Bobbie Kavanaugh-Reif

Here at Med-Scribe, we love our furry friends! It’s important to us that our employees are able to care for their pets, so we even offer pet insurance and welcome them into the office on occasion. Just like our team, the Med-Scribe pets have amazing qualities that make them special and a pleasure to have around. Some of these qualities are so good, that we decided to document them in this blog as interview tips. Keep reading for advice from our paw-fessionals.

Tip #1: Make eye contact

According to Leia, one of Laura’s cats, making good eye contact with your interviewer is key! It shows that you are engaged and ready to join the team. It’s also a great way to build a connection with your interviewer. The goal is to be memorable in the best way possible.

Tip #2: Smile!

Alyssa’s Labrador Retriever, Tully, insists that you can never go wrong with a smile. Interviewers want you to feel at ease and excited at the prospect of joining the organization. Showing enthusiasm early on is a great way to start off on the right paw! Every team wants someone positive and ready-to-go to join them.

Tip #3: Have good posture

Like Ellie, Laura’s Boxer Mix, having good posture is a must. Slouching can come off as unprofessional and unenthusiastic. When interviewing, sitting upright and leaning forward will help to show that you are engaged, convey confidence, and even help you feel more confident.

Tip #4: Dress to impress

Interviews are a great opportunity to pull out those clothes you keep in your closet for more formal occasions. While each interview may have slightly different expectations, Laura’s cat Cheeto recommends erring on the business casual side, such as khakis or a nice skirt or dress, and dress shoes. As far as interviews go, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Tip #5: Come prepared

Tamra’s Yorkshire Terrier, Jameson, is a pro at this one – always come prepared to your interview. This includes having gone over potential questions, reminding yourself of previous experiences that might apply, and bringing your resume. It’s also a good idea to research the company ahead of time so you can bring some background knowledge to the table. Interviewers love when a prospective employee shows this level of interest!

Are you ready to put these skills to the test? Check out our online application to get started!

In 2022, we’re celebrating our 35th anniversary of being in business. Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing more about our past and how we’ve grown into the company we are today. We’re proud to be a women-owned and operated business that has persevered through the years. To celebrate, we put together a list of 35 facts ranging from small business knowledge to info on recruitment agencies to statistics and more. Read on to learn more about us, what it means to be a small business, and how we’ve defied the odds!

1. 1. Med-Scribe is certified as a small women-owned business both nationally (WBENC) and within New York State (WBE)
   2. There are 32.5 million small businesses in the USA (SBA, 2021)
   3. Small businesses create 1.5 million jobs annually (Fundera, 2019)
   4. Small and medium-sized businesses are the major drivers of economic growth (SalesForce, 2019)
   5. Nine out of 10 employees said temporary staffing made them more employable (Timerack, 2021)
   6. Med-Scribe is an Equal Opportunity Employer
   7. Healthcare staffing agencies make up 9% of total recruitment agencies in the US (Murray Resources, 2019)
   8. The US has 12.3 million women-owned businesses (Fundera, 2020)
   9. 31% of small businesses didn’t make it through COVID (Facebook, 2020)
   10. More than 20% of small businesses don’t make it past their first year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)
   11. Med-Scribe places upwards of 400 candidates annually!
   12. 73% of staffing employees work full time (American Staffing Association, 2022)
   13. The biggest challenge for small businesses is reported to be labor quality (NFIB, 2021)
   14. Women-owned businesses generate $1.8 trillion each year (Fundera, 2020)
   15. There are 114% more women entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago (Fundera, 2020)
   16. About 3.1 million people are working in the staffing industry every day (Timerack, 2021)
   17. 16 million temporary employees are hired every year (Timerack, 2021)
   18. Over 99% of America’s businesses are small businesses (JP Morgan Chase)
   19. The average lifespan of a small business is 8.5 years (Nav)
   20. Med-Scribe’s internal recruitment team has grown from just 2 employees, up to a team of 15, with 9 dedicated full time recruiters.
   21. Workers hired by staffing and recruitment agencies have proven to be highly skilled and experienced (Murray Resources, 2019)
   22. 64% of new women-owned businesses were started by women of color in 2019 (Fundera, 2020)
   23. New York small businesses were reportedly hit the hardest during the pandemic compared to other states (US Census Bureau)
   24. 69% of start-ups begin at home (Small Biz Trends)
   25. Between 1997 and 2007, women-owned businesses added half a million jobs in the US (Fundera, 2020)
   26. There are over 20,000 staffing and recruitment agencies in the US (Murray Resources, 2019)
   27. Women make up 65% of the healthcare workforce (Forbes, 2020)
   28. 15% of women-owned businesses are in the healthcare or social industry (American Express, 2019)
   29. According to BLS, the healthcare industry occupations account for 14 of the 30 fastest-growing occupations
   30. Women have a higher success rate of crowdfunding for their business than men do (Fundera, 2020)
   31. Med-Scribe receives thousands of job applications every year!
   32. Women on average receive $5,000 less for small business loans than men do (Fundera, 2020)
   33. Women make up 80% of healthcare buying decisions (Forbes, 2020)
   34. 33% of jobs in the healthcare industry are clinical (HireVue, 2018)
   35. Staffing agencies were first dated back to the 1940s after many positions were vacant following employees leaving for the war (Murray Resources, 2019)

Even we were surprised at some of these facts and stats! Being a small business is no easy feat, but it’s so rewarding knowing we’re helping fantastic individuals find meaningful careers. Cheers to many more years!

We have a team of incredible recruiters at Med-Scribe working hard to field applications and help job candidates find their perfect fit. In our new two-part blog series, “A Day in the Life…” We’re breaking things down from the perspective of our Med-Scribe recruiters and field staff members. In this blog, we’ll focus on Med-Scribe recruiters and what their day-to-day looks like, along with how they field applicants and bring new team members to our field staff. 

As a recruiter, our number one priority is to place job candidates in positions that line up with their qualifications and preferences. This starts at the application process, which is why having an updated resume is so crucial. Your application will help us determine roles and positions that might be the best fit for you. It will also help us better understand your unique interests, hobbies, etc.

After going through applications, we like to begin our candidate contact with a brief “phone screen” where our team will narrows in on each candidate’s specific job search needs. While a candidate may apply for a particular position, we often have multiple roles that they could be qualified for. The phone screen is a great way to get to know you better!  After the phone screen, qualified candidates are scheduled for a phone interview to begin their formal registration with Med-Scribe. Our recruiters love to interview – learning all about each candidate’s particular strengths and goals helps us to effectively match them with positions where they will excel. Outside of phone screens and interviewing, the team at Med-Scribe also touches base with current employees for regular check-ins on how their placements are going. Additionally, we’re communicating with our clients throughout each day to present them with qualified candidates, to facilitate interviewing at the client worksites, and to gather details for new positions or formal job offers! Each day is different here at Med-Scribe – and our recruiting team enjoys the challenge, along with the satisfaction of finding the perfect new position for our wonderful candidates!

Once an offer has been extended, it’s important to us to help you receive the compensation and benefits that meet your qualifications. We assist in salary negotiations and our solid reputation as consistent high-performers in the recruitment of top-notch staff for our clients gives applicants a strong starting point. We are here for you, not only to aid in sorting logistics but also to cheer you on!

Lastly, once placed, we love to keep in touch! We want to know how our candidates are doing. Are you happy with your placement? Do you feel supported in your position? Is there anything you wish could have happened differently? Feedback makes our team of recruiters, and Med-Scribe as a whole, stronger. We care that you’re content and feeling stable.

That’s the typical day-in-the-life of a Med-Scribe recruiter! We truly feel so honored to work with candidates and clients every day. Nothing is more important to us than helping candidates find where they’re meant to belong. If you’re interested in joining our team as a recruiter, learn more here!

Congratulations, you’ve been offered the job! Now, what comes next? Here at Med-Scribe, our recruiters will work with you every step of the way, even after you secure the initial offer. Here are three tips we recommend once you’ve officially received an offer.

Tip #1: Take your time

This might seem like a silly one, but don’t rush into accepting an offer! While you’re considering it, send a thank you note for the job offer and establish a timeline with which you’ll be in touch. Remember to discuss with your family and ensure that you can secure necessary personal arrangements to allow for taking on a new position.  Most employers don’t expect an immediate response, so use this time to work with your recruiter and decide if the offer meets your expectations and how you’d like to proceed if it doesn’t.

Tip #2: Consider all aspects of the offer

While usually the salary is the most attention-grabbing part of the offer, our recruiters will work with candidates to go through all areas of the offer, such as the starting date, benefits, and expected hours. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the details and understand what’s ahead.

Tip #3: Know when to negotiate

Negotiating is typically the step in the process that makes candidates the most nervous. But that’s what we’re here for! Sometimes, there is no wiggle room for the employer or the initial offer is appropriate for the market. However, if this doesn’t seem to be the case – your recruiter will help you counter the offer and is armed with information ahead of time surrounding your hopes and expectations for a salary and important benefits for your lifestyle.

These are some of the steps we take to negotiate that salary:

1. We start with an open discussion about salary – our recruiters will outline whether a counter offer may be appropriate for the position you are offered. Many clients have contractual obligations that may prevent them from offering flexible salaries, but in instances where a client may be open to a counter offer, your recruiter will walk you through the process. 
2. Next, we will inquire about your desired salary relative to the position you are being offered. Remember to be realistic; take into consideration your education, past experience level, along with the average market rates being offered in your area. Ask your recruiter if you are unsure! Once you have settled on the dollar figure to counter, your recruiter will confirm that you are ready and willing to accept at that pay rate should the client approve the increase. We strongly recommend against proceeding with a counter offer if you are otherwise unsure that the position would be a good fit for you. 
3. Finally, our recruiters will open an honest dialogue with our client regarding the counter offer. We will go to bat for you and will be sure your experience and education levels are being considered! The client will make the final decision on the salary figure offered, whether they match your counter offer, stick with the original offer, or settle on a dollar amount somewhere between.  

If you have questions for us after hearing back from an employer with good news, we’re here to help and work with you throughout the entire process. Our goal is to help you succeed in the career of your dreams. 

There is no denying just how challenging these past couple years have been. It can be difficult to focus on your own personal and professional growth with so much uncertainty in the world. With this in mind, we wanted to share some tips to help guide you as we welcome the new year. 

Be conscious of your perspective 

“It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see” – Henry David Thoreau 

Mindset and perspective are powerful tools in life. Oftentimes we are not conscious of our inner dialogue and it simply speaks freely like a constant white noise in our lives. This seemingly harmless flow of thoughts has immense power over your perspective. You could even be hindering your own success if you find that your inner dialogue sounds eerily similar to Eeyore! Numerous studies have discovered a direct correlation between positive mindset and improved overall health and happiness. A positive mindset can also help manage stress which in turn can increase your productivity and ultimately your success both personally and professionally.

Consider additional education 

Recent events have led to greater opportunities for remote learning. What better way to advance your career then to earn a degree at home! Higher education can help you to stand out from your peers and get your resume to the top of the list. College can provide you with networking opportunities and a chance to explore different areas of interest as well. The financial benefits from earning a degree are also quite substantial. According to a 2020 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an associate’s degree earn $157 more per week than those with only a high school diploma whereas those with a bachelors earn $524 more per week! If you’re not quite prepared to commit to enrolling in a degree program, certifications can also add value to your skill set and resume.

Actualize your dreams 

If these past couple years have taught us anything it’s that life is too short to not chase your dreams. Whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling, landing your dream job, or improving your health – chase it. Write down your dreams and then create small goals as the stepping stones towards actualizing those dreams. After you’ve written everything down, take that paper and put it somewhere you will see every day to keep you motivated and focused. Remember that personal and professional growth is not without its challenges, but if you refuse to accept defeat then soon you will see your dreams become a reality. 

Schedule time to decompress 

Your mental and physical health can be an easy thing to overlook in today’s society. It can often seem as if there is simply not enough time in the day to accomplish your to-do list much less to take a moment for yourself. Functioning in a perpetually rushed and stressed state will eventually take its toll on you though. One way to avoid this outcome is to schedule relaxation time into your day. In the wise words of Benjamin Franklin – “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Planning your days will ensure a higher level of productivity and a lower level of stress all while honing your time management and organizational skills. During your relaxation time, try to avoid electronics and instead opt for spending time in nature like taking a walk outside or reading a book in a park. 

With World Mental Health on October 10th this year, we wanted to highlight this international day of significance which raises awareness of mental health issues and encourages their support. Mental health is different for everyone and can be impacted by things such as jobs, relationships, schooling, and just about anything else. At Med-Scribe, it’s extremely important to us that our candidates are in an environment that will support them taking care of their mental wellbeing. 

Healthcare professionals have felt the brunt of mental health wear and tear over the past eighteen months with the rise of Covid. Also, with the change of seasons in upstate New York, it’s not uncommon for some individuals to be impacted by Seasonal Affective Disorder as the daylight hours get shorter. 

With constantly shifting external factors, it’s important to have practices in place to support your own mental health and also the mental health of your peers and coworkers. Here are a few tips for doing so in whatever capacity feels manageable.

1. Keep a list of always-accessible things that bring you joy.

   Not everyone has the ability to take time off or get away, especially those in the healthcare field. Instead, try keeping a list with your favorite movies, foods, and activities. If you enjoy reading, maybe it’s setting aside ten minutes after work to do that every day. Having accessible comfort options can be a micro stress reliever

2. Take breaks from social media and the news.

   When feeling unmotivated and stressed, many of us fall victim to “doom scrolling,” which is when you spend large amounts of time on your phone or computer. While okay in moderation, this can lead to feelings of unproductivity and hopelessness. Unplugging even just for a few hours can make a huge difference.

3. Facilitate open communication.

   This is especially important between employers and employees. Ask questions and don’t shy away from the tough topics like stress, overwhelm, anxiety, and depression. Your employer will want to know how you’re doing, and having regular check-ins helps keep the two-way conversation going. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for support. Creating open dialogue will help you and your employer work together better in all facets of your working relationship.

4. Prioritize a healthy work-life balance.

   Nothing leads to burn out faster than when work consumes every aspect of your life. You deserve to set boundaries and stick to them, and employers should do the same. Coming home should be an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. If you feel stuck and burnt out, consider bringing your concerns up to your employer. They might not realize how many extra hours you’re putting in and can help guide you toward better boundaries. 

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.

   Whether it be from an employer, family member, or friend – don’t be afraid to let someone know how you’re feeling. Coworkers and employers especially might know of free resources within the company that can help. Sometimes, all it takes is letting someone else know and not carrying that burden alone. 

These are some tried and true methods that have helped us personally, but remember that everyone is different and there is no strict formula for maintaining good mental health. Check in on yourself and check in with your friends, and most importantly know that you are never alone, even if it feels that way for a moment in time. 

For help finding mental health resources, call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-NAMI or in a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741. If you’re in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.