Standing Out as a Young OD: Tips for Landing Your Dream Job in Optometry

Kicking off your career after graduating from optometry school can feel daunting, especially when competing for positions with experienced ODs. But with the right strategies in place, new graduates can rely on their strengths to secure their dream position. AOAExcel spoke with industry professionals to find out how newly minted ODs can stand out in their job search.

Start with a stellar resume

Your resume is your first introduction to a potential employer, and even if you don’t yet have a lot of experience in a practice setting, you can still format your resume in a way that tells a story about your career goals.

Employers are interested in understanding how your skills will fit into their practice. When listing your clinical rotations, highlight the types of patients you have experience with, any specialties you’ve explored, and the technology and techniques you’ve mastered. Employers value recent graduates for their up-to-date training.

Don’t forget to fine-tune your organization and formatting. “Resumes that are not well organized or lack dates for work history are not well received,” says one optometric recruiter. “This is a small investment with long-term gain, if you can land the job you want.”

Craft an effective cover letter

Positions that accept or require cover letters provide you with an additional avenue to showcase the ways in which you could be an asset to a practice. Standing out from the crowd requires grabbing an employer’s attention from the very first sentence. According to the recruiter, “Your introduction should convey authenticity, enthusiasm, and highlight your qualifications as an OD. If you feel stuck on the first sentence, try developing a passion or purpose statement that describes your motivations or explains the “why” behind what you are doing.”

You can also use your cover letter as an opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve researched and learned about the practice and position you’ve applied for. “Employers are keen to recognize candidates that demonstrate their understanding of the organization and how to positively contribute to their practice,” the recruiter says. “If you can identify an area the practice wishes to improve or expand, this is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate you are the right candidate for the position.”

A key thing to keep in mind when drafting a cover letter is that it should not be a reiteration of your resume, but it should highlight the skills and qualities that make you a particularly good fit for the role you’re applying for. Tailor your cover letter to each position you apply for.

Ace the interview

The interview process is your opportunity to complete the picture that begins with your resume and cover letter. You’ll need to emphasize the skills and experience you gained in optometry school while showcasing the qualities that will make you an excellent team member. “Be conscious of your body language and show that you are enthused,” suggests Dr. Ryan Powell of Missouri.

Having confidence and a positive attitude can help you overcome limited on-the-job experience. “Attitude and desire to learn are significant,” advises Dr. David Jaco of Kentucky. “Show that you’re willing to accept changes and challenges, take on leadership roles, and make the practice better.”

Coming to the interview prepared with engaging questions can help you stand out as a serious candidate. “Ask where the practice was three years ago and where the practice owner expects it to be three years from now,” Dr. Jason Wilson of Mississippi recommends. Dr. Mason Smith of South Carolina suggests asking “…about the philosophy of the practice and the practice culture. Ask how the support staff are utilized on a daily basis.”

Don’t forget the follow-up

A follow-up email after an interview is a simple yet impactful way to stand out. “Sending a quick thank you message within 24 hours speaks volumes for professionalism,” advises the recruiter we spoke with, “regular communication often sets you apart and shows your willingness to contribute positively to a team.”

Use your follow-up email as an opportunity to express your gratitude for the time spent during the interview, to reiterate your interest in the position, and include one or two details you were pleased to learn about the practice during the interview.

Dr. Wilson points out that “Doctors are busy, and it may take them a while to get back to you, but they’ll notice if you keep showing interest.”

For more professional advice from doctors of optometry, visit the AOAExcel Career Center. In addition to informative resource updates, the Career Center hosts an optometry-exclusive job board that makes searching for the right opportunities simple.