QUESTION #1
How will this new e-newsletter benefit me?
Coaching the Course, the all-new quarterly e-newsletter, offers stories designed to interest every member and especially the emerging professional. We’ve written about various career paths, false starts, important decisions and turning points. This so you can see how challenging and interesting life as a private rehabilitation professional can be.
If you are just starting out on this career of a lifetime and are looking for guidance, feel free to reach out to the “story-tellers” for answers to your questions; that’s why email addresses and photos are included. We especially want you to know that IARP is filled with interesting characters like yourself! (Judy Iacuzzi, editor, jqi@comcast.net)
QUESTION #2
How can I engage a member in a topic of interest to me?
Try out the IARP CONNECT Discussion Groups and post your career, internship and other questions. If the answers you receive at first are not the ones you are looking for, continue the discussion with more probing questions. You’ll eventually get answers and identify the members who will help you. Remember, if people don’t answer you kindly or quickly, it’s not about you! Also remember, persistence and a thick skin are key attributes of a rehabilitation counselor, even when messaging. (Julia Crume, julia@worker.com)
QUESTION #3
What are IARP’s recommendations for job searching and landing informational interviews?
Following are some easy ways to use your IARP membership and connections:
- Use the IARP Directory to find members close by and call, write or email them.
- Be as direct and specific as possible; general queries about available jobs will most likely go into the delete file.
- Identify the type of work you want to do. If you don’t know what type of work you want to do, ask for an informational interview. Members typically enjoy sharing their “war stories” and offering advice.
- If you are moving to a new area of the country or state, look up the IARP members close by and follow steps (1) and (2) above.
- Be proactive. If you don’t hear back from a member, follow up with a phone call or email. Keep on trying!
- Through all this process, keep a log of your conversations, identifying each email and conversation. This will become an important network you’ll probably use for a long time.
- From the other side: identify potential employers in your area and reach out – not with an email. Call Human Resources or write a letter.
(Katherine Dunlap, dunlaprehab@gmail.com)