Title: Applications & Interviews
Course: PHT 2931 Trends in Physical Therapy > Section: Module 4

Introduction

OK, you’ve written your resume and cover letter and are ready to apply for a job.  Now what do you do?  There are any numbers of ways to obtain employment as a PTA. The most ideal way is probably by word of mouth from an employee who is currently working at a facility that is hiring and recommends it highly (and will recommend you highly to their employer). However, it may happen that a job seeker has no way of using contacts to find out about a position, particularly if he/she will be moving to a new area of the country. Online job advertisements and newspaper ads can be other alternatives for these cases.

Managers want employees who are able to give them maximum performance. To make a decision regarding whether or not they want to hire someone, they will be examining an applicant’s education, overall knowledge level, skills, experience, and how good a fit the applicant will be for their organization.  Job interviews give both the employer and job-seeker a chance to learn more about each other. It is important for job-seekers to prepare for an interview by finding out as much as possible about the position and the organization. Proper dress is also important; generally business dress is advised. For a first time job seeker with less experience, general abilities such as enthusiasm, flexibility, and willingness to learn can be assets that they can point out to the interviewer. It is a good idea to follow up the interview with a letter thanking the interviewer for their time and interest.

Outcomes

This module covers the following outcomes:

- Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
- Demonstrate computer literacy.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations
- Demonstrate employability skills

Objectives

Upon successful completion, the student should be able to:

- Identify strengths and weaknesses in regards to employability
- Develop a plan to have a successful interview
- Categorize a list of leads for a successful job hunt

Readings and Resources

1. Go to the APTA web site at www.apta.org.  (You do not have to belong to APTA). At the top of the screen, you will see “job bank”.  Click on this and then click on “search jobs” under “job seekers” in the left-hand column.  Then explore the jobs available in your areas of interest.

2. Go to the FPTA web site at http://www.fpta.org/.  (You don’t have to log in for this site to explore what is available but if you want to actually apply for a job, you have to create a password.)  Go to the heading “membership/member services” and scroll down to “FPTA career center”.  Click “ search for jobs” under “job seekers”.

3. Explore the next two web sites for PTA jobs in areas that you may be interested in:

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Default.aspx?cbRecursionCnt=3&cbsid=a3babd9afcfd44fabd0193e26314cfc3-294000476-wm-6#

http://promotions.monster.com/keywordjobsearch/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_n=olmsrchtm

These sites also offer other services such as helping you write your resume (for a fee).

4.  Now let’s try a specific employer in the area.  Click on http://www.brookshealth.org/.

Click on “employment” at the top right of the page.  Type in “physical therapist assistant” in the blank space.  Click on a job of your choice and click on “proceed without resume” just so you can explore what information they are seeking.  Fill it out completely, as if you seriously intend to apply.  (This is a fairly typical job application form.)  Print the form if you can and keep this for your records.  It is helpful to have this information handy when you actually apply for a job.  Now escape from this screen WITHOUT submitting (unless you want to apply).  This will give you a feel for how to apply online and what employers will be asking on the employment application.  Also, if you actually have to fill out a paper application at an employment office, you will have the information you need close at hand.

5. Read the following article obtained from the APTA web site regarding employee recruitment.

- http://www.apta.org/search.aspx?q=employee%20recruitment

Assignments

- Post and reply to Discussion 4
- Complete Discussion 5
- Complete and post Assignment 4