spectrum Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I took about one year off right after PA school to raise my family and now seriously seeking a job. However what really surprises me is that almost every job ads I can find requires minimum one year experience. I submitted my CV to some employers anyway, either no response or being told that they only hire experienced ones. I have got very frustrated after exhausting job hunting for months. Wondering if PA job market is really like this, how new grads or people like me with little experience can survive. Can anyone give any advice? What specialties welcome new grads? Should I consider relocation or do sth to make my job hunting easier? By the way, I am at west coast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdebord Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I had a bit of a dream experience, not sure if it works like this for most people. As a new grad, I tried the blanket approach, putting my resume up on at least five websites the night I started. The very next day the recruiters started called before 8. Some of them did immediately dismiss me because they were looking for experience or someone already licensed to start right away. However, there was one in particular who I felt I connected with. He asked me to describe my dream job and location. Then he actually went out and found it for me. I start next week! The job is a small town Family Practice. I know a lot of people don't want to be "bothered" by recruiters, but it did work out well in this case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
user1234556 Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Not trying to be rude, and I realize this isn't very helpful, but a lot of your problem is going to be caused by the fact that you took a year off directly after graduating. With new PAs graduating all the time, fresh out of school, they're definitely going to have an advantage over someone who has likely forgotten a lot of what they learned during school and hasn't kept their skills sharp. It's unfortunate you couldn't have taken a part-time or per diem gig initially, because now future employers are going to look at your resume and wonder why you haven't worked in a year. Now you aren't just a new grad with no experience, you're just a grad with no experience. I think the post above about a recruiter is good advice, and I would try to do that ASAP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinntsp Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Maybe a residency would be a good way to go to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KMD16 Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Agree with post above! Believe me, no one will hire you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winterallsummer Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Have you tried under-served areas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Savage Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 I would think about federal/government jobs! (military, VA, prison system, public health, etc.) They can hire you and then you can get at least a year or more of experience. They do not take a preference for experience. They would like someone experienced but the vast majority do not require it. If you do not want to go that route, there is residency programs. The pay is half of what you would make as a PA and they can be 1-2 years, but at least you are getting paid and getting vital, focused experience. You will be able to pick out of a basket of jobs then. Most residencies have emphasis on specialty though. ER, ICU, Ortho, Surgery... but you still have lateral mobility as a PA. One year of experience is one year, regardless of the specialty. I knew a family practice PA that came from Cardiology. She did that for like 8 years and needed a change I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator ventana Posted February 23, 2012 Moderator Share Posted February 23, 2012 move to western mass everyone is trying to hire hospital is hungry for PA's in many places, alot of local doc's hiring as well go to where the jobs are! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceBanner Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Not to be rude either but taking a year off after graduation was not a good career move. You will likely need to do a residency, or relocate. There ARE lots of jobs that will take new grads....many in ortho and surgical subs. EM and urgent care seem to want 1 year exp minimum. With surgical subs they often like to 'mold' a new grad into their style of practice. You may have luck in FM as well. Like other have said, a year off doesn't bode well for your CV. Sign up for some recruiters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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