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Questions Anyone? Seasoned Managers on Standby

By AARConnect Administrator posted 05-24-2010 14:51

  

What counts as great leverage on a job interview? Everyone wants that silver ticket.

Here might be the closest you can get to that. AARC Membership might just be the ticket. Our question is asked:

I am graduating soon and will no longer be eligible as a student member of AARC. While I am searching for a position at a hospital, my budget is very tight. How important is it to maintain my AARC membership? Do employers look for that on my resume?

“This is a great question,” says Michael Nibert of College Station, TX. “Anyone that lists this on their resume' sends me as a Director a strong message about the passion for their profession. If two applicants with similar experience and education apply and only one is an AARC member, guess who will get the final nod? Find other ways to reduce your budget as you have a long journey to get where you want to go.”

Colleen Schabacker of Cookeville Regional Medical Center says she looks for that. “If you're not a member, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't get the job.  However, if you aren't a member and someone else applying is a member it could be the difference between getting the job or not.”

That’s as good as a silver bullet as you can get.

Do you have more questions about interviewing for a job as a respiratory therapist? Send your questions to aarconnect@aarc.org. We’ll get some of those seasoned veterans to help you out.
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Adam North
07-30-2010 09:44

This is something that I ask every person I interview. Frankly if a candidate were to tell me they have no interest in being a member I would not hire them. If I see you are already a member that is a big plus for me. A way to tell how important it may be is to find out if the person you are interviewing with is a member. If they are chances are it's important to them. It is also a part of the evaluation for my staff that you are a member or involved in organizational and communitiy service.

Chad Gibbs
06-03-2010 15:28

I completely agree with Nibert and Schabaker. WE do not require it, but again if we see it on an application we notice. And with the Job mmarket being a little tight at the moment it might be more important than in the past. With the 2015 plan coming along I also believe that those with a Bachelors will also be given an extra look over those with an associates degree.
Good luck and what part of the country are you in?

Keith Siegel
05-27-2010 10:24

Beinga member of the AARC is not a condition of employment. However, as Michael and Colleen have stated above, when I see that an applicant is a member of the AARC, it says something to me about the applicant's professionalism, and the pride they have in their profession. They understand the bigger picture, that Respiratory Therapy is not a job, it is a profession. In order to advance that profession and best serve our patients, membership in our professional association is critical. When I see that an applicant is an AARC member, I take notice.

Autumn Cheek
05-24-2010 17:24

Not being a member of AARC would not keep you from the job. Strongly encourage to support your profession!