When it comes to searching for a new job, healthcare providers have a lot to think about. Positions in healthcare continue to grow faster than other occupations — roughly 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — and the median annual wage for healthcare practitioners is higher than other occupations. Great news, right? But with so many options, a healthcare job search can feel like an arduous journey. Here are eight resources that will make the road a little less bumpy:

1. A well-written Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Nailing your CV is the first step to getting your foot in the door of a facility that appeals to you. Be meticulous in creating a clear, succinct CV that accurately represents your skills and experience. A CV should showcase your talents in a way that distinguishes you from other candidates. Learn more about writing a CV that gets results.

2. A unique, concise cover letter

Many people overlook the fact that a cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants; it may even be what pushes you over the top to get an interview. Your cover letter should highlight the most important things you want an employer to know.

3. A reputable staffing agency

When you’re purchasing a home, a realtor is the expert who knows the local area, can navigate complex paperwork, and works hard to make sure your experience is as pleasant as possible. A staffing agency can do the same thing for your healthcare job search. With a specialist doing the legwork, they may be the key to discovering the perfect job match. Also, a good staffing agency will not charge for their help in finding you the right position. Their costs are typically covered by the hiring practice.

4. A curated online presence

Don’t make the mistake of treating your LinkedIn profile as an afterthought. It’s an opportunity to create your personal brand, distinguish your work from your peers, and position yourself as a trusted expert in your field. Put as much time into crafting your online presence as you do in creating your CV and cover letter. This should include your profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites where your activity may be publicly accessible.

5. Useful career sites

Online career sites aren’t just for people who work in cubicles. Healthcare professionals can search through millions of job listings on sites tailored specifically to them as well. Using all of the resources available to you will help you land the best position.

6. Savvy networking

Regardless of your career choice, referrals and networking are still the most common way to find a job — especially for newbies. Stay in touch with local colleagues, join professional organizations, or consider social networking and collaboration platforms to meet other healthcare providers in your specialty around the world.

7. Volunteering

Spending time volunteering pays off in more ways than one — it can help you get a job on site, but it can also help you network and differentiate your resume from others on a recruiter’s desk. You’ll experience different areas of medicine, diversify your skills, and have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate your bedside manner. As a bonus, you’ll end up feeling satisfied after helping others — isn’t that one of the major reasons you chose healthcare in the first place? Non-profit sites like VolunteerMatch can help you identify opportunities to give back worldwide or in your local community.

8. Career fairs

Medical practitioners of all kinds attend career fairs to network and explore job opportunities. It can be a useful way to meet multiple employers at once and polish your interviewing skills. Use job fairs to make connections with hiring managers at desired organizations and make an impression long before the first official interview. Whether you’re a new graduate or already well along your career track, knowing how to prepare for a healthcare job search and build your job-hunting skills are a critical part of a rewarding career in healthcare. Stay on the path to your destination and you won’t get stuck! CompHealth has helped healthcare professionals across the country advance in their careers. Get started today by viewing today’s job opportunities or give us a call at 800.453.3030. .