It's that time of year where people are moving positions....but what is the best way to find a new job?
It's not as easy getting a job as you thought when you started dental school, especially if you want to work in places like London or Manchester.
Things are getting more and more competitive with an influx of dentists coming overseas and from the EU but don't fret....there's lots of ways to get a job!
CV
Firstly, if you are looking for a job you will need a CV. Many of you may have not had to make a CV before with DFT and DCT jobs not requiring them. Concision is key! And always remember to write a unique cover letter for each job application stating why you want the job you're applying for!
To see more about writing your CV, see one of my previous posts here.
Word of Mouth
A really good way of finding a good job is by word of mouth. A lot of the time, jobs aren't always advertised but it's through people and word of mouth how posts are filled. This may be by asking people you know such as your trainer or mentor if they know anyone who's looking, or it may be physically going round to practices in your area handing out your CV and asking to talk to the principal or practice manager.
The former may not always lead to a job immediately, but it creates a good impression so that a position ever arises, they may remember you!
Networking Events
Similar to word of mouth, attending local networking events and CPD or seminars is a great way to meet people which may lead to job opportunities.
Remember however, it's important to not come across in a way that will make them think you're only looking after yourself! Meeting them in these situations may also help you get a feeling about what it may be like working with these people and if they have similar values to you.
BDJ jobs
Probably the site that everyone turns to first. Whether this be via the BDJ website, or flicking through the back of the magazine itself.
Be aware that practices have to pay more the more information they put. So the advert that you apply for if may be slightly different to what you may expect e.g. multiple sites or working different days.
Recruitment Agencies/Other sites
There are a few other sites you can register with where you may find a position.
If you are looking for a hospital/community position searching NHS Jobs is a really good site. They also email you with alerts of positions that come up as well as integrating training positions that link up to Oriel e.g. STR or DCT.
There are also agencies you can register with. They mostly deal with corporates and they usually advertise on BDJ jobs also e.g. Medicruit.
Social Media
There is the obvious platform of Facebook that may help. There are multiple dentist groups as well as dedicated job groups to help you search and people often post on these groups if positions come up. If you are friends with a few people in the industry you can of course post a status about how you're searching for a job (although you may not always want to publicise this!).
As well as this, there is Linked In (remember to update it similar to a CV) where you can connect with recruiters.
Recently, Dental Circle has also started a jobs section of their site so you can search there also.
Most importantly when you're looking for a job is not to settle for the first one you are offered if you don't think you'll be happy there. You will be spending a lot of your time at work, so if you're working at a practice that you don't enjoy or you don't fit in the team very well your life could be miserable! It's normal to have to see 4 or 5 practices before you see one you could imagine working in (I am quite picky!). Remember that an interview is as much as you assessing them than them assessing you. Ask to meet the staff of the practice and introduce yourself and have a look around the practice.
I hope this helps! Good luck with all your job searches and if you have any questions, leave them in below.
