Business Insider explains that who you know is a statistically significant factor when you’re hoping for a job offer. If a current employee refers you to their company, your odds of getting a job offer are 2.6%-6.6% higher than if you applied entirely on your own.

With this statistic in mind, networking is incredibly important for healthcare professionals seeking a new role. If you are searching for a new position, here are four networking tips for healthcare professionals you can implement this week!

Volunteer in Your Community

Volunteering in your community is a great way for healthcare professionals to network. You can volunteer for healthcare-related organizations or simply in an area that you’re interested in.

You never know who knows who, and any connections you make could lead to a job prospect. And while it’s always great to network for yourself, helping someone else land a position where you know people is a great way to build professional relationships, too.

Join a Professional Organization

Joining a professional organization in your field is another way to network. While most can join an organization and passively participate by reading emails and updates, you’ll get the most out of your membership and networking by being an active member.

For example, does the organization have committees you can join? Do they need help on their board? Maybe you could volunteer to be the secretary, treasurer, or even the president if you feel like taking on a leadership role.

Not only is being part of a professional organization useful for networking, but it is also a great addition to a resume.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

If you’re not already on LinkedIn, consider joining! The basic membership is free and there is also a paid option if you want the ability to message individuals outside of your connections and see who has viewed your profile.

For example, say you are a sterile technician and you’re hoping to land a job at the local children’s hospital. You can build your profile around your credentials and experience as a sterile technician. Then you can follow the organization on LinkedIn to be up to date on the latest news for the company.

Next, you can search for employees within the organization to find sterile technicians who work there. Since LinkedIn is a place for professionals to connect, most people are open to other professionals reaching out and asking questions or connecting.

Avoid Burning Bridges

We get it. Not all healthcare workplace cultures are healthy. And, sometimes, if you’re working in a toxic workplace and want out, you may not think carefully about the words you use to talk to your peers and management.

However, if you’re looking for a new position, chances are high that they will want to contact your last places of employment as a reference. If you’ve burned a bridge there, they may speak about you in a negative manner — and this could hurt your chances of getting your next position.

So, even though it can be tough, keep negative workplace talk and angry attitudes outside of the workplace. If a situation is really tough, consider keeping a brain dump journal, seeking out counseling or therapy if necessary, or confiding in a friend or family member who will keep the conversation between the two of you.

Bonus Tip: Try Healthcare Contract Staffing

Volunteering in your community, joining a professional organization, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, and avoiding burning bridges, are four ways to network as a healthcare professional. However, if you’re looking to try out a new work environment, or unsure what your next career move is, consider healthcare contract staffing!

365 Healthcare Staffing Services is an experienced and dedicated contract staffing company with positions nationwide.

They have several positions open in a variety of healthcare fields and in different locations. One of the benefits of contract staffing is the ability to move around and meet lots of people across several organizations. This gives you the ability to clarify what’s important to you in your next permanent role (if you want one!) and to meet lots of potential future references. If healthcare contract staffing is something that interests you, check out their open positions today!