Create job security by making yourself invaluable to your employer

I often get asked by students and new graduates, “what are employers looking for in an associate doctor,” and, “how can I market myself as an asset to a hiring practice?”

Here are my answers to both questions:

BE LIKEABLE

Nobody likes working with someone who brings a negative vibe to the office or who constantly complains. Spilled your coffee while you were getting ready to leave? The landlord still hasn’t fixed the dripping faucet? Leaving personal drama at the door and looking on the bright side — “awesome apartment, though” — helps ensure that the new graduate is the type of person everyone enjoys working with.

OFFER HELP

Most employers would love to have an associate doctor who is a go-getter and is, therefore, eager to get involved with the practice. Notice that the phones are ringing off the hook at the front desk? Answer some calls. Additionally, volunteer yourself for extra responsibilities in the practice when the opportunity arises. For example, if the practice is going to start offering a new service or product with which you are familiar, why not take on the responsibility of educating allied staff?

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

I love it when my team thinks of creative ways to improve the practice. From marketing events to using social media, I welcome a fresh perspective. For example, our practice is normally open on Saturdays and for Small Business Saturday (the Saturday after Thanksgiving), my team decided they wanted to do a sunglasses sale, since I was going to be out of town and we didn’t have any patients on the schedule. They had fun with it, and it helped the practice as the same time!

ACCEPT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

An employee who is always looking to improve and accepts advice is very appealing, as they want to better themselves and, therefore, the services the practice delivers to provide exceptional patient care.

Some new graduates go into their first job with big heads; thinking they know more than the seasoned doctors who may not be as up to date on the latest and greatest technology. Experience in the trenches is priceless — make sure to listen and learn!

GO THAT EXTRA MILE FOR PATIENTS

When patients brag about how great the “new” doctor is on social media or to the other staff, rest assured it’s creating good will with your employer. Take the time to ask Ms. Jones how her grandchildren are doing. Don’t rush the mom who showed up to her appointment with three young kids. Let Mr. Smith know the sunglasses he picked out will be great for that upcoming fishing tournament he mentioned.

BE FLEXIBLE

Within reason, the ability to go with the flow and pivot with a changing schedule — maybe from adding an emergency patient or filling in on your day off for someone who’s sick or had an emergency — is extremely helpful to an employer, as the practice can continue operating the way it’s supposed to.

THE OUTCOME

Following these tips will not only make the new graduate an asset to a practice but invaluable to the employer, which can ensure job security. OM

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DR. O’BRIEN is the owner and optometrist at Denver Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery in Denver, N.C. She is heavily involved with student programming through the private practice clubs and Vision Source NEXT program, and works with iCare Advisors as a consultant to help others pursue their cold-start private practice dreams.