Here are Bonnie\’s views on Occupational Therapy:

1. In your own words, what is the definition of your job? As an OT, I work with people experiencing setbacks because of a health issue or crisis to regain their life\’s occupations: daily routines & skills, leisure pursuits, or structured work tasks. I work with my patients in all types of ways to rebuild their lives. 
2. How long have you been an OT? So long that I can no longer count the years on my fingers & toes, so sometimes it is hard to recall, but I believe more than 37 years, oh my, I AM OLD!
3. What skills as an OT have you found the most useful? Flexibility, & Think Twice, Speak Once. Common sense & clinical reasoning skills are also extremely advantageous. 
4. When/how did you know you wanted to be an OT? When I was younger, I worked at a nursing home, and I enjoyed getting to know & learning of the experiences of my residents. I researched healthcare occupations & opportunities and up popped Occupational Therapy, an obscure profession that I felt would suit me. So I went for it! 
5. What/Who inspires you? My 90+ year-old patients that can outrun me have lived through and flourished through challenges and obstacles and still have an amazing outlook on life and how they are continuously blessed!
6. How do you manage stress when it comes to being a traveling OT? I try to immerse myself in learning and experiencing something in each new place I land. Whether that is experiencing new landscapes/outdoors or learning the different cultures of the locals, I have realized that when you work as a traveler, you really get to know different communities and cultures, the beauty of the natural world of your temporary space, and what really makes a community terrific rather than just being a tourist. 
7. What helps you stay motivated while traveling instead of working at one facility? Every few months, I go through changes (whether learning a different community, new documentation systems, new facilities, or finding new pearls of wisdom from my new colleagues). These changes keep me young at heart, my mind sharp, and I feel a metamorphosis with each new place that keeps me motivated. Plus, let\’s be real, I avoid those negative facility politics. 
8. What was your biggest obstacle when it came to being a traveling OT? This time around, learning to commandeer an RV, through the mountain passes, with a tow vehicle. In years past, finding good housing, especially in those tiny communities. 
9. What are things you look for in a staffing agency when being a traveler? To be honest, I like small personable companies, a place where \”Everyone knows your name.\” After all, I do enjoy being notorious.
10. What is your favorite quote?  \”If you are going through Hell, Keep Going.\” -Winston Churchill, or perhaps: \”No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.\”
11. What is the most rewarding part of your job? My job keeps me humble & this is a gift I try to consider each day. I often work with people going through the greatest trials of their lives whether that be their mental health or physical limits and impairments. I realize that in a blink of an eye, that could be me in their place, dealing with adversity and fighting to regain what I have lost. That gives me a sense of humility. 

If you are considering becoming an OT, Occupational Therapy is a great career choice for anyone who wants to get into the healthcare field and work directly with patients to make their lives easier. At Marvel, we are thankful for all your hard work and hope you continue to feel celebrated during your month! 

Happy Occupational Therapy Month!

1. Know your Goals

Before working with a recruiter, consider things like what type of environment you want to work in, where you want to go, and what kind of pay you are looking to make depending on your specialty. Determining these goals beforehand can help speed up the process and make the job search faster.

2. Keep your resume current

Not only should you always keep your resume up to date, but when it comes to applying for travel assignments, a current resume is vital! Recruiters receive hundreds of resumes a day, and it is not that yours isn\’t important, but you would have a much higher chance of getting picked if they didn\’t have to hound you for an up-to-date resume. Resumes should contain current certifications, setting experience, and the duties you performed during your employment.

3. Be Courteous and Respectful

Although most people only communicate with their recruiter via computer or cell phone, it is important to remember that they are human too. Recruiters spend extensive amounts of time finding the perfect position for you and showing recognition of their efforts is good for both parties. Don’t expect to owe your recruiter anything; it’s their job after all. However, a simple thank you message or email expressing your appreciation goes a long way.

4. Follow Through

It may seem obvious, but if you’ve accepted something that your recruiter has scheduled for you, be sure to go! Not only this but arrive on time and be prepared. You want to make good impressions for possible job opportunities and show your recruiter that you’re committed. Once you’ve started working a recruiter, your job status is now both of your concern so remember to be courteous with their time.

5. Communicate 

Since most of the communication is done via cell phone or email, be sure to respond to things on time. Recruiters understand that you are busy, but communication is key to completing the job process! Inform your recruiter of the places you are interested in, your skills, and desired settings. Having a recruiter is like having a friend during your travel journey! Once an opportunity arises, a prompt response will really show your interest.

6. Offer Referrals 

Referrals not only benefit the recruiter, but the business too! Often, agencies offer incentives if you refer someone to their company. TopResume\’s Career Advice Expert, Amanda Augustine, says, \”When a recruiter contacts you with a job that isn\’t a fit for or of interest to you, thank the recruiter for reaching out, explain the type of job you are interested in, and then offer to put the recruiter in touch with someone from your network who would be a better fit for their current open requisition”. If you know someone looking for a similar position, send them to the company and they might pay you!

7. Keep in Touch

A recruiter can become a lifelong friend in some instances. During the entire process, the recruiter learns a lot about you, and after weeks of talking, it might feel unusual to miss a day without hearing their voice. Most often, recruiters will contact you throughout your entire assignment; it’s not a parting of ways once you land the job. You don\’t cut them loose once your job is done either! Now that you’ve worked together, it will only make the next assignment easier!

If you’re interested in finding a new assignment, get in touch with a recruiter. Regardless of who they are, they care about you and your journey. They want you to land that assignment just as much as you do, so working together is the fastest way to make it happen!

Working with a recruiter isn\’t that scary!

Start searching for jobs on our Job Board or Get started with the link below.
Check out these great resources if you want to keep reading more about working with a recruiter.

• https://nursejournal.org/resources/working-with-nursing-recruiters/
• https://nurse.org/articles/good-and-bad-of-healthcare-recruiters/

1. Know what your skills are and be confident in them: 

Before you begin to worry about what questions you’re going to be asked, make sure you understand your personal attributes – both positive and negative. What you can bring to the table is what people want to know after an interview. A variety of questions such as, “What are your three strengths?”, “Why do you believe we should hire you over the next person?”, or “Name one time you overcame adversity” are all different questions you might hear.  Expect to give examples!

2. Research the company and your interviewers before the meeting:

Before your interview, it is essential to do your research. It may seem obvious, but it’s a good idea to understand the company’s values and mission statement ahead of time. Utilize social media and the internet to stay up to date with the company’s latest progress and standing to be able to answer likely questions such as, “How do you think your own values align with our company’s?”. This allows you to express personal interest in the actual company rather than the salary.

3. Expect the Unexpected:

Think back to a previous interview you may have had. Was there a question that really stuck out and had you scratching your head? In just about any interview, there is always that one question that will come unexpectedly. Interviewers want an honest employee, and many people simply practice reflecting on their strengths rather than their shortcomings in order to seem like the perfect candidate. A popular question like “Name one of your weaknesses” can leave you stumped; not wanting to say anything that would hinder your reputation. However, showing vulnerability doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human – and this is guaranteed to leave a good impression with anyone!

4.  Finish Strong:

Arguably the most memorable moments of an interview are the first and last impressions.  After you’ve been asked all of their questions, the interviewer(s) will likely ask if you have any questions of your own. This is the perfect and most crucial opportunity to show the company your interest. Ask genuine questions about things that you would like to know more about, such as insurance plans, 401k’s, and possibly even why you should want to work there over the next company (bold, but remember confidence is key).

5. Follow up:

Finally, to really show how much you’re willing to do for the job, follow up with the company after the interview. Whether it be via email, phone call, or letter, showing your appreciation for the company’s time and opportunity is a great way to get solidify the impression you desired to make. Show them you’re making a real effort to stand out and they are likely to remember that.

These are just a few of the things you can practice to help you land that dream job. Take advantage of your time before the interview to prepare for the questions you’re likely to be asked. Being confident in yourself will not only impress others, but it will allow you to remain calm and think clearly. Remember that the people sitting across from you are human, and have likely been in your exact position at one point or another.

An interview is just a scary word for “Tell me about yourself!”. By practicing all of our tips above, you’re nearly guaranteed to portray yourself as the perfect candidate.