Cover Letters, References, and Applying for “CCC Only” Positions
Many graduate students are beginning to embark on their journey to apply for medical speech pathology positions. The job application process can be daunting - which is why I wrote this blog post. I want to help you better navigate these unfamiliar waters. Keep reading to learn more about landing your dream job!
“CCC ONLY”
You’re on your 20th search for a medical position for your CFY. You land on your dream position and quickly hit “Apply Now” only to find that the position says “CCC Only.” What do you do? I know many new graduates hesitate to apply for positions that say they will not take a clinical fellow or are only looking for clinicians with X years of experience. As someone who has cautiously applied for positions with similar descriptions, I highly recommend applying without hesitation! Odds are, they may want someone with their CCC and experience, however, if the right person (i.e. YOU) applies and interviews, they may realize that you were their dream candidate all along! Be honest in your resume about your experience, but don’t be afraid to apply. In the interview process, you can further demonstrate your unique skills, talents, and experiences that make you an optimal candidate for the position.
Grab a Coffee, There’s No Cutting Corners Here!
I know we are all busy and want to lighten our workload, but your cover letter is NOT the place to do so. I often see templates online for stock cover letters. Although having a general format can be beneficial, I highly recommend making every cover letter specific to the location you are applying for. Take time to learn about the mission statement and values of the company you are applying for.
Ask yourself these questions:
How do I embody these values?
How will my skills and experiences help me add value to the culture of the company?
How do my goals align with the mission of the company?
Discuss the following questions specific to speech pathology:
What are your professional goals?
How will you bring value to the speech pathology team?
What is your experience with interdisciplinary collaboration?
What experiences do you have in the medical setting? (Consider discussing exposure to instrumental evaluations, your experience with different patient populations, etc.)
Describe any relevant experiences that will lend you success in the setting you are applying for. An example: If a hospital specializes in oncology and you have had several patients with HNC, be sure and discuss those experiences!
This brings me to my next question: Are references necessary?
I hear this question often. I personally think references should be included to allow future employers ease in verifying former employment and the opportunity to learn more about you. I recommend having a reference sheet in addition to your actual resume.
Contact me with any questions you might have! I am happy to look over resumes and cover letters.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog - I really appreciate it!