are important to this position, research websites and publications before your interview, and show them what you’ve got because, trust us, you’ve got it!
COORS Healthcare Solutions is a national, boutique, solutions firm providing clients with superior C-suite and emerging leader talent. Our consulting services range from performance management to physician alignment and solving financial and operational challenges. We deliver results by partnering with our clients and developing solutions that drive your business’ success. Visit us at www.CoorsHealthcareSolutions.com to learn more.
