Are you on the lookout for a new job in the healthcare field? Much like many other industries, it’s been a turbulent first half of the year for the Canadian healthcare, pharma, and health tech markets.
In my over 11 years of industry experience, I can say that the beginning of 2024 has certainly been filled with unique challenges for employers and health professionals alike.
We’ve experienced the Healthcare hiring freeze in Alberta as well as the public sector hiring freeze in Ontario. These types of decisions have put a lot of stress on healthcare employers and employees. Many have been limited in what they could do. If you were laid off, your options have been limited compared to years past. So, I spoke with our healthcare recruitment team to collect some advice we can pass on to healthcare professionals to help you on your job search journey.
If you’ve been laid off or restructured, here’s some advice from our healthcare recruiters about how to recover and get things back on track. But first, let’s take a quick look at the job growth in healthcare in Canada.
Are Healthcare Jobs in Demand in Canada?
As we wrote in a previous blog, Canada’s job market is looking up. This is great news for healthcare workers. Data from Labour Force Survey, April 2024 saw an increase of 17,000 jobs in health care and social assistance (a +0.6% increase). This builds on an increase of 40,000 (+1.5%) in March.
What Is Expected Advice From Healthcare Recruiters To Recover From A Job Loss?
A job loss is tough to swallow, regardless of the reason for it. But it’s how to react and bounce back that will allow you to be successful in your next role. While the following advice is not fancy or earth-shattering, it works. Here’s what our healthcare recruiters recommend you do to recover from a job loss:
Take Some Time To Reflect and Assess Your Next Move in Healthcare
Evaluate your skills, experiences, and strengths. Identify what you enjoyed in your previous roles and what areas you excelled in. What are you really good at? Is there an opportunity for a more specialized role?
Clarify your career goals and consider whether you want to stay in the same field or explore new opportunities within healthcare.
Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile (The Obvious)
Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. Focus on quantifiable achievements and responsibilities. Add new skills, experience, and certifications you’ve acquired.
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is current and comprehensive. Include a professional photo, a detailed work history, and a compelling summary. Engage with health industry-related content and connect with professionals in the healthcare industry. Set your LinkedIn profile to notify people that you are looking.
Consider Temporary or Part-Time Work
Temporary or part-time positions can provide immediate income and help you stay connected to the industry while you search for a full-time role. These roles can also provide additional experience and expand your professional network.
Many employers in healthcare are still under a hiring freeze and are operating with limited budgets. So, they may not be hiring for full-time roles. But, they may hire for short-term gigs. Many of these often lead to permanent employment once freezes end and budgets are expanded.
Explore Different Settings and Roles Within Healthcare
Losing a job is an opportunity to explore your options. You don’t have to jump into the same position with another company. Be open to different healthcare settings such as outpatient clinics, insurance companies, public health organizations, or telehealth services. Consider roles that may not be your first choice but can utilize your transferable skills and provide a pathway to your desired position.
Take Advantage of Outplacement Services
Take full advantage of outplacement services if they are offered by your employer. These programs offer great assistance to help you transition out of your existing role and prepare to search for a new job.
Network Actively
Reach out to former colleagues, supervisors, and mentors. Inform them of your job search and ask for any leads or advice. Rejoin or become active in healthcare professional associations. Attend meetings, webinars, and events to expand your network. Schedule informational interviews with professionals in roles or organizations you’re interested in. This can provide insights and potential job leads.
Use Healthcare Specific Job Search Resources
While general job boards are fine to use, using healthcare-specific job boards can help you focus your job search. Regularly check the career pages of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations you’re interested in. Finally, work with recruitment agencies that specialize in healthcare to help you find suitable job openings.
Enhance Your Skills and Level-up
Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and certifications to keep your skills current and relevant. Taking the right courses could set you up to take a step up in your career. Also, focus on developing soft skills such as communication, leadership, and adaptability, which are highly valued in healthcare.
Stay Positive and Persistent (This is Essential!)
Many job seekers overlook the importance of being in the right frame of mind. All successes start with getting your mind right. Maintain a positive mindset. Job searching can be stressful, but staying optimistic will help you persevere. Establish a daily routine for your job search activities, including networking, applying for jobs, and following up on applications.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Self Care
Job searching can be draining, so ensure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health. Exercise, eat well, and find activities that help you relax. Lean on your support system of family and friends for encouragement and motivation during this period.
A Final Word Of Advice For Healthcare Professionals Looking For A Job
By following the steps above, you can effectively navigate your job search and increase your chances of finding a new, fulfilling position in the healthcare industry. The economy is starting to look up, which is a good sign for those looking to make a career move.
More Industry Insights From Our Healthcare Recruiters
6 Concrete Steps to Retain Healthcare Employees
Would Raising Wages Help Solve the Healthcare Labour Shortage?
What is “Shift Shock” – The Latest Workplace Trend on Social Media
