How to Land Your Ideal Job as a Healthcare Professional in the Denver Area
With an increasing population, Denver’s healthcare job market is not only one of the most important in its economy, but it is also one of the fastest growing. However, navigating the job market in Denver’s healthcare sector can be challenging. It pays to have a good understanding of the job market to create a solid job search plan.
In this article, we give a brief overview of the healthcare job market in Denver. We discuss the most in-demand skills and qualifications, and our top tips to help you land your ideal healthcare role in Denver.
An Overview of Healthcare in Denver
Over the last 50 years, the population of Denver has increased from around 500,000 to more than 700,000. Over the same period, the population of the metro area of Denver has ballooned from around 1 million to almost 3 million today.
Diverse and dynamic, Denver’s healthcare sector provides a huge range of services. It includes hospitals, clinics, and other providers. It has adapted at a rapid pace in recent years, helped by technological advances. This has prompted a rise in telemedicine as well as the widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). Despite these technological advances, the healthcare sector is robust and growing.
There are now almost a quarter of a million people directly employed in healthcare in Metro Denver, earning an average wage of more than $60k. With employee growth of around 4.9% per year for the five years to 2020, the demand for healthcare professionals is exploding. According to published research:
- Three of Denver’s major healthcare providers rank in the city’s top 10 largest employers
- Registered nurses and personal care aides are two of the top three high occupations with the most job openings in Denver through to 2028
In short, as the population grows, the need for skilled healthcare professionals has never been stronger.
High-Demand Skills for Healthcare Jobs in Denver
Though the most in-demand healthcare jobs in Denver are registered nurses, the skills, experience and qualifications you need depend upon the role you wish to fill. Positions like doctors and nurses require extensive training and qualifications:
- Registered Nurses (RNs): A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often preferred, although an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may be sufficient for some roles.
- Medical Assistants: Certification from an accredited program is preferred.
- Physicians and Surgeons: A Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree is required, along with completion of a residency program.
Other roles in admin and support ask for less formal education.
Healthcare providers are particularly keen to hire candidates who are compassionate, empathetic, and understanding, with the following soft skills:
- Good communicators
- Adaptable and flexible
- Good team players
- Willing to learn and progress
Technical skills and experience with EHRs, telemedicine platforms, and other healthcare software and technology will also help to make you a standout candidate.
Job Hunting Tips and Resources for Healthcare Professionals in Denver
Though there is high demand for your skills in Denver, the healthcare job market is highly competitive. The following steps will help you stand out in a crowded market:
Network
Networking is crucial. Attending industry events, joining relevant professional organizations, and connecting with healthcare professionals on LinkedIn will help you to expand your reach – you’ll hear of job openings that you didn’t know existed and can ask your connections to recommend you.
Do your research
Knowing who are the key employers is essential. Keep up to date with trends in the industry by following employers’ websites and social media, and discover more about each employer’s culture, values, and mission. This will help you make a better choice as you tailor your job search to healthcare providers who will offer you meaningful work in an environment that suits you best.
Customize your resume to each application
It’s crucial to tailor your resume for each job application. Pay attention to the wording on the job description, and use keywords to mirror the tone and voice the employer uses. Make sure that you highlight how your skills and experience match their needs.
Prepare for interviews
Prepare answers for common interview questions using the STAR method, and practice your answers. The real trick is to prepare half a dozen answers that you can use for a multitude of questions.
Be sure to dress appropriately (even if it’s a virtual interview), turn up on time, and take copies of your resume with you.
Continue your professional development
Employers desire candidates who are keen to stay updated in the healthcare industry. Being proactive with your continuing professional development is a sure-fire way to demonstrate this, and it also makes you attractive for higher-paying roles with greater responsibility.
Register with a specialized staffing agency
Registering with a specialized staffing agency is the most important tactic when seeking a new healthcare job in Denver. This can streamline all the above steps. A good agency will help you to compose your resume, prepare you for job interviews, and provide job openings that are not advertised elsewhere.
Experienced recruiters will help you to navigate the healthcare jobs market, provide career guidance, offer support in your job search, and negotiate the best offer.
Staffing agencies can also offer you a variety of positions, including contract and contract-to-hire, as well as full-time job vacancies. This could be perfect for you if you are just starting out in healthcare or wish for a more flexible work routine.
Take the First Step to Your Next Career Move in Denver’s Healthcare Sector
With a rapidly growing population and a robust healthcare sector, the demand for healthcare professionals in Denver has never been higher. But, while there is a wealth of opportunity for healthcare professionals, navigating the healthcare jobs market is not without its challenges.
You’ll need a clear understanding of the skills and qualifications required for different roles, as well as effective job search strategies.
At Lakeshore Talent, we provide you with comprehensive guidance and support, as well as access to top healthcare employers in Denver. Register with us today, and take immediate advantage of our experience, expertise, and industry connections to take your healthcare career to the next level.