Targeting Your Job Search: Eileen Fuller’s Job Search Success Story

In this job search success story, Eileen Fuller shares how targeting your job search around specific companies makes all the difference.

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

I have spent my entire career helping others navigate the complex world of health care. The majority of my career has been spent working for large health insurance companies, holding leadership and project management roles within customer service and client implementation. This gave me visibility into the areas in which the current health care delivery model can be improved, so I was looking to move into a role where I could ignite positive change. 

I recently joined Signify Health, where I partner with commercial health plans and payers to implement episodes of care programs. These programs focus on provider incentives for providing quality care, with a goal of improving health outcomes while also reducing health care costs. 

How long did it take you to find this job?

My entire job search lasted about eight months, however once I applied for my current role, I was contacted within a week to set up an initial  interview. After the interview process it was only a matter of weeks before I was  accepting a job offer!

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?

I initially saw the job posting on LinkedIn and after researching the company and role thoroughly, I decided Signify Health would be one of my target companies. Initially I was somewhat hesitant to apply for the role due to the sheer volume of applicants, so I decided to do some additional homework before submitting my application. Using LinkedIn I found a connection who currently works at Signify Health, and reached out in an effort to learn more about the role and the company. After speaking with him I had the confidence needed to properly convey my value within my cover letter, resume, and future interviews.

The tool that helped me most in finding my job was Mac’s “Find Your Dream Job” podcast. Mac and his guests consistently shared specific and actionable ways to effectively approach my job search. This gave me the extra push of confidence I needed to move forward with applying for my dream job. 

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

It had only been five years since my last job search, but I didn’t realize how much the overall process for job applicants had changed in such a short time. For instance, many companies screen applicants via Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which required me to revise the formatting of my resume. I also didn’t fully recognize the power of networking and informational interviews, especially when searching during a global pandemic.

I made it my mission to learn as much as I could about how to maximize my job search before starting to apply for any roles. My go-to resource for both motivation and content was Mac Prichard’s “Find Your Dream Job” podcast! After listening to an episode I would head over to LinkedIn to follow the career experts Mac interviewed, and was able to implement valuable tips and tools that ensured my search was as effective as possible.

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers? 

Quality over quantity will always yield the best results. 

1. Create a target list of companies and spend your time researching them using tools such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and the company website. 
2. Set up networking meetings and informational interviews with individuals within your target companies. 
3. Tailor your cover letter and resume as much as possible to align with each individual role you apply for.

This may sound daunting, as opposed to just applying for as many roles possible and hoping something sticks. However if you truly want to find your dream job it may take some extra patience and dedication!

Why do you love your job?

I am fortunate to be part of a company that is actively improving the health care delivery system by challenging the status quo. I’m surrounded by a team made up of the most passionate, knowledgeable individuals with diverse backgrounds, which contributes to my own career growth and development.

Everyone’s job search story is different, but each individual story can inspire and empower others who are on their own unique path. We love to hear how our readers have found rewarding careers in Portland, and we want to share these stories with you to inspire you in your job search and to help us all better understand the local job market!