With 23 schools and colleges of optometry in the United States, it makes sense for students to consider how to get a leg up on the competition to land that first job. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accomplish this.

DEVELOP A PERSONABLE CHAIRSIDE MANNER

I recommend asking a mentor to observe how you deliver your comprehensive eye exam, and to offer feedback on your flow, patient education, and ability to connect with patients. Patient loyalty to a practice hinges in great part on how the patient is treated by the doctor(s) and their staff.

In looking through the patient reviews of my practice, I see a lot of “takes time to connect to patients,” and the like.

CHOOSE A SPECIALTY

More and more doctors are looking to hire associates who have a specialty that can help grow their practice. About what area of practice are you most passionate? Where are you honing your skills the most? Pediatrics? Dry eye disease? Specialty contact lenses? These are just some specialty examples. (See bit.ly/OMSpecialty .)

A strategic approach to selecting a specialty is to conduct research (online, via the American Optometric Association, etc.) to determine the most sought-after services. If you can find a sought-after specialty that you are passionate about, that’s a win!

Also, a residency can help further your education and advance your skill set in a short period of time — something that can also give you an edge.

ACQUIRE BUSINESS ACUMEN

Having a global understanding of cash flow and cost of goods and services, to fixed expenses, staff wages, and profit and a strong grasp on proper billing and coding procedures can also make you the cream of the crop of job candidates. This knowledge typically leads to higher productivity, and more comprehensive patient care. I recommend the billing and coding lectures from Chris Wolfe, OD. He also has a popular free podcast called “EyeCode Media.”

NETWORK

Networking in the community in which you’re most interested in practicing, via reaching out to potential employers with a phone call, email, and/or personal visit, can be effective in getting your name in front of potential employers. Also, I suggest participating in the optometry state association, as a referral from a trusted colleague goes a long way. Of course, networking requires self-confidence, so show your aplomb!

FOCUS ON THE PROFESSION

When I interview a job candidate and their questions revolve around benefits, work hours, or anything else not germane to patient care and/or growing the practice, that’s a turnoff for me, among my colleagues. On the other hand, I’m impressed by someone who asks questions about my goals for the business, what opportunities might be available for them in the future, and how they can help with staff training/community outreach, etc. OM

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