How to get the medical post that you want

In the 'good ole days', being a medical doctor was seen as a unique profession, a calling even. As a valued member of a community, it was seen as a privilege by this same community, to ensure that you were looked after. Sometimes, you'd be invited to lunches, paid in produce and if things were particularly tight financially, at the very least, you could expect a smile and a kind word. Good physicians always knew that they would be able to make a living, because when you provided a lifesaving service, you could trust the community ecosystem to support you.

As the hustle and bustle of modern-day living has shifted the way that we operate (both figuratively and literally), the faster pace and modernisation have transformed the medical profession in South Africa. This means that you now have to seek employment in the same way that the rest of the population does...you need to submit a CV to HR and go for an interview.

So, how do you go about getting the post you want and how do you make it to the top?  As doctors, we are bound by a code of ethics and the Hippocratic Oath. As we have committed to “do no harm”, we need to consider what this means for us as we navigate a world where there is a mismatch in the supply and demand of medical posts. With competition being fierce, the temptation may be to employ devious manoeuvres to get ahead, but one needs to consider where this type of behaviour will get you in the long run. In life, reputation and legacy matter, as does your ability to feel at peace with your actions.

So, again the ultimate question prevails....how do you stand out from the crowd? Over our next few posts, we will provide you with a series of practical steps that you can take to make the job search fruitful and effective. But first, some basics:

Your CV - put your best foot forward 

A simple, yet highly effective tip is to make sure that your CV is tailored to the job for which you’re applying. Read the advert and ask yourself what the key requirements are. What are the skills that you need to possess? Demonstrate, throughout your CV, that you have the required skills for the particular job at hand..."spray and pray" and "copy and paste" CV approaches just don't cut it in today's highly competitive world. To stand out, you need to demonstrate your unique value, relevant skills and organisational fit.

Speak to employees

Speak to colleagues who have gotten positions in your chosen workplace, as they may have more insight into what the role may require. Employers are usually impressed by people who have taken the time to do their research on the institution, its needs and how it operates. If you don't know anyone from the institution, calling the HR professional for more nuanced information is a good alternative. Just make sure to think through what you would like to ask ahead of the call. Think of concise, well-constructed and insightful questions that do not cover any points already discussed in the job advertisement - you don't want to make a bad first impression by asking questions that waste their time.

Make a great first impression

First impressions are everything, so whether in your CV or in an interview, put your best foot forward. Ensure that your CV is neat, well-presented and free of spelling errors - Canva, which offers free, well designed CV templates and Grammarly, which corrects basic written errors, will be your new best friends. In terms of interview dress code, you can never go wrong with formal business attire - when in doubt, it's usually better to be too smartly dressed as opposed to too informal. Answer questions graciously, no matter how you feel...never badmouth previous places of work - trust us, it's a bad look. Prepare for your interview, research how to answer interview questions and find out from colleagues what kind of questions they were asked. If clinical questions are usually asked, prepare for them, but remember that interviews are not exams and the aim is usually to evaluate your decision-making processes and character.  You are one of several candidates who are all equally, if not more deserving, than you. Your task is to make the interviewer feel that you are the best fit for the specific role.  

At the end of the day, our aim is to serve our patients and communities. Remember that in life, it’s not always the naturally gifted who make it to the top, but those who persevere. Never give up on your dreams.