Why should I hire you? A question for associates |
Many graduates decide not to begin their chiropractic careers by starting a solo practice, either because they are unsure of their business abilities or because they want to hone their chiropractic skills and abilities.
If you are in that situation, you are probably considering an associate (employee) position with a chiropractic practice.
In that case, you’ll need to sell yourself to prospective employers, just as you would if you were in any other profession.
First, prepare a resume (or CV) and cover letter. Then mail your resume and cover letter to prospective employers. In some cases, you’ll be responding to an ad for a specific position. Otherwise, you can send letters to many chiropractors in an area, presenting yourself and your credentials.
Finally, you’ll be asked to interview with the chiropractors.
As you interview with chiropractic practices, here are three important points to remember:
1. Present a professional image at all times. Every contact you make with a potential employer is evaluated. Each of the following nine points of contact can have a positive or negative effect:
- The language of your cover letter;
- The format, spelling, and content of your resume;
- Your e-mail address (some student e-mail addresses look like spam);
- The ringtone on your cell phone;
- The way you answer the phone when speaking with a doctor;
- The questions you ask in an interview, or your lack of questions;
- Your dress during the interview;
- Your handshake in greeting; and
- The thank-you letter you send after an interview.
All of these points of contact are opportunities for you to present a professional image.
2. Differentiate yourself from others. Spend some time looking at the articles about creating a USP (available on www.studentDC.com). Create a USP for yourself.
What is it about you and your skills and abilities that makes you unique? What techniques are you certified in? What personal qualities make you exceptional? You want to be able to stand out in the employer’s mind as someone who is different, more professional.
The more you differentiate yourself, in a professional way, the better your ability to sell yourself to a potential employer.
3. Present yourself as providing value to the employer. In addition to presenting a professional image and creating a unique image of yourself, you must be able to talk to prospective employers about the specific value you can bring to the practice.
This means you must research the practice to know what areas they might need help with.
For example: If the office does not have a female DC, you can bring value as a female practitioner. If the DC practices a specific technique, you might bring value as someone who can add the newest expertise in that technique, from your recent training and seminars.
You might also bring value just by convincing the doctor that you know how to acquire patients for the practice. If you have found some unique ways to bring patients into a practice, talk about these.
Don’t be afraid to “toot your own horn.” You will need to have confidence in your abilities. If you don’t display your value, they won’t know about what you can do for them. Make sure your examples are specific, recent, and positive. If you are not feeling very confident, practice in a mock interview with a friend. The more you practice, the better you will be at presenting your value in an interview.
Remember, you have much to offer a chiropractic practice in your recent experiences and training, in your youth and enthusiasm, and in your positive attitude and ability to talk to patients. Ultimately, you will gain a great position in an office that fits your needs and provides you with a superior experience.
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