moukotkd Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I graduated from PA school in August '13 and passed the board exam back in September. I didn't take job hunting too seriously early on because I really just wanted a break after PA school. But now that it's almost February, I'm starting to get very concerned. I'm now applying to pretty much everything I can in my area and I've gotten several interviews over the past few months but have still not found a job. I'm afraid that if I don't find something VERY soon, no one will ever give me a chance since I've been unemployed and out of school for so long now. Any advice? It would be much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winterallsummer Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 How is your resume? What fields of medicine are you applying to (EM, UC, FM)? How big of a geographical area are you applying, and whereabout? What websites are you using? Consider asking former preceptors and your peers from your school if they know anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moukotkd Posted January 30, 2014 Author Share Posted January 30, 2014 I've been applying fo ER, primary care, ortho, and pretty much whatever comes my way at this point. I live in the dc area and I was trying to stay local but now I'm thinking I may need to consider moving. The only lead I have now is a pain management job which I would have to relocate for and honestly I have no interest in. When I go on interviews, this gap in employment that I've had since I graduated seems to be an issue. unfortunately I did not come from a strong medical background before PA school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wjm7 Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I live in the dc area and I was trying to stay local but now I'm thinking I may need to consider moving. Might be the key to your success if you're having trouble in your area. Lots of people aren't willing to move, so this can give you a advantage for certain jobs, I would think. There are so many jobs out there, I feel confident that if you expand your search you will have more luck. Wishing you the best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator True Anomaly Posted January 30, 2014 Moderator Share Posted January 30, 2014 For new grads, follow the EMEDPA-trademarked "2 out of 3" method for your first job: You can have two of the three- 1. Location 2. Specialty 3. Salary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moukotkd Posted January 30, 2014 Author Share Posted January 30, 2014 I was trying to think of something I could do in the meantime that would look good to potential employers when they ask what I've been doing for the past several months. I'm considering getting an ultrasound certification or something along those lines. It could be useful in the future anyway. What do you guys think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinntsp Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 I was trying to think of something I could do in the meantime that would look good to potential employers when they ask what I've been doing for the past several months. I'm considering getting an ultrasound certification or something along those lines. It could be useful in the future anyway. What do you guys think? You will end up with an even bigger employment gap as a PA. You should consider widening your search to other locales. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KMD16 Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 You couldn't land not even a primary care position? Not even through NHSC? You do not sound hungry & aggressive in your search. You should expand your search. For the mean time, volunteer at free clinic or start one yourself. A Postgraduate PA residency training is an option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paraguru Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 I have to agree with KMD, you don't seem as "aggressive" as I was when I graduated PA school in 2011. I ended up taking a job that was listed for an NP position but found out that the small town really just needed another provider. I had to move about 3 hours away as well. You really need to expand your search area and I would focus on underserved areas such as rural communities or inner city areas. There is ALWAYS a place for you in primary care but you may have to move to start working. One more thing, start reviewing your medicine (if you have not already been doing so). The knowledge that you have quickly dissipates if you don't put it into practice. Good luck on your search. You will be working in now time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFarnsworth Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 I graduated in August, took the boards in December, and started working in March of the next year. No one asked me about my "gap". I said I was studying for the boards and took some time off to spend with my family after I was done with school. I did have to move 440 miles away for my first job but I was glad to do it, and I"m still living in the same city after 12+ years. My advice: pick some cities that you think you could live in, apply for every job you can find in those cities even the ones who are looking for an NP, sign up with a recruiter or placement service (travel assignments often turn into permanent jobs!), call all of your calssmates and ask for leads, ask your school for help, join LinkedIn if you haven't already, post your resume online via a job site, join the state PA organizations (they often have job leads that aren't posted elsewhere), spiff up your resume, and in the meantime, practice your interview answers and technique. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pglaser01 Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 I didn't take job hunting too seriously early on because I really just wanted a break after PA school. The only lead I have now is a pain management job which I would have to relocate for and honestly I have no interest in. Are you sure it's only the gap in employment thats holding you back at interviews? I'm not meaning to be rude, I'm sure you are motivated enough to be a sucessful PA...but based on some of the information I'm seeing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmj11 Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 I graduated from PA school in August '13 and passed the board exam back in September. I didn't take job hunting too seriously early on because I really just wanted a break after PA school. But now that it's almost February, I'm starting to get very concerned. I'm now applying to pretty much everything I can in my area and I've gotten several interviews over the past few months but have still not found a job. I'm afraid that if I don't find something VERY soon, no one will ever give me a chance since I've been unemployed and out of school for so long now. Any advice? It would be much appreciated! I only share this as a word of encouragement. I've shared this story before and I realize that what I'm about to share was at a different time but here goes. When we graduated in 1981, the PA laws in Kentucky were terrible. I actually had a job lined up. However, (long story) when I got delayed in Pakistan after a military coup and I couldn't get a flight out of the country, my employer called my apartment and my roommate told them that they didn't know if I was ever coming home. They gave the job to someone else. I was only two weeks late in getting home. After that point, I did not work as a PA for 9 months. I approached about 125 practices and had two interviews. However, in my class of 15, I only knew of two PAs who did have a job at the 9 month mark. I was as depressed as hell and extremely poor (one step away from being homeless). I was working part time at Sears. One of my classmates committed suicide during this time. However, it did work out and I have had mostly great jobs for the last 31 years. So hard times do come, but then they pass. Keep your mind open to moving. That is what broke the ice jam for me, moving out of state. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JMPA Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 headhunter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradtPA Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 A friend of mine just took a locums job with the Indian Health Service..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KMD16 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 I didn't take job hunting too seriously early on because I really just wanted a break after PA school Not good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shani26 Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 I also have a friend who graduated in May who just moved to DC who is also having trouble finding a job in the area. I hope that you are able to find something soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyblu Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 I'd say go for locum or agencies. I still get daily emails from head hunters. My school also sends job listings to all its grads. Maybe contact your faculty members, or as someone else mentioned, every preceptor you had. Send Facebook messages to anybody you're friends with who works in medicine, even if not as a PA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookish Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 I also graduated in August '13, took my board exam in Sept and began working in October. I think it's all in what you're willing to sacrifice for that first job. I've been commuting 3 hours a day and am leaving that first job after this month for closer jobs that I picked up as per diem/part time that are increasing my hours (leaving on good terms and made sure they were able to find someone to fill my position). The main thing that I think is important is to remember that your first job may not always be your ideal job and that's okay. You just need to get your feet wet and who knows what doors it'll open up later on. :) I'm currently juggling 3 jobs this month, but I'll be down to 2 next month. I am a strong believer in hard work + sacrifice leading to something good (which, not surprisingly, was my story during PA school). Good luck! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyM2 Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 As hard as it it's to get into PA school and as hard as it is to complete school and get certified, it sucks to think you may not even be able to find a job. On the other hand, I would bet some areas like the DC metro area have a surplus of job seekers and I know there are many parts of the country where there are a surplus of jobs. Go where the jobs are. Sent from my Kindle Fire HDX using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PACdan Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Just a question, but have you tried PatientFirst? They just opened two new locations in the northern VA area. Sent from the Satellite of Love using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meaux Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 I have seen numerous jobs in Richmond, as well as NoVa, all pretty close to the DC area. Hopefully you have a VA license, and DEA. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HJK Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 On indeed web site alone, there are numerous openings in Maryland. If willing, JHU always hires new grads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derbingle Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 And arent there some phenomenal resedencies in that area? I think so. Check the post grad residencies out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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