From Clinician to Operations Manager

By Joanie Johnson OTR/L

Networking Can Open Doors You Didn't Know Existed
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Four years ago, I applied for a Supervisor position with goals to work for my dream organization.

This is an organization I had been applying to for over 5 years, had landed interviews, but never a formal position offer. I REALLY wanted to work for this organization for much of my professional career. This supervisor position ended up not requiring a clinical background, and unfortunately at the time, I was not able to manage the pay decrease to transition.

I stayed connected with the recruiter, and 1 year later, she reached out to me about an opening due to a department restructure. This position required an RN degree to manage the Home Health Department.

At the time I was an OT with 7+ years of management experience (5 of which were in Home Health), a Masters Degree in Health Administration, and years of management training and education under my belt.

My heart sank that I would not qualify for this job since I did not have the clinical licensure required.

The recruiter collaborated with the hiring manager to change the position qualifications to allow rehabilitation clinicians to apply.

I was invited to interview and was offered the position. I would like to think this all occurred because of my work experience, skills, and professional qualities.

However, had I not connected with this recruiter and established a positive relationship, I would not have known about this position opening. I had made a positive impression, and she had kept my resume in mind with priority openings she was working to fill.

This recruiter had a keen eye for talent and finding an employee who was a good fit for company culture and demands of the department.

Professional networking is the key to opening doors you did not know existed.

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