Right vs. Wrong Approach to Finding a Non-Clinical Job

"I can do anything"

I have received this question hundreds of times from doctors in the US and abroad:
"I am a doctor looking for a career switch. I can provide medical advice for any company. I can speak, write, share my opinions, and consult. I can do just about anything you need. Can you recommend something for me? I need to continue to make at least my current income."

Ironically, expressing too much flexibility in your job search can backfire.

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It is true that most doctors have many different skills and talents. Yet, many doctors cannot easily find non clinical positions. At the same time, I also hear regularly from recruiters who tell me that they can't easily fill their well-paying positions. Why are there so many doctors who want non-clinical jobs while there are unfilled jobs? The reason is that doctors and recruiters often don't speak the same language. I have learned that there is a wrong approach to looking for a non-clinical job and there is a right approach. Sticking to the right approach saves time and prevents disappointment.

Wrong Way
There are no job descriptions for 'a doctor who wants to change direction.' Recruiters are very specific in their needs. One of the first questions recruiters ask me is, "do you know someone who is a good fit for this position?" They typically describe the experience and skills they are looking for.

The wrong way to transition out of clinical medicine is to look for, ‘anything else’ without specifying what it is that you are looking for. If you state that you can do anything (especially that you want to provide advice) you are less likely to be taken seriously than if you are specific and targeted in your approach.

Managers and recruiters try to avoid hiring people who seem like they want to 'get away' from something.

Right Way
The right way to obtain a non-clinical job is to:

1. Honestly evaluate your goals and professional priorities. There are so many options, and there is no reason to pivot to a position that will not fit in with your life goals. This includes your level of interest in the work, as well as other priorities you might have (stability? flexibility? working from home?)

2. Study your options and narrow down your choices to the type of jobs that match your professional and personal objectives. Finding the right fit is the most important part of landing the right job. Doctors who are changing direction need to reevaluate their goals before, not after, they start looking for the right non-traditional job.

Each type of non-clinical job requires a different approach. Before applying for any non-clinical position, it is helpful to become familiar with the work environment, typical salary, work expectations, and, of course, the best approach for finding a job in that specific field.

Find out if you are qualified for what you are looking for. Learn how to become qualified for the most common non-clinical jobs to see if you have the time and interest to make yourself a good candidate.

You could sabotage yourself by offering to do 'anything' or 'provide advice'. You can use nonclinicaldoctors.com and the many resources for physicians who are looking at non clinical jobs to find more details about how to effectively tailor your job search for the job you really want. This will give you a huge advantage as you look for the right fit.