Hints for Job Seekers

According to the PedJobs member survey completed in July, employers and job seekers alike have expectations of standard practice for submitting and getting results from a search. PedJobs compiled questions, comments, and suggestions from the survey to provide you with some helpful guidelines to aid in your search for the perfect fit.

Updating Your Profile

Having trouble making changes to your profile? Go to My Account and click Edit Profile. Once you have changed, deleted, or added to your profile, make sure that you click on the Update button at the bottom right of the page to save your changes. The next time you log in you will be able to see your changes.


Getting Your CVs Read

PedJobs strongly recommends uploading a text CV and a CV formatted in Word. Employers often use preliminary "scanning" software to determine if the text CV contains keywords that were chosen in advance, to determine if a candidate has the qualifications and skills that are required of the position.

To make sure your text CV appears legible, copy and paste it into the text box on the profile form and check the "Word Wrap" box. To upload or delete a cover letter or CV formatted in Word, check the "Open the Document Manager" box on the next page.

Usually, if the text version passes preliminary screening, the Word-formatted CV is the one that will be printed and kept for interviewing purposes. Because the text CV does not print in a clear format, the CV formatted in Word is very important. To upload your Word formatted CV, simply click "Open the Document Manager on the next page."

If you have a Mac, be sure to save your Word-formatted CV as a Rich Text Format, giving the file an RTF extension. Otherwise, your CV may be eliminated from consideration simply because employers using a PC will not be able to open the file.


Making Your Information Confidential

When posting your CV, you have the option to make your and personal information confidential so that when employers perform a job seeker search, your personal information will not appear. Only the employers to whom you select to submit a resume will be privy to that information.

To make your information confidential, click "Keep my information confidential". IMPORTANT: You must delete all identifying information from your CV and cover letter, both text and Word-formatted. Also, make sure your e-mail address does not include your name. Example of a non-confidential address: marysmith@yahoo.com.

If you are using the confidential CV as your primary job application CV, the contact information from your profile will automatically be added to the resume during the application process. If you do not want recruiters to contact you, please specify in your CV and your cover letter.

If you do not want your CV to be found in a job seeker search at all, go to Edit My Profile and check the "No, don't post resume" box. This should also be done when you accept a job and no longer want to be contacted for open positions.

For your identity protection, never list your Social Security number on your CV or in an online application. However, once you have accepted a new position, it is customary to provide your card to fill out paperwork for insurance, retirement, etc. for the HR department.


E-mail Address

A professional e-mail address is fundamental to your job search. Select a simple address such as marysmith@yahoo.com. An informal address such as crazygirl@ or lazyboy@ will diminish your chances of having an employer consider your application. Please note: If you are planning to make your CV confidential, do not use your name in the e-mail address.


Phone Numbers

Be sure to consider whether the phone number you have listed on your CV is appropriate. If you have chosen to make your information confidential, but your phone number is published, keep in mind that an employer may still be able to search for your name by the number in an online directory or search engine.

If you list a cell phone number, make sure you have recorded an appropriate voice mail message. For example, you may not want to answer a call from a potential employer while at your current job. However, you should record a professional message instructing the caller to leave a contact number and an ideal time to reach him or her.

As soon as it is possible, arrange a time to call back when you can be in a location where you can be candid and free to talk about your skills and qualifications.


Willingness to Relocate

The best way to notify employers of your willingness to relocate is to list it on your CV and cover letter. You can list states, regions, or mile radius. However, try not to rule out a potential job based on a location that you have not visited. A visit or research might help you decide if a move is worthwhile to accept a good opportunity.


Search Firms

Jobs posted by search firms are shown in your PedJobs search results by default. However, if you choose not to include them in your search, you must check the radio button *No* after "Show jobs listed by Search Firms" on the Advanced Search page.


Frequently Asked Questions

Employers have received suggestions based on the following issues mentioned in the job seeker survey.

How can I find jobs that are of more than one position type, like full-time and locum tenens or full-time and part-time?
Employers can only select one position type for a posting. But, they often list the position type in the text of the job posting. Use other position types as words in the Keyword field. For example, many more locum tenens jobs will be found this way, as compared to Locum Tenens as a Position Type. For example, use "Locum" in the Keyword field.

Why do I get job posting results from states that I did not request?
When an employer selects "nationwide" as their location choice, it includes all states. Therefore, if you are searching for a job in Illinois, you may get a posting for a job in Michigan because the employer has listed the job location as nationwide (including Illinois). While this selection is primarily meant for telecommuting or locum tenens, many employers may have selected this option thinking that they will receive CVs from applicants nationwide. PedJobs is taking steps to ensure that employers understand the proper procedure for posting a job opening.

Can I request only the employers that are AAP members in my job search?
PedJobs was designed to provide opportunities to job seekers from any employer seeking a pediatric professional. AAP membership is confidential and will not be listed in job search results.

If an employer does not list a fax or phone number, should I look it up to improve my chances of getting an interview?
Applying through PedJobs is the most efficient way to apply for a job. If an employer specifies to apply by e-mail or apply online, it is best to follow instructions. Many employers do not include alternate ways to apply for a job because they reserve phone calls and fax machine usage for patients only. Therefore faxing or phoning may only count against you if the employer has stipulated that jobs should be applied for online or by e-mail.

Where can I get career-specific advice?
Career-specific advice is regularly added and updated on PedJobs. Click on the Career Resource Center link at the bottom of the PedJobs home page to find information about work/life balance, career change resources, and job-hunting tips.

Where can I find resources for part-time, volunteer, or non-traditional job opportunities?
PedJobs has responded to the growing interest in resources for part-time work, volunteer work, and non-traditional employment. Resources are now available on the Career Resource Center--just look for the pages titled "Career Change Resources."

Why isn't there a link to the employer's web site on some job postings?
Employers can choose to incorporate links to their Web sites in their job descriptions or their profiles. However, this function is optional, so they may choose not to link to the site.

Why isn't there an option for DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) on the profile page?
DO is available as a designation under Education on your profile.

Why are the same ads posted month after month?
Ads placed in the journal Pediatrics and in AAP News also appear on PedJobs. Therefore, display advertising for some companies will be repeated. However, that does not necessarily mean that the same position is advertised every month.


Feedback

As always, your feedback is appreciated. If you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to e-mail us anytime at pedjobs@aap.org.


Disclaimer

These resources have not been investigated by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP takes no responsibility for these resources.