Why Resumes Don't Always Work in Getting a Therapy Job

Now that you've sent out your resumes, you might be wondering why you are not getting any feedback. Landing a perfect therapy job is not totally dependent on your resume - even if you have the best resume in town.

Let's take a look at the following harsh facts on job application:

1. Submitting an application to every company or organization is not the way to gain success. Allow yourself to be picky and particular. Recognize your strengths and experiences. From these, evaluate yourself before applying for anything.
    
2. Therapy staffing agencies notice that half of the resumes they receive don't meet the requirement of the particular job. It's unfortunate if your therapist resume is included on a separated pile which they don't consider. Even if you are confident that you are a strong candidate for that job post, your material might not pass on your credibilities. It's best if you don't assume.
    
3. It is obvious that HR Directors and employers select the best of the bests candidate which leads us back to fact #1. On the other hand, recruiters often say that it's not easy to find qualified candidates nowadays.
    
4. To stand out from other applicants and be the best candidate for the therapy job, you have to look best from the start. From paper to person. Ace your phone interview and give a great impression immediately. Concentrate and respond correctly. Answer their questions diligently. Don't just stop there, you have to give it your best during personal interaction, initial application and final therapy interview as well.
    
5. Looking for the perfect therapy job for you may take a lot of time. Be patient with the process. Keep your network strong and connect with them from time to time. Think of strategies instead of wasting your time on shortcuts. Reach out and learn more from others.

Now that these facts are clear, here are some tips to make your application work:

• Match your resume to the job posting. One of the fastest way to not get recognized is sending out a common cover letter and therapist resume. Take time to write a cover letter and resume specifically to the job you're eyeing for.
   
• Typographic erros are a turn-off. Double-checking is not hard at all, yet commiting typo mistakes are very common.
   
• Control your arrogance. Has it been long since you've been job searching? Don't let your frustration and desperation show.
   
• Sell your skills instead of your degree. Show the impact or differences you've made in your past experiences. With the position in mind, discuss your skills in therapy and not just enumerate what you can do.
   
• What do you know about the health care organization? Research and study about the company you are applying to. Check their website, LinkedIn and Facebook page. Ask yourself what makes you want to work there. Go back to your group of friends and ask what they know about them. There are so many resources out there, make use of them all!
   
• Send your application in different ways. By applying online, your information will be saved in the organization's database. If you haven't heard any response from them, don't be afraid to follow up through a phone call, a LinkedIn message or an email.

These may not work in every case and it may not land you a therapy job immediately. But, it's a step closer to success rather than not exerting any effort at all.

Visit PutMeBackTogether's job page for therapy job opportunities that might interest you.

Click here to read more about author Lisa Mauri Thomas.

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