Finding my First Midwife Job

In episode 4 of Midwife Life's podcast, I discuss my personal job search experience and give some actionable tips to help you in your job search. Finding your first midwife job can be a daunting task and somewhat intimidating. While every person’s job search is different it can be helpful to hear the sources and timelines along my journey.

I began looking at job postings at the beginning of my midwifery education so that my partner and I could discuss where we wanted to look for a job, type of job (birth center vs. hospital practice), and general job search expectations. 6 months prior to finishing midwifery school I subscribed to both http://www.midwife.org/midwifejobs and indeed.com. I began my search looking exclusively in the Nashville, TN area. December 2016 I finished midwifery and in January 2017 I passed boards. I waited until I passed boards to begin sending out my resume because I had an additional semester to finish my family nurse practitioner classes and wanted to have it on my resume that I passed boards.

I applied to several jobs that were posted in Nashville. I also applied for a fellowship in Nashville. Mid- January we also decided that we would look in Oregon because that is where both of our families were. I excitedly told friends and family (just for fun). I began interviewing for the fellowship position and at the same time my friend told me she had just seen a facebook post from a friend that there was a birth center opening up in Corvallis, OR. I immediately looked up the birth center and sent an email to the owner of the birth center. I introduced myself and expressed my excitement for the opening of the birth center and also stated that I would love the opportunity to work at the new birth center and also suggested they consider a fellowship.

Several weeks later I heard back from the Corvallis birth center. In the meantime I had been interviewing with the Nashville birth center. I scheduled an in-person interview in Oregon and a week prior I received a job offer in Nashville. I asked to have some time to think about it. After my interview in Oregon my partner and I spent a lot of time weighing the pros and cons of each position (listen to the podcast episode to hear about the debate). Ultimately, we chose to take the Corvallis Birth Center job. It has been such a great experience to be a part of a new birth center.

Some actionable tips:

• Begin applying early and apply everywhere

• Contact all practices in the area you wish to work (even if there is not a job posting) and tell them how great you are with your glowing and professional resume. Convince them to hire you!

• Network, take all the opportunities you can to meet midwives and other birth workers in your area

• Subscribe to job boards so that you get new job postings sent to your email

• Talk to your contacts (preceptors and instructors) take their advice and ask them questions about the jobs you are considering

• Think outside the box: consider fellowship

Good luck on your job search! Share in the comments your favorite tips, success story, or embarrassing moment.