Navigating a virtual anesthesia career fair for the first time can be a little daunting. As more companies utilize this method to connect with job seekers, there’s a good chance you’ll end up attending one.
It’s a great opportunity to connect with recruiters from your home. So take advantage of it and follow these 9 tips to breeze your way through to a new job!
1. Research the Competition
The competition is between the anesthesia groups who are looking to win you over and have you sign with them. Your homework is to check out who is attending and identify the companies you want to talk to during the event. Research and explore their group’s jobs and dig into their overall mission and culture from their website. Start preparing questions for each company based on your research.
2. Dust Off the Anesthesia CV
If it’s been awhile since looking at your CV, now is the time to pull it back out. You want to be ready to share it if asked by a recruiter. Add any updates and make sure to proofread it again for any typos or grammatical errors.
If you are still in training and haven’t crafted your first CV we can help. Check out this article How to Craft Your Anesthesia CV. If you want the easy way out visit our CV template page, but we still recommend reading the article for ideas.
3. Machine Check Your Equipment
You check your machine before your first case to make sure it’s ready, so do the same with your computer before the virtual anesthesia job fair. Test all your technology to make sure it’s working. You don’t want to be rushing at the last minute because of a technical glitch.
4. Stay Cool
As much as you prepare for things to go smoothly, sometimes things are just beyond our control. Your microphone shuts off, a dog starts barking in the background or your child decides to make a guest appearance, don’t sweat it. We have all been there these past couple of years where the unexpected happens on camera.
This is an opportunity to show how you handle unseen situations or connect over how you both have dogs. Sometimes these hiccups are just what is needed to break the ice and have a more relaxed conversation.
5. Dress To Impress
You don’t have to wear what you would to a formal in-person interview, however, you still need to look professional. Not only does it make the right impression, but it also gets you in the right state of mind to interview.
Dress business casual. Examples would be: dress pants, skirts, button-down long sleeve shirts, blouses, sweaters, and although not necessary, jackets or blazers are a nice touch.
6. Look Into The Camera
Treat your time with the anesthesia recruiter like you are actually there in person with them. When speaking, look into the camera, sit up straight and smile. Recruiters pick up on these cues and let them know you are present and interested.
7. Interview Them
You remember the research you did on the company? This is your chance to ask them questions. As much as you want to show you are a good fit for them, you want to make sure they’re a good fit for you.
8. Ask How They Would Like You To Follow Up
Make sure to get the recruiters email address (for a thank-you email) and ask about the best way to start the application process. They might have you send them your anesthesia CV or apply directly on their company website.
Even if it’s a job that you’re not that interested in, make sure to at least get their email. Take advantage of this opportunity to build your professional network.
9. Send A Thank You Email
Within 24 hours of the conference, send a thank-you email. If it’s an anesthesia job you are interested in then it shows your desire to work with them and creates another touch point for them to remember you.
Try this and feel free to copy and paste it for your own use.
Hello Ms. Johnson,
It was great meeting you yesterday at the XYZ Anesthesia Career Fair. Thank you for sharing with me the details of the position and answering my questions. Your description of the group sounds like just what I am looking for in my next position. As we discussed, I attached my CV and I look forward to seeing where this goes.
Thank you again and have a great day!
Megan
If it’s not an anesthesia job you’re interested in, you should still send an email. You never know if it’s a job you might want to reconsider years later. Leaving a good impression can leave that door open to apply.
Hello Ms. Johnson,
It was great meeting you yesterday at the Virtual Anesthesia Career Fair. Thank you for sharing with me the details of the position and answering my questions. At this time I think it’s not what I am looking for in my next position, but I appreciate the time you spent with me and hopefully we have a chance to meet in person in the future.
Thank you again and have a great day!
Megan
