The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked many issues around the globe, one of the top ones being the lack of employment in Canada. The pandemic created some jobs due to the COVID screening and vaccine appointment setters required. However, the economy witnessed more job losses or reduced working hours since many businesses have shut down temporarily or forever.
Canada’s labor market has seen a surge in the unemployment rate. According to the Labour Force Survey, the unemployment rate rose 0.6 percentage points to 9.4% in January 2021, the highest rate since August 2020. Thousands of jobs were erased, reducing income for many households.
At a time like this, job seekers need to go the extra mile to get hired in a legal position since the competition may be very high. Here are some steps you can take to get your application noticed.
5 Strategies To Enhance Your Job Opportunity
The pandemic situation is always a tough time to find a new job. But if you are going to follow these strategies, you will find a suitable position for you.
Here are the five strategies you need to follow to boost your chances of getting a job.
1.Consult A Professional
If you have switched up your resume, applied to all the positions available, but you are still unemployed, you may need expert help. Talk to a group of legal recruiters in Toronto who have studied the market thoroughly. Since legal recruiters spend most of their time helping people fit the right job, they will know what steps to take to get you hired.
Legal recruiters will find you positions that best suit your qualifications, saving you the time and effort of applying to multiple job postings.
2.Tailor Each Cover Letter
You already know the drill. Editing each cover letter to fit the job requirements that you are applying to is essential. However, it is not enough to change a few words and edit the name of the company.
You must research each company you are applying for and focus on all the details. When the employer notices your attention to detail and interest in the company, your application will stand out among others.
3.Make Networking A Routine
Having connections helps you wherever you go, but it is particularly helpful during a job hunt during a pandemic. If you continue to make connections through your friends, family, or social media, more people will get to know you.
Once you share your skills with the potential link, they might think of you when a position at their firm opens up.
To network efficiently, brush up your LinkedIn profile and look for people to connect with on the platform. Make sure your profile is updated and outlines your skills.
4.Use Rejections As A Lesson
Don’t get demotivated if you aced an interview but did not hear back from the employer. There may also be instances where you do not get called for an interview. All of that is okay. Use those rejections as a lesson by analyzing each step during the pandemic time. If you had an interview, figure out alternative responses to the questions the recruiter asked you. Practice those new answers for next time.
If your application got rejected before the interview process, go through your resume, cover letter, and social media platforms. Switch things around and see if it makes any difference.
5.Boost Up Your New Skillset
You are experienced or a fresher; this strategy is always effective to deal with the pandemic situation. Pandemic is never bringing you a good glamorous memory. But this is high time to brush up on your existing skillset. The pandemic and the lockdown situation bring you more time to learn new things. Utilize this time more positively.
The new skill learning always delivers the more profitable outcomes. Now, most of the excellent training institutes are offering online courses. Do research some of the latest trendy skills and try to utilize this time more positively.
Wrapping It Up:
Getting a job during the pandemic can be challenging, but you must hold on tight and give it your best shot. Due to the status of the economy, your rejections are not a reflection of your lacking. However, it will not harm you to follow the steps above to get your application noticed.
I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.
Technological advances are opening up more opportunities for professional development. No matter how old you are, it is important to not stop learning and instead of finding a new way to sharpen your skills. Keep reading to learn some useful tips from professionals in how to take advantage of available resources and achieve your goals in the career path
1. Be flexible in your career path:
When making a plan for your future, always be flexible in your thinking. In fact, modern society allows us to explore various jobs during their lifetime. This means you don’t have to follow a single position but can make a switch to other areas. Just make sure to go for a field that you can find many opportunities to develop and find happiness when working.
2. Be ready to work with different people:
Most of us often choose to work with those who have the same points of view. However, having someone who thinks and do differently can be useful in helping you develop and improve your capability. Being exposed to oppositions can be a great chance to stay out of your comfort zone and learn new things in your corporate life.
3. Make use of social media:
These days, technology is an indispensable part of our life. Thus, you should make use of available resources for your development plan. Make sure you are consistent in these platforms to build your reputation with a unique personality. Try to open your social network and make a lot of friends. Be nice and helpful to everyone and potential clients or jobs will come to you anytime.
4. Have a mentor:
Finding a mentor is probably one of the most effective ways to ensure you are on the right career path. With a lot of experience, he or she can teach you valuable lessons in both personal and professional life to grow. You can ask colleagues or friends to choose the right one. Another benefit is that a mentor can give you another perspective on every aspect to help broaden your horizon.
5. Enjoy your leisure time:
Do not only focus on your professional career. Instead, it is better to spend your time on social activities and your hobbies. This will help you develop many essential skills which can be useful for your work. For example, participating in charity work can be a good way to develop your leadership skill. In some cases, if your passion is important enough, it can turn into your full-time job. After all, everybody wants to do something they like and make a living from it.
6. Step out of the comfort zone:
One of the best things to develop yourself is to step out of your comfort zone and try to learn a new thing each year. Since the greatest growth will be the result of fear or discomfort, it is a good idea to make you feel stressed about what you do. For example, if you are afraid of digital tasks, then include them as a part of your plan to develop technical skills. You will be soon surprised at the benefits of this approach in your personal and professional life.
7. Consider online work:
Virtual tasks are very flexible. This makes them a great option for those people who also want to be flexible in their schedule such as travelers or parents who cannot go to the office every day. So if you are in these situations, it is better to consider work because it will open up many opportunities to develop yourself as well as earn a lot of money right at the comfort of your home. Many people are not willing to take these positions because they want a stable salary. However, many freelancers can get a fixed contract with some companies. The key is doing research.
8. Find a person to complement each other:
Another way to improve your capability is to find someone in your company who has opposite personality traits and try to be a perfect couple in work. Try to support and give him or her what you have so that both can grow together. As a result, when your boss is promoted, your chance will also be better. A typical example is the combination of an extrovert and an introvert. In this case, the synergy is powerful to ensure good cooperation between the two.
Constant learning is the key to career development no matter which point you are in your life. Set your personal goal and try to learn new things each year. You will be amazed at the results. If you are looking for a high-quality writing service for academic or business purposes, Essays Match is an authentic writing service to choose. With many talented writers and experts, we can guarantee to deliver the highest-quality essays for your projects.
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Phlebotomists, also known as phlebotomy technicians, use venous or skin punctures to draw blood. These specialists are essential to the healthcare industry, especially when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Phlebotomy services can be used by patients to receive transfusions, donate blood or plasma, or test for medical conditions.
In addition, phlebotomy technicians have strict guidelines to follow when labeling biological samples, handling needles and other tools, and entering patient data into databases. These workers must execute their duties carefully and safely since they deal with biological samples.
Engaging with patients and making a difference in their care is a rewarding experience for many phlebotomists. Phlebotomists who are kind can ease patients' anxieties about having their blood drawn, as many patients find the procedure uncomfortable. These technicians can also discuss the significance of blood collection
Phlebotomist employment prospects appear to be favorable. According to BLS projections, employment in this field will increase by 22% between 2020 and 2030, while jobs in healthcare will grow by 16% and all occupations by 8% during the same period. Here is everything you need to know about how to become a phlebotomist.
How to Become a Phlebotomist?
Becoming a phlebotomist does require specialized training. Fast-paced work environments and frequent client interaction necessitate that professionals in the field possess the following qualities:
Although phlebotomists are frequently employed in laboratory environments, some have more flexibility in their work environment when they work for ambulatory services. They might still have to put in overtime or on the weekends, for example, if they work in a lab.
Learn more about how to become a phlebotomist in this article, along with the procedures for obtaining national certification and education.
Requirements on How to Become a Phlebotomist
Before getting into the details of how to become a phlebotomist let us clear up the basics. Candidates must earn a GED or complete their high school education. It could be beneficial to take science and anatomy classes in high school. After that, people can enroll in phlebotomy programs, which typically leads to certification after 4–8 months of training. Community colleges, technical schools, and trade schools all offer these kinds of programs.
To practice, phlebotomy graduates in California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington must obtain certification. To improve their chances of finding work, professionals in other states should still think about obtaining a postsecondary credential. Phlebotomists have access to a range of certifications, such as:
Certified Phlebotomy Technician I: Trains medical personnel to take blood samples via venous and skin punctures.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician II: Trains medical personnel to perform venous, arterial, and skin punctures to collect blood.
Limited Phlebotomy Technician: Someone who trains medical professionals to take blood via skin punctures.
Certification and Licensure
Acquiring certification to become a phlebotomist requires a written and practical exam. The test will include about 300 questions. The clinical component will include a demonstration of sample labeling, skin, and venous blood draws, and sanitization procedures. Phlebotomists can then acquire the certification from different organizations, such as:
American Society for Clinical Pathology
National Center for Competency Testing
American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals
American Medical Technologists
National Healthcareer Association
National Phlebotomy Association
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
To stay up to date in their field, phlebotomists—especially those who need to renew their certification—must complete continuing education. The requirements for ongoing phlebotomist training vary by state, but most professionals must earn roughly six credits of continuing education annually. To fulfill these requirements, phlebotomists might be able to enroll in classes at community colleges or vocational schools or attend conferences.
Training to Become a Phlebotomist
Learning how to become a phlebotomist involves taking crucial courses and earning certification. Both laboratory experience and classroom instruction are prerequisites for certification programs. Topics including anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, are typically covered in courses. Students may need to take prerequisite coursework if they are unable to demonstrate algebraic or mathematical proficiency at the high school level.
While it's uncommon, some people with a high school or GED opt for on-the-job training rather than phlebotomy school. Phlebotomists are required by state regulations to follow certain guidelines regarding certification and ongoing education, regardless of their educational background.
What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
Before you want to know about how to become a phlebotomist, here is what you should know about what a phlebotomist does. A phlebotomist, another name for a phlebotomy technician, is a medical professional qualified to take blood samples from people. They might also help with blood drives and transfusions, depending on where they work. Apart from extracting blood from patients, they also process blood samples for analysis, gather patient data, and assist patients who might feel uneasy with needles.
The main responsibility of a phlebotomist is to take blood samples from patients as directed by a physician or other healthcare provider. On the other hand, your practice might also involve labeling vials, checking vital signs, chatting with patients about the blood draw procedure, and maintaining a sterile and clean work area. During your shift, you might also be required to carry out the following tasks, depending on where you work:
Gather data and make updates to patient medical records.
Fill out the paperwork and mark the vials.
Make patients more at ease while having their blood drawn.
Place a supply order
Arrange the necessary vials, needles, and other supplies in the work area.
Joining a professional organization can benefit your career in the long run, even though most charge a membership fee. These organizations give you a route to certification, facilitate networking, and assist you in keeping up with new methods or regulations.
National Phlebotomy Association
The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) provides workshops, training courses, and professional certifications, such as a credential for phlebotomy instructors, to facilitate continuing education. For full- and part-time jobs in phlebotomy and other allied health fields, the organization maintains a job board.
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc.
The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc. (ASPT) certifies both graduates of recognized programs and employed phlebotomy technicians. Members of NHA, ASCP, and AMT are eligible to receive benefits from the organization. Members have access to nonprofit events, cross-training workshops, and opportunities for ongoing education.
Additionally, ASPT offers an EKG fundamentals program and a phlebotomy refresher course. There is a $65 exam fee and a $35 membership fee for phlebotomy technicians.
National Healthcare Association (NHA)
NHA offers phlebotomy technicians immersive learning opportunities in addition to professional certification. Practice drills, interactive games, and quizzes are among the available resources intended for educators and students.
For allied health professionals, NHA offers a job board, resume review services, and career planning guidance.
By showcasing and improving your skills, obtaining a professional certification can increase your marketability even if your state or employer does not require it. Examine the prerequisites for the following three popular certifications.
Technician in Phlebotomy (PBT)
There are various ways to become certified in PBT offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Candidates must possess one year of full-time clinical experience or have finished an authorized phlebotomy program within the previous five years. Programs must fulfill minimum instruction requirements, be approved by the California Department of Public Health, or accredited by NAACLS.
In addition to paying a $145 application fee, candidates must pass an 80-question exam.
Certified Technician in Phlebotomy (CPT)
Candidates must successfully finish a phlebotomy training program or one to two years of supervised phlebotomy technician experience to be eligible for the National Healthcareer Association's CPT distinction. Blood collection, patient preparation, and safety and compliance are all covered in the two-hour certification exam. The exam is $125, and you can buy a study guide or practice test to get ready.
Every two years, CPTs need to renew their certification by paying $179 and completing continuing education requirements.
Colleges That Offer Phlebotomy as a Course
Since phlebotomy students must acquire practical skills in blood withdrawal and collection, phlebotomy programs are typically offered on campus at educational institutions. The programs that prospective phlebotomists can find in the United States are listed below. However, keep in mind that this is just a small selection of all the programs that are offered all over the country. When you want to know how to become a phlebotomist, the college you must go to is an equally important aspect to consider.
Abrams College
The didactic component of Abrams College's phlebotomy program is offered over two weeks, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM in Modesto, California. This equates to 48 hours of classroom instruction. To proceed to the externship experience, students must pass all tests and complete all skill station requirements.
The 40-hour externship takes place in a hospital or clinical laboratory. Students who complete the program receive a certificate and should be qualified to apply for both state and national licensure.
Cuyahoga Community College
Cleveland, Ohio's Cuyahoga Community College provides a short-term certificate program in laboratory phlebotomy. Students are trained in blood collection, specific blood collection techniques, medical terminology, ethics, and other related areas through a skills-based didactic curriculum. Students also need to finish an eight-week clinical externship at a hospital or clinic.
Graduates of this NAACLS-accredited program have completed it with a 100% job placement rate and a cumulative 95% pass rate on certification exams over the last three years. Furthermore, transfer programs are offered to students who wish to graduate with a bachelor's degree from an institution in partnership.
Iowa Western Community College
The phlebotomy program at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs consists of 120 hours of clinical experience and 80 hours of classroom instruction. The students receive their clinical placement assignments during the sixth week of the program. After finishing, they ought to be qualified to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology national certification exam. Students must adhere to a rigorous professional dress code and present documentation of their vaccinations upon admission to the program.
Santa Fe College
Students can finish the two-semester phlebotomy certificate program at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. In the first semester, students attend 60 hours of classroom instruction, and in the second semester, they complete 105 hours of clinical phlebotomy rotations.
Students must pass a background investigation and have all necessary vaccinations to be admitted. This course also includes instruction on bloodborne pathogens, HIPAA compliance, and CPR certification. The NAACLS is requesting approval for this program.
South Arkansas Community College
Students enrolled in the one-semester program at South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Arkansas, are prepared for careers in phlebotomy. Students can obtain their certification in phlebotomy by completing seven credit hours of coursework in phlebotomy, professionalism, patient relations, and medical technology.
In addition to working at least 100 clinical hours in designated healthcare facilities, students must complete 100 successful unaided collections and maintain a grade of C or higher in all courses. The practicum is set up by the program director. This program is accredited by NAACLS, and there is a 14-student maximum per class.
Cost of Courses in Phlebotomy
Programs for phlebotomy are reasonably priced when compared to the potential earnings. The cost of a course can vary from $700 to $3,000, based on the training duration and school. Students who want certification also need to pay a test fee, which ranges from $90 to $200. States that demand licensing will also pay an additional $58 to $200.
According to data from the BLS (May 2022), the average hourly wage in this field was $19.51, or $40,580 per year. Phlebotomists mean wages were higher in California, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., New York, and California—all over $46,900.
Wrapping Up
It can take a year or less to become a phlebotomist, depending on the educational program and whether the student wants to pursue national certification. It could take longer in some states because of the various certification requirements for employment in those states.
The duration of education programs varies based on the type of school and program students enroll in, ranging from eight weeks to less than a year. Programs at community colleges might require more time, while those at vocational schools might be quicker. To receive a certificate or diploma and land a job, completing the program's didactic and clinical hours is necessary.
Although it's usually not necessary, national certification can be useful when applying for jobs.
Depending on the student's exam preparation and certification motivation, this could take several months or longer to finish. Nonetheless, there are typically time constraints on when a learner can sit for national certification after completing a program.
Few states require certification, so working as a phlebotomist can be accomplished in less than a year—especially if the student enrolls in one of the faster-paced programs.
If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how to become a phlebotomist, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
We also have more information if you want to know how to become a pediatrician, a therapist, an orthodontist, an anesthesiologist, a psychologist, or a physician assistant.
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It can be a challenge to get your resume noticed from the stack of resumes that reach the employers for one job posting. In this highly competitive market, the need to stay at an edge from other candidates is a must. Today, most of the organizations use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to shortlist resumes before they reach the human eyes.
Remember, that no recruiter is working on just one opening and would have thousands of resumes to go through each day. Hence, it is necessary that you draft your resume in a way that it gets noticed within seconds of the employer glance.
If you simply keep a track of little things on your resume, you can get a recruiter friendly resume. Here is how you can get draft a resume like this:
1. Keep it Simple:
As easy it is for the reader to gather information from your resume, greater the chances of your resume getting shortlisted. Do not use any of your designing techniques on your resume. You can save them for your portfolio in case you belong to the design background. Simple format, simple language and easy on eyes are the key points you need to remember when drafting your resume.
2. Use of Bullets:
Your resume should be presentable. For your resume, anything that is less is more. In order to describe your role to the employer, use crisp action-oriented sentences listed in bullets.
3. Ensure you Meet the Qualifications:
When you are applying for a job, make sure you at least have the minimum qualification required for the role. Otherwise, applying to a role which does not match your qualifications is a waste of time, yours and the recruiters.
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4. Use a Customized Resume:
One of the biggest mistake that job seekers make is sending a generalized resume for every job that they apply. Do not make this mistake and customize your resume for every job that you apply. Personalizing leaves the impression that you are genuinely interested in the job thus increasing your chances of getting shortlisted.
5. Keep Your Focus on Accomplishments:
The reader wants to know how good you were at your job and not just your roles and responsibilities. Keep your focus on your accomplishments in your resume especially the ones that relate directly to the job you are applying to.
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6. Have a Skills Section:
Having a separate skills section is a good way of gathering recruiters’ attention and conveying that you fit for the role.
7. Keywords:
Keywords are important. Both for the ATS and the human eyes. Pick up relevant keywords from the job description and spread it across your resume in such a way that it does not look overloaded or stuffed in. Be smart and check out samples before you apply using this resume.
8. Include Numbers and Facts:
Getting business for an organization is the key factor that can easily get you shortlisted. If you have a role that involves numbers, include the numbers that show your positivity. Quantifiable achievements on resumes are a sure short way of creating an effective resume.
9. Remove Non-Essential Information:
Your resume is a professional document and not personal. Hence, you need to stick to information that is suitable for the job you are applying to. If you have a work history of more than 10-15 years, you should pick the most relevant or most recent (whichever is applicable) to apply to this job.
10. Create a Career Summary:
A recruiter spends hardly 6-7 seconds on your resume. If you can give him the required information in that amount of time, you definitely have an effective resume. To do so, have a career summary that includes the answer to a simple question “why are you a perfect fit for this job”
11. Make Sure there are No Errors:
Any error, small or big on your resume can play a differentiating role for your job application. Hence, before you hit the apply button, ensure there are no spelling, grammar or typo errors in your resume. Typos or any type of silly errors in your resume are a big turn-off for the employers.
12. Include a Cover Letter:
Often there is information that you want to share with the recruiter but the one-page resume does not give you enough bandwidth for the same. Include a cover letter that introduces you to the employer and shares information that you were unable to include in the resume.
Make sure that your resume keeps in with these basic points. Build your network and connect with people in the industry for better job search.
Good luck in your career search.
