Lack of Board Certification
Being board certified is increasingly more important for physicians today than it was 15 or 20 years ago. The advancements in technology and changes in best practices for treatment and diagnosis are moving at a very fast pace. Board certification shows that a physician is trained and certified in the latest medical advancements and has the skills required to deliver quality treatment. Conversely, a physician that does not take the time to obtain certification may be perceived as lazy or not as skilled as physicians who are certified. Recruiters often limit their efforts to candidates that have achieved board certification.
Unusual Number of Job Changes
When a recruiter sees a high number of job changes by a particular candidate, this can signal a red flag. Most hospitals and medical practices want a physician to stay with the company for as long as possible, as turnover can be disruptive and expensive. With a high number of job changes on a resume, it is likely you will be eliminated before getting an interview or a phone call.
Time Gaps in a Resume
Another factor in-house recruiters often look at is to see if there are any gaps between jobs. This is a definite red flag, as it shows a lack of commitment and work ethic. They want to see that the potential candidate has maintained a great work history with very few employers.
Spelling Errors
You have gone through four years of medical school and three to five years of residency, but you can’t take the time to look over your own resume? This is a good indication the candidate is lazy and does not care too much about the position they are applying for. It is always important to not only look over your resume and cover letter, but have others look over it as well.
Residency Changes
A change of residency can signal a lack of commitment. Most in-house recruiters want to see that you will be around long-term. They do not want to fill a position only to find out they will have to refill it again in a few months. If you have a change in residency, make sure you explain in detail the reasons for it. This still could be a reason you are passed over for an interview, but having a chance to explain it can be beneficial to your case.
Improper Formatting of CV
It is always a good idea to spend a lot of time on your cover letter and resume. This is the first thing the recruiter will look at to see exactly who you are. This helps indicate if you are worth an interview or even a phone call. Many professional organizations can help you organize your cover letter and resume so you can feel confident about submitting it to a recruiter.
Understanding these downfalls when it comes to applying for a position is important. By making sure you do not fall into one of these categories, or at least properly addressing any deficiencies in your CV and cover letter, you can increase your chances of getting a phone call or an interview for the position you really want.
