Advice from an HR Recruiter

When searching for the “perfect” job to progress your career, knowing where to start can be the most overwhelming.   Any professional recruiter will tell you there’s no precise formula to a successful search but you can follow a few tips to ensure you are making the best use of your resources and time.   Here are some questions anyone looking for a new job should ask themselves.

Step 1: “Am I eligible to Transfer”

The best place to begin is to ensure that you are eligible to move into a new position.  What does that mean, exactly? UTHealth has guidelines all internal employees will be subject to during the application process.   Things to consider are how long you’ve been in your role (i.e. your probationary period) and last annual performance evaluation status.   Detailed information surrounding these policies can be found online. (Hoop Policy 156)

Step 2: “What are my goals?”

Once you have determined you are eligible, the next best step is to establish your goals.  This sounds like a no brainer but is vital to ensuring you are maximizing your opportunities.  

For example, what is driving your desire to move into a new position?  Are you driven by career progression?  Is an increase in salary the most important factor?  Are you looking to take on more responsibility?  All of these are vital questions you should be asking yourself.  Recruiters and hiring managers often ask candidates to list their top three priorities to establish if candidate and departmental goals align.   

This will also help determine if you are looking for a transfer or promotion and how to know what roles to apply for.   (Which we will get into next). 

Promotion:  A promotion occurs when an employee moves to a position with a greater pay range midpoint.

Transfer: A transfer occurs when an employee moves to a different position with the same pay range midpoint or a lower pay range midpoint than their current position.”

Step 3: “Do I meet qualifications?”

When considering what roles to apply to, you will want to check job postings for “minimum qualifications.”  This is the best way to ensure you are maximizing your opportunities for efficiency and consideration.   One great resource for exploring requirements and pay ranges is the “Job Code Description” section of the employee self service site.  

Step 4: “How do I apply?”

The two most important things to know when applying are 1) ensure that you are using that Intranet site and 2) Not only update and upload a new resume, but fully fill out all applicable experience.   At a minimum, your application should include experience and education that verifies you meet qualifications for the role.   You can also set up job alerts based on important filters for you search (i.e. location, title, etc.).

Bonus: “I’ve applied, now what?”

Talent Acquisition: If ever you have questions and want to speak to a recruiter, you can send an inquiry via email to [email protected].   We are available to answer questions about job postings, how to prepare for interviews, and steer you in the right direction if you have concerns regarding eligibility.  You can also check the status of your application by logging into your career page and clicking on “my submissions.”

Be prepared to provide References: Internal candidates are required to provide a minimum of two individuals who can provide a reference to their prospective hiring manager.  (One of the two references must be your current supervisor).   It is also UTHealth policy that internal candidates give their current department two week notice after a new job offer has been accepted.  

And there you have it!  You are now ready to take on the process of searching for a new role and advancing your UTHealth career.