The News Room

Despite the poor economy, there are still plenty of career opportunities available in the medical technology field—and that’s where the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation's (AAMI) Job Fair comes into play.

This June, job seekers from around the country will take part in the AAMI Job Fair to meet face-to-face with recruiting professionals from companies such as ARAMARK, ISS Solutions, Philips Healthcare, Modern Medical Systems, and Stephens International Recruiting, Inc.

The Job Fair—which will be held during AAMI’s 2009 Annual Conference & Expo in Baltimore, MD, from June 6-8—is one of several complimentary benefits available to all conference attendees. In addition to networking and employment opportunities, attendees at the Job Fair will receive complimentary career resources including information about certification, continuing education, specializing, employee benefits, and salaries.

Although employers are still hiring in this economy, recruiters acknowledge that the recession has posed some new challenges not seen a few years ago. The housing market, for example, has impacted recruiting, says Jenifer Brown, national talent acquisition manager for ARAMARK Healthcare, Clinical Technology Services. “People are not as flexible about relocating because of a fear of not being able to sell their home,” she says.

Tiim Hopkins, vice president of operations and executive recruiter for Stephens International Recruiting, urges job seekers to keep an open mind about the types of positions available. “Companies may not have the budget for full-time employees, but can find the funds for short-term contractors,” he says. And such positions could ultimately lead to a full-time, permanent job.
Overall, though, the industry is strong. “Healthcare in general needs quality people to fill demands nationwide, and specifically for this career field,” says Cynthia Stephens, owner and operations manager for Stephens.
           
Tips for Success
Job Fair participants should come prepared for an information conversation or an on-the-spot interview. “Have an ‘elevator’ speech ready. Be able to tell someone about your experience and why you would be a good fit in that organization in about a minute or two,” says Roger Bowles, CBET, chair of the biomedical equipment technology department at TexasStateTechnicalCollege.

While it may be tempting to dress casually for the relatively informal setting of the Annual Conference, Brown says job seekers should dress professionally and also bring extra resumes. “Even though you might have submitted a resume through the AAMI website and the Job Fair, come prepared with extra resumes, a separate reference sheet, and any reference letters.”

The Job Fair will take place in room 315 in the BaltimoreConvention Center, and will open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, and 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 8. For more information on the Annual Conference, visit www.aami.org/ac.

Preparing for a Job Interview
How can you prepare for a job interview — at AAMI’s Job Fair or elsewhere. Here are some tips offered by the experts:

• Keep your resume to one page if possible; and include a list of your extracurricular activities. It shows you are well rounded.
• Be sure to dress appropriately and professionally.
• Research the company that you are interviewing with to make sure you have an idea of what they are looking for.
• Always bring extra copies of your resume and any reference letters.
• Be sure to answer the questions asked, but not ramble.
• Be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals.