Many recent graduates looking to land their first job--as well as experienced technologists trying to advance their careers--have grown frustrated with the scarcity of employment opportunities.

Although economic forecasts promise significant job growth for radiologic technologists over the next several years, it does little to comfort job seekers of today who struggle to find employment in the nation's longest-ever recession and the worst economy since the Great Depression.

There are several strategies to employ for conducting an effective job-search campaign. Trying one or more of the following strategies can help increase your chances of securing employment.

Network

Networking can be the most effective of all job-hunting tools. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 70 percent of all jobs are found through this method. With networking, you make connections and build relationships with people you know or meet, both personally and professionally, and let them know that you are seeking a job. Make a list of these contacts to help with your job search.

For recent graduates, if you built good relationships with the staff during your clinical experiences, contact them and see if their facility is hiring. If their department has no current vacancies, ask the technologists who is hiring. She's been around for a while and is familiar with the industry. Both recent graduates and experienced technologists will find that local and state societies are a great place for making professional contacts.

Friends and family can help, too. They might know someone who can put in a good word for you. Maybe one of your friends also works in the health care field and his facility is hiring X-ray technologists. When you contact the key decision-maker, mention the name of the contact who referred you. This establishes rapport with the decision-maker and helps you land an interview.

Making the first move

Direct contact is another effective way to find a job. Direct contact means introducing yourself to potential employers, typically by way of a résumé and a cover letter. Just because there are no job postings does not necessarily mean an employer has no positions available. People come and go all the time, creating job vacancies everywhere. This strategy can be highly effective if done properly.

The first step with direct contact is to identify every employer you would like to work for, including hospitals, medical imaging centers, and clinics with on-site X-ray. Next, find out their key decision-maker--likely the radiology manager, chief technologist or human resources director. Once you have this information, forward your résumé and cover letter. If you don't get a response after about a week, follow up with a phone call or letter.

You may also contact employers in person by visiting their human resources department to find current vacancies. If a position exists, fill out an application and submit your résumé. If a position does not exist, fill out an application anyway and provide your résumé. Most employers will keep your information on file and you could be hired for the next available position.

Consider the Web, relocation

Over the last decade, the Internet has made a huge impact on how employers hire. With nearly every employer concerned about their bottom line, the Internet has proved to be a much more affordable alternative than classified newspaper ads. When looking for jobs online, identify every employer that interests you and visit their job postings. If you don't know a Web address, simply enter the facility name in the search engine.

Maybe there are very few X-ray facilities where you live; or, you may live in an area where the job market for radiologic technologists is saturated. If possible, consider moving to another area where employment opportunities exist. An employment agency or recruiter might be a good resource when planning to relocate. They may have a list of employers looking for medical imaging professionals in locations you never considered. Also, contacting a city's chamber of commerce can help locate hospitals and imaging centers that could be hiring.

Employment opportunities in medicine go through periods of waxing and waning. In the latter, don't let discouragement lead to job-search abandonment. Eventually, the job market will open up once again and more opportunities will arise. Getting organized with a solid plan and being persistent will steer your job search in the right direction.

References

1. Huhman, H. Networking as a Job Search Tool (Part 5): Find a Mentor. Sept. 10, 2009. Accessed via http//:www.examiner.com/x-828-Entry-Level-Careers-Examinery2008~9d10-Networking-as-a-job-search-tool-part-5-Find-a-mentor, Sept. 24.

2. Adams, R. L. (1995). Cover Letters Almanac. Adams Media Corporation. Holbrook Media Corp. Holbrook, Mass.

John Femia, BS, RT(R)(CT), is a radiologic technologist and CPR instructor at the Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, N.Y.