Who you know can sometimes be more important than what you know. If you and another candidate are both applying for the same position with identical qualifications, but you know the floor manager or several of the department’s staff, and those people think highly of you, you’ll likely have a leg up. 

Networking can feel intimidating at first. However, it is an important part of readying yourself for a future job search or career move, and it does not have to mean large events or speaking face-to-face with strangers. There are several ways to network online, too. If you’re new to networking and would like to get started, or you’re experienced and looking for questions to help broaden your circle, here are effective questions to ask while networking. 

Utilize the Power of Social Media

If you aren’t already on LinkedIn, consider creating a profile. It’s a social media platform for professionals and a great place to network. Followers are called connections on LinkedIn. People can request to connect with you, and you can do the same. You can connect with classmates from your program, connect with medical centers, and request to connect with specific people from facilities where you may want to work eventually. Ideas of questions to ask previous classmates:

• Where do you work now and what is your favorite part about your workplace?
• What is the work-life balance like where you work?
• Are there any red flags at your workplace, and if so, what are they?

 

Keeping in touch with classmates is a great networking strategy. LinkedIn allows you a professional platform to occasionally reach out and ask questions like those above so that you stay in touch.

You may be interested in working in a specific healthcare facility. If this is the case, you can follow institutions on LinkedIn and follow specific people. For example, if you want to work in the operating room at a hospital, you can search for people who work in that department and request to connect with them. After introducing yourself, you might send them one of the following questions:

• What is your favorite part about working in your department?
• How would you describe the team culture? Do you feel that you and your coworkers work well together?

 

The great thing about utilizing a site for professionals like LinkedIn is that you can network anytime and anywhere. For many, it also feels more manageable than in-person events. 

Consider Attending a Networking Event

While social media platforms can offer great ways to connect with others, in-person networking events also provide the opportunity to build connections with others in your field. Several different event types can fall under the category of a networking event. For example, a hospital may host a job fair, which could be considered an opportunity to network and meet several individuals involved in the hiring process at one time. Other networking events include chapter meetings for professional organizations or conferences. 

Take advantage of these opportunities to meet people face-to-face and ask questions about their workplaces and organizations. Questions to consider include:

• What are the top qualities you look for in future candidates for positions in your department?
• What skills are the most important for the positions in your department?
• How would you describe the organization’s company culture and the team culture of the unit where you work?
• What are some goals your unit or department is working on?
• How does your team handle conflict?

 

It can feel intimidating approaching someone you don’t know and feeling confident to ask questions. However, you will likely find that most individuals are happy to take the time to share about their workplace. If they work for a great team or organization, that will come through in how they answer your questions. 

Key Takeaways

Who you know can play an important role when seeking a job. Networking allows you to meet people or stay in touch with people who might help you land a job. A couple of important networking tips are to consider asking open-ended questions to facilitate conversation and be open-minded about online and in-person networking opportunities. And if you are seeking a new position, consider a contract staffing role with 365 Healthcare Staffing Services. Working as a contract worker can be an excellent opportunity to network and get to know staff at several different facilities. Many choose travel contract assignments as their full-time role; others find a facility they like and apply for a permanent position.

Whether you’re looking to change things up every few months with a new assignment or plan to eventually seek a permanent, regular position, 365 Healthcare Staffing Services has several open positions. Check them out and use them as an opportunity to network! Even better, if you have colleagues also looking for a contract staffing position, you can refer them and earn up to a $1,000 bonus! It’s a win-win situation for everybody. 

CHECK OUT THE OPENINGS 365 HEALTHCARE STAFFING SERVICES HAVE TO OFFER! WE HAVE OPEN POSITIONS ACROSS CALIFORNIA AND GEORGIA.