Mistakes Not to Make When Applying for a Dietetic Job (and 2 Winning Strategies from a Recruiter)

We interviewed Healthcare Recruiter, Andrea Poling, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist - Home Health and Hospice. She also has a degree in Dietetics, so she knows our unique niche.

She offers her recruiting expertise so that dietitians and dietitians-to-be can standout during the job search and interviewing process.

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid During the Job Search and Interview Process

1. Not explaining gaps on your resume. - Not explaining gaps on your resume if you have any by not referring to them can be more harmful than having them. Either explain in your cover letter or if there is any area on your application to explain.
2. Not researching the company before a screening and especially for an interview. - Always try to get an informational interview beforehand. Getting information on what their pain points are incredibly helpful. Ask a recruiter if there is someone you can talk to at the company if you don't know anyone. This way you can describe to them exactly how your skills can help solve their problems. Even better if you can find out who the hiring manager is and do your research on them.
3. Using references that you will give you a good reference. I have seen many people go on great interviews, but references came back poorly. You don't need to add references to your resume, it is implied that you will give them to if you proceed in the interview process.
4. Don't get caught in the black hole of resumes. - Find the top 10 jobs or companies you want to apply to and tailor your resume/cover letter to that specific place/job rather than sending 100 ordinary resumes out. Don't get bogged down on font style and paper size. Focus on your results and accomplishments, not your processes. The interview is for explaining the results.
5. Going to an interview unprepared. - Call a friend and do a mock interview. There are also companies you can pay to do mock interviews to get practice if you are new to interviewing.
6. BONUS - Not having a vision. Coming to the interview process without a vision of what you want to achieve in the first 90 days usually impresses hiring managers in the interview.

2 Winning Dietetic Job Search Strategies

1. Standout - At the end of the day you need to stand out to the hiring manager, so put yourself in their shoes and ask would my resume get their attention? And what would a top performer vs an average performer do to get the job.
2. Network - It's never too early to start networking. Take people out for coffee, have a phone conversation and invest time to follow up. My last company, they spoke to every single referral, whether they were qualified or not. Just knowing someone gives you a leg up.

Your LinkedIn Profile

Make sure you update your LinkedIn Profile. As Andrea reminds us, recruiters are verifying you and searching for someone like you who has your qualifications. Be sure to add your skills and any projects uploaded to your Profile to demonstrate your qualifications.