Most medical establishments don’t close down for the holiday season, unless they are academic facilities conducting pure research.  For this reason, the holidays are actually a better time to look for a job than the rest of the year.  Human resources personnel don’t feel as rushed and the entire mood is more festive and relaxed.  Many medical establishments are also going to want to know that you want to work during the holidays.  Submission of your resume during this time sends a clear signal that you have a certain amount of get up and go that most of them are looking for.

Due to the fact that it is the holiday season, many hospitals and medical centers won’t bother to post ads to the job boards.  That doesn’t mean that the jobs don’t exist, just that most organizations wait until January 2nd to post them.  You can take advantage of this by using this time to specifically target the organizations that you are interested in by sending your resume in and following it up with a phone call inquiring into any new positions that have become available.  Unlike the rest of the year, human resources won’t be too tied up to take your call and most may actually enjoy chatting to a potential employee right now. 

The bad news with job searching during the holidays is that administrators and senior staff who are frequently involved in the hiring process are probably gone.  This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use this opportunity to get your foot in the door with the staff further down the ladder.  You usually don’t speak to them until later on in the process anyway, so their absence hardly matters. 

Don’t forget to have fun and go to parties with colleagues in the medical industry.  Carry a personal card so that you can hand it out at such a function in case you should happen to make the acquaintance of someone who can help you in your job search.  Send holiday cards to hiring managers that you have recently interviewed with, even if you feel it is a little late for them to receive them.  The thought will be what counts in their minds and it may be a subtle move to the top of the pile for your candidacy if they feel that you are just a little more thoughtful than the next guy (or gal). 

Most importantly, keep your spirits up and don’t lose confidence.  As a medical professional, you are guaranteed to find work, it is just a question of when and where.  Have fun, do a little every day related to your physician job search and keep on pounding on doors.  You’ll be surprised how many will still be answering over the holidays!

Also, just a reminder, eMatchPhysicians.com is hosting a “Physician Job Search Kickoff” Sweepstakes, and you can win a Caribbean cruise and other great prizes, just by registering.  Registration is FREE to all physicians, so be sure to sign up today and tell a friend.