Tag Archives: healthcare

The Ideal Candidate – What to Look For?

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You have an open position in your company, you put out a detailed job description online and in comes numerous resumes. You pick your top prospects and you’re ready to interview them. Our question is, what do you look for in the ideal candidate? You obviously want someone with the background and experience, but there are other factors that come into play. So, what are some key qualities you look for in an interviewee? Funny you ask, they all start with P’s!

  1. Passion

The ideal candidate has the right experience for the job, but do they have the passion and enthusiasm? There’s a quote that says, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” You’ll want to hire someone who is excited about the opportunity and puts a little zest into everything they do.

  1. Personality

When you hire someone, that person should be someone who you think you can get along with. You’ll spend 40 hours a week with each other and it will drive you crazy when the person you’re talking to is spineless. It’s like talking to a wall! Find someone with a sense of humor and good character.

  1. Positivity

No Negative Nancies! It’s hard enough to succumb to the rumors and gossip around the office, but when your coworker bashes other employees, talks trash on other companies, or complains about everything they do, it gets frustrating. Positive employees make for peaceful and fun workplaces. Plus, positivity rubs off on other people!

  1. Player

Being a team player is a key quality to look for in an ideal candidate. There are many situations where people will have to work with others for group projects. Being a team player and teamwork motivates unity in the workplace and promotes workplace synergy.

  1. Potential

Look into the future. Where do you see these candidates in a couple months from now? A couple years? It’s important when hiring a candidate, you look for long term potential. Do you see them impacting the company positively in the next 6 months? You also must ask yourself if they are committed to the company and the position. Look into their past positions and see how long they stayed with their past companies.

When looking for the ideal candidate, there are a lot of things to consider. First impressions make final decisions. So, candidates, just be your best self. And clients, hire someone that brings a lot to the table. Don’t just hire someone for their experience.

Office Homies 101

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You just started your first day at your new job! Congrats! How was it? Did you make lots of friends? What are the people like? Are they friendly or serious? Outgoing or shy? Sorry, I probably sound like your mother, but making new friends at a new company is serious business and it can be tough, especially if you’re a little shy! A simple “Hi, how are you doing?” could start the beginning of a life-long friend. Also, according to a study, making friends at work not only brings you happiness, but it makes you very successful in your career. You are seven times more likely to be engaged in your job when you have friends around the office. So, how do you do it? How do you make friends in a professional setting? There are many factors that come into play with making and maintaining work amigos and there are some serious ground rules to follow:

Do’s

  • Do say hello and ask how they are. In fact, by the end of your first work week, make it your goal to say hi to everyone around you and try to learn names. The more the merrier!
  • People love to talk about themselves. When trying to make new friends, ask about them – where they are from, if they have any siblings, etc. These are easy conversations to have and you might have some things in common.
  • Ask for help if you need it and learn from other people. Eventually, people will feel comfortable approaching you with their own questions, which means they trust you. Trust is a very important component in relationships.
  • Attend your work events. I know. You see your coworkers 40 hours a week and, by the end of the week, all you probably want to do is get away from them, but that won’t help you build relationships. Attend the happy hours or plan a work lunch. Socializing outside the office makes relationships stronger and you also don’t have to worry about anyone eavesdropping into your conversations. Not only are you meeting more people and making more friends, but you’re also widening your network.
  • Do be a positive person. No one wants to surround themselves around negative people who always bash the company, their job, their significant other, or their parents. Keep it fresh, practical, and professional. Besides, positive people want to be surrounded by other positive people and, soon enough, the others will flock to you.

Don’ts

  • The last thing you need while starting a new job is succumbing to all the gossip and rumors. We all have our rough days and need an outlet for all the pent-up frustration, but don’t do it in the office. Save it for when you get home. You never know how complaining or bad mouthing someone will affect your work life down the road.
  • Keep outside problems to yourself. Your coworkers don’t want to hear you go on and on about what your s.o. said to you the other night or how your parents are driving you crazy.
  • Let’s not be one of those people that talk too much and are a huge distraction. Of course, talking is what creates relationships but don’t overdo it to a point where no one is getting any work done. On the contrary, don’t be so quiet and closed off. You won’t be making any friends that way!
  • Don’t burn bridges with any coworker. You never know where they are going to be in the future or if they can be a reference for your dream job. Treat everyone you meet with respect.
  • Don’t feel pressured to accept friend requests or follow other coworkers. It’s okay to want to keep your private life private. Your social media pages are for your social friends, not professional ones.

Remember: they’re your work friends not your social friends. Different rules apply between these two friend groups. By following these easy Do’s and Don’ts, you ought to make some great work friends and, just like you, they do have their own personal life. So, keep it practical, professional, and genuine.

FAQs: W-2 Q’s

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W-2 Information

I sent an email earlier today, but didn’t receive a response yet. How long do I have to wait, to send a follow up email?

Generally, all emails are answered within 24 hours of receipt. However, during high volume periods, the emails will be answered within 48-72 hours of receipt.

I am no longer employed with you, do I still have access to Paycor?

Yes, you still have access. As long as you registered within 1 year of your end date, you will have access to view and print any documents (including your W-2, when available).

When will W-2s be available?

W2s will be mailed out by January 31st.

How can I get an electronic copy of my W-2?

By January 31st, W-2s will be available online by going to www.paycor.com. If you are not registered with Paycor, you can do so by clicking the ‘Register Here’ link at the bottom of the sign in box. The access code is 82236 and follow the prompts.

Trouble registering? Send an email to support.

It’s after February 22nd, where is my W-2?

Send us an email. Include your full name (at the time of hire), date of birth, and last 4 of your Social Security number and the support team will be able to assist you further.

I don’t remember my username and/or password to Paycor, what do I do now?

Send us an email along with your full name (at the time of hire), date of birth, and last 4 of your Social Security number and the support team will be able to assist you further.

I need to change the address on my W-2, how do I do that?

Send us an email along with your full name (at the time of hire), date of birth, and last 4 of your Social Security number and the support team will be able to assist you further.

I contacted Paycor and they will not help me with my questions/issues, who do I contact? 

Send us an email. Include your full name (at the time of hire), date of birth, and last 4 of your Social Security number.

How to Choose Between Two Qualified Candidates

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You have seen tons of applications, you have done countless phone interviews, and have been through many face-to-face interviews, but now you are stuck. There are two very qualified candidates that you just can’t seem to choose between. These two candidates have been side by side throughout the entire recruitment process, so how are you going to choose between these two candidates? Here are a few things to keep in mind if this situation occurs:

  1. For the Long Haul

Which of these candidates do you see fitting well long-term? Look into the future. What candidate do you think will positively impact the company down the road? Look past all the requirements and look at how much potential they have to grow and move up in the company. Also, look at the skills they have that don’t apply to the position, but could still be very useful to the company, such as leadership skills, enthusiasm, or being able to work in a team. There’s also the factor that this process is a two-way street. You might pick one candidate and they may not end up accepting the position. So, go with your gut. It’s usually never wrong.

  1. Coffee Break

Take them out for coffee. Get to know them a little outside the office.  Keep in mind that you’re going to be spending most of your time with them, so which candidate can you see yourself hanging out with or getting along with the rest of the team? While hanging out once may not uncover everything there is to know about the person, it will almost certainly leave you with a clear picture of if you mesh well. If possible, bring some of your coworkers with you and see what they think. Different people catch different things.

  1. Use References

Contact their previous employer for a reference. All it takes is one negative review, or even a sentence, from their previous employer for you to choose one over the other.

  1. Cover All Your Bases… Again

Make sure you have asked their thoughts on salary, the role, growth, etc. one last time. They should have no questions about the expectations for the position. During this final comparison you may uncover that one candidate has a bigger salary in mind or cannot say for certain if they’d accept the position immediately because they are interviewing for others simultaneously.

There are worst things than being torn between two great candidates. Even though the final decision is harder than you expected, the good thing about this situation is you’re going to end up with a good candidate no matter what. If you’re in the opposite position and struggling to find even 1 great candidate for your opening, consider working with a staffing and recruiting firm like ours. We specialize in the placement of healthcare professionals in both clinical and non-clinical roles and have a proprietary database with over 1 million vetted candidates. To start the process with us, submit a job request form here.

Working from Home for Working Parents

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Some parents who work in an office all day think working from home is a dream, especially when they’re struggling to balance work responsibilities and parent responsibilities. But the truth is, working from home with the kids is way harder than it seems. With the constant distraction, it’s tough to get all your tasks done. Don’t get us wrong, working parents are known for their extreme multi-tasking, but when is it too many tasks? If daycare has been out ruled, here are some tips to help you work from home with those little rascals:

  1. Create a Schedule.

    If you think you can get most of your responsibilities done in the early morning when your kids are eating breakfast, during their naptime, or late at night when they are all in bed, let your coworkers know that these are the times you’ll be online. It’s likely your work hours will not be the traditional eight hours. Look for spontaneous work moments. If your child is occupied for a short moment like watching an episode of Paw Patrol, get some work done that you can easily put a pause to in case they need your undivided attention again, like answering emails.

  2. Make sure the children 100% know that you are working.

    Have a talk with them, let them know the situation, and tell them there needs to be minimal disruptions throughout the day. Let them know they are part of the “team” as well and their job is to make sure you stay busy all day.

  3. Give your children incentives.

    Tell them if they’re good until lunchtime, you’ll take them to the park or out for some pizza. You can also give them task incentives. These could be “if you don’t disrupt mommy on this work call, I’ll give you a popsicle.” Then, that popsicle should keep them quiet for a little while longer *winky face*.

  4. Have boundaries

    . If you have a job that requires your undivided attention for long periods of time, create a home office. Let your kids know that when you’re in your “work space” you are not to be disrupted. Not only is your attention on your work, but you also won’t feel that pull to your children.

  5. To-Do lists save lives!

    Okay, not really. But they do help immensely. When you’re doing your work, give your kids a list of fun educational activities to do and if they finish that, give them a to-do list that involve chores (But don’t write “chores” on it or they won’t want to do it!) Some of these jobs could be to clean the playroom or set the table for dinner. This will keep them occupied for a little while.

  6. Entertainment is key.

    If toys and TV just aren’t cutting it, create a “boredom bowl”. In the “boredom bowl”, have fun little things they can do. Some examples are: build a Lego tower as high as you can or draw a self portrait of the family. As they get older, you can tie in some of your work responsibilities into the “boredom bowl”, such as filing.

  7. Ask for help.

    If you are knee deep in work, can’t seem to get anything done, and you’ve run out of options, don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Sometimes it’s necessary to ask a friend, relative, or hire a nanny to get in a couple uninterrupted hours of work done.

Being a parent isn’t easy, especially while you’re working. Equip yourself with the right tools and mindset to succeed and be sure to keep open lines of communication with your employer.

How to Make a Good First Impression

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A career in healthcare offers many rewards: there is job growth and security with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics noting that the healthcare industry is projected to grow by 26% through 2022, not to mention the high earning potential due to the high demand and sensitivity of the job; as well as the ability to make a direct difference in the form of delivering quality healthcare to your patients. However, depending on the niche and the cost of entry, entering the industry can be very competitive. If you finally landed an interview with a potential employer or a recruiter, here’s how to prepare yourself and ace that interview.

It starts by getting on a recruiter’s radar. You will need to understand how recruiters function: recruiters get paid to find candidates not easily found by other recruiters or by competing companies. Start by investing in a quality LinkedIn profile, and investing in networking and forging authentic connections. Alternatively, you can invest in curating a professional blog that will describe your expertise in the healthcare industry, as well as pontificate about your shortcomings and how you were able to prevail. A public persona can position you as an authoritative figure in the healthcare industry and will attract the attention of potential recruiters.

Acing Your Interview

First impressions matter

You are very much well aware that you should wear professional attire to your interview. However, what matters is to how you approach the recruiter and how you answer their initial questions. When they ask to tell them about yourself, what they really are asking is: “are you qualified enough? Personable enough?” Make sure to keep steady eye contact and describe relevant experiences in your field. But also do not be afraid to add personal details. This is the time to show how your personality traits and life goals are assets and lend themselves nicely to your career path.

But do not become too familiar

Telling the interviewer more than they should know could be a fatal mistake. They want individuals who can process information and have a strong backbone while doing it. Remember that as a healthcare professional, you’re going to be placed in precarious, emotional, and highly charged situations through your career. Being too personable can be a detriment. Be friendly, but do not divulge into personal information during the interview. If you are not able to gauge familiarity, then follow the lead of the interviewer and mimic the demeanor of the person interviewing you.

Ask curious questions

When the interview concludes, many candidates will be asked if they have any questions — and unfortunately, most will answer with no, and nervously leave the room. It is imperative to ask questions and demonstrate an interest in the industry. Asking questions will also reveal if the workplace is the right place for you.

How to Stand out During an Interview

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As of September, 2018, there were more than six million Americans look for a job. And while there are at least that many job openings, many are in lower paying job sectors. To say that the competition is fierce for permanent, well-paying, career positions is no understatement. With so many applicants, it’s more important than ever to make yourself memorable (in a good way) after you’ve been chosen among the sea of job seekers to have an interview with the company you’re looking to join.

  1. Be polite and respectful

    While we agree that this should be expected of all applicants, the reality of today’s society is that not all people take the time to be polite and kind. Your demeanor counts and that note thanking the interviewer for his or her time could just be the small thing that sets you apart.

  2. Look professional

    Dress as if you already held the position you’re seeking (and not on a casual day). Your look will help the interviewer to envision you in the open position.

  3. Do your homework

    Again, every applicant should learn a little bit about the company they are looking to join, but many don’t take the time. Ask a few thoughtful questions that show you are interested enough to learn whether the company will be a good fit for you.

  4. Answer questions with examples

    When an interviewer asks you about what skills you’ll bring to the open position, answer with an example of what you’ve done in the past rather than a generic (an unsubstantiated) trait.

Job interviews are undeniably stressful, and the competition for most jobs is considerable. Make your time in front of the person doing the hiring count by being polite and respectful, dressing for the position, taking time to do your homework and trying to answer questions with examples rather than platitudes.

How to Write a Thank You Email Following an Interview

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Congratulations! You nailed that interview for your dream job. Rather than simply wait around to hear from your prospective employer, there are a number of proactive steps you can take post-interview to reinforce your interest in the position. One of the simplest and most effective ways is to say thank-you.

Why Say Thanks?

Most importantly, it’s common courtesy to thank someone for taking the time to meet with you. But it’s also an additional opportunity to put yourself out there and possibly impress your next employer. In a competitive job market, small things can make the difference between two equally qualified candidates.

Tips for Crafting an Effective Thank You Email

  • Don’t delay; send your thank you within 24 hours of your interview. HR decisions are often made quickly, and you’ll want to cement a good first impression as quickly as possible.
  • Send it to everyone who met with you, not just the lead interviewer. They all took the time; they should all be thanked. And you never know who will be in your corner should the hiring decision be made by committee. That said, avoid a group email and take the time to craft individualized messages.
  • Don’t be overly casual, but try to be friendly and positive rather than formal. If it’s appropriate, remind them who you are by touching briefly on a laugh or point of interest that came up during your interview.
  • If you promised to send additional information about yourself (social media profiles, an online portfolio, work samples) or some point of conversation shared during your interview, include links.
  • Gracefully, reiterate why you are the best person for the job.
  • Check for grammar or spelling – there should be no mistakes in your thank you note.
  • Be sincere. You are grateful for the opportunity to interview so express that clearly.

Writing thank you notes may be a dying art form, but real courtesy never gets old. Keep your post-interview thank you email brief, relevant and warm. That way, even if you don’t get the job, you’ll be leaving those who interviewed you with a great impression that may yield future opportunities.

Writing a Resume the Right Way

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It’s time. You’ve put this off for months now and it’s constantly nagging you in the back of your mind. It’s time to update your resume. Resume work is one of the most tedious tasks because there are so many wrong ways to do it and contradicting tips across the internet. There’s also the common rule that resumes should be one page long, whether you’re struggling to fill it or your experience is overflowing, don’t let this trip you up. We’re here to make resume writing a skill all can succeed at!

So, what should be put on it and what should not?

A resume is composed of four main sections:

  1. Contact Information

  2. Skills/Professional Summary

  3. Experience

  4. Education

The way it is organized should be based on how you want to format your resume and how you want to prioritize your information.

  1. Contact Information

The important contact information you must include on your resume:

  • Your name
  • Current email address
  • Current phone number

Adding your mailing address to your resume is optional, but certainly makes it easier for recruiters to make sure they are contacting you only for positions that are near you. Remember that if any of your contact information changes you should update your LinkedIn and any other locations your resume is housed.

  1. Skills/Professional Summary

Consider this a snapshot of your experience and the part that will capture the reader’s attention and determine whether or not they’ll continue reading your resume. The ‘Skills’ or ‘Professional Summary’ section is a list compiled of your best skills and is most commonly shown using bullet points.

You might list something like:

  • 5+ years medical front office experience
  • Sufficient in Microsoft Suite, specific scheduling software, etc.
  • Ability to answer multi-line phone with 100 inbound calls per day while operating check-in window

  1. Experience

This section will take up a good chunk of the space, but keep in mind that not every job will go on it. You only want the jobs you’ve had in the past 10 years or the most relevant ones. Also, make sure there are no gaps in your job history.

You want to have your most recent job at the top of your ‘Experience’ list and then have your jobs listed in reverse-chronological order. When labeling your experiences, you should have a maximum of five bullet points under each job.

Here’s a tip! If you are applying for a job, go off the advertised job description and elaborate your experience for that skill on your resume. When you get the chance, use numbers to quantify your experience.

  1. Education

The ‘Education’ section should list the schools you attended and the degrees you’ve earned. Just like in your ‘Experience’ section, this should be in reverse-chronological order. If you’ve graduated from schools higher than high school, leave your high school off.

Add your major and what you studied or concentrated in. Along with your studies, fill in any awards or honors you received whether it’s Valedictorian or Honor’s Society. If you don’t think your GPA is good enough, don’t put it. And, if you’re not a student, don’t put it at all. Also, make sure to put the month and year you graduated.

Now that we know what to put in your resume, let’s go over some things that absolutely shouldn’t be on your resume.

  1. Anything personal such as your height, weight, social security number, marital status, your religious beliefs, or your sex.
  2. Don’t be that person who has the word “Resume” written at the top of it. The employer will know 100% that it is, indeed, a resume.
  3. Leave your photographs out of it. Selfies cropped to remove friends from the picture and even some professional head shots can be a laughing stock. And due to Equal Employment Opportunity legislation, an employer would never ask for this.
  4. Grammar and Spelling Errors!!! Make sure you double, triple check that you have no errors on your resume.

At HealthCare Support, our recruiters are resume writing experts. In fact, one of our recruiters average at least 20 resumes a week. If you feel stuck and need a hand, we are here to help you display your skills to the best of your ability and land your dream job!