Standing out from the crowd

Thoughts are turning to job hunting amongst my students.

“I haven’t applied for a dental job before.”, was one comment.

Applying for your first job as a dentist is different from applying for a job at the local cafe or shop.

The tricky thing is standing out from the other candidates.

You’re emerging from dental school with a degree which licences you to work. To be perfectly honest, they are all pretty much the same. What sets you apart from the others?

That comes down to how you present YOU.

I suggested to the students to add a photo to their resume and one of the students thought this could be discriminatory. At some point someone is going to look at you and wonder how you fit with their business.

As an employer I always liked a photo, especially one that told me a little about the person. A photo on a hike or with a pet, skiing or cooking.

As practice owners we’re employing people.

The thing that sets you apart is people skills. Most applicants’ experience and hand skills will be limited in the first year.

Think about what you can say that will make your future employer set aside an hour of their valuable time to talk to you.

The other thing that sets you apart is demonstrating you have a growth mindset.

Relate this to your next three years rather than voicing long term plans. Most likely, you won’t be in the same practice in 10 years time.

If you’re looking for your first job as a dentist get my guide to a standout application here. Its free!!

Have a great day.