As you approach graduation from NECO and prepare to take the next step in your career, it’s crucial to craft a standout resume and approach the job search strategically. Whether you’re aiming for a private practice, corporate optometry, a residency, or another career path, your resume and application materials should showcase your skills, clinical experience, and professional strengths. Here’s how to prepare for success:
1. Crafting an Impressive Optometry Resume
Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. A well-structured, polished resume should be concise (one to two pages) and highlight your key qualifications. Here’s how to build a strong optometry resume:
Essential Sections to Include
✅ Contact Information – Your full name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile (if applicable), and location (city, state). Avoid including personal details like your full home address.
✅ Professional Summary (Optional) – A brief 2-3 sentence introduction highlighting your education, clinical strengths, and career goals.
✅ Education – List your Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from NECO, including your anticipated graduation date. If you completed any relevant coursework, honors, or leadership roles, you can include those as well.
✅ Clinical Experience – This is the most important section of your resume. Highlight your externships, rotations, or residency experiences, listing the locations, dates, and key skills you developed. Include:
- The types of patient cases you handled (e.g., ocular disease, pediatrics, contact lenses, low vision).
- Specialized diagnostic or treatment skills (e.g., myopia management, specialty lenses, advanced imaging techniques).
- Any unique technology or equipment proficiency.
✅ Work Experience (If Applicable) – If you have past employment related to optometry (such as a technician, research assistant, or optical sales associate), include it.
✅ Professional Involvement & Leadership – Memberships in organizations like the American Optometric Association (AOA), Massachusetts Society of Optometrists (MSO), or NECO student clubs demonstrate commitment to the profession. Leadership roles make your application stand out.
✅ Certifications & Licensure (If Available) – List any CPR certification, licensure exams (NBEO Parts I, II, III, and TMOD results), or additional certifications you’ve obtained.
✅ Skills – A short section listing relevant skills such as:
- Fluency in Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems
- Contact lens fittings (scleral, hybrid, ortho-K)
- Binocular vision assessments
- Business/Practice Management experience
✅ Awards, Research, or Publications – If you’ve presented research, written articles, or received scholarships or awards, include them in this section.
2. Job Application Strategies
Once your resume is polished, it’s time to start applying for positions. Here’s how to maximize your success:
🔎 Research & Identify Your Career Path
Decide what type of optometry setting best fits your goals:
- Private Practice – Offers mentorship, potential for ownership, and diverse patient exposure.
- Corporate Optometry – Higher starting salaries, structured schedules, and less administrative burden.
- Residency Programs – If you’re pursuing a specialty (ocular disease, vision therapy, contact lenses), residency training can open more doors.
- Hospital or Academic Settings – Opportunities to work in interdisciplinary teams and possibly teach.
📄 Customize Your Cover Letter
Each job application should include a tailored cover letter explaining why you’re a great fit for the specific role. Address the hiring manager (if known) and highlight key aspects of the job description that match your skills.
🤝 Network & Utilize NECO Connections
- Attend NECO career fairs & networking events to meet potential employers.
- Connect with NECO alumni on LinkedIn and ask for career advice or potential job leads.
- Join optometry Facebook groups, online forums, and professional associations where job postings are frequently shared.
📬 Where to Find Job Listings?
- Right here on the NECO Job Board!
- AOA Job Board (aoa.org) – Nationwide optometry job postings.
- Local Optometric Associations – Massachusetts Society of Optometrists (MSO) and other state organizations list job openings.
- LinkedIn & Indeed – Set up job alerts for "Optometrist" roles in your desired location.
3. Preparing for the Interview
Once you secure an interview, practice common optometry interview questions such as:
- "How would you handle a difficult patient?"
- "Tell me about a challenging clinical case and how you managed it."
- "What are your strengths as a clinician?"
- "Why do you want to work at this practice/company?"
💡 Pro Tip: Before an interview, research the practice or company, their patient demographics, and their technology. If possible, visit the practice in advance to observe operations.
4. Salary Negotiation & Contract Review
When you receive an offer, carefully review:
- Base salary & bonus structures
- Benefits (health insurance, retirement, CE reimbursement, malpractice insurance)
- Non-compete clauses (limitations on working elsewhere if you leave)
- Work schedule & production expectations
If you're unsure, consult with a mentor or an optometry contract attorney before signing.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Now
📌 Start early! Don’t wait until after graduation—begin your job search at least 4-6 months before finishing your OD program.
📌 Stay professional. Ensure your email, voicemail, and online presence reflect a polished, job-ready image.
📌 Follow up. After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation and reinforcing your interest.
With preparation, persistence, and the support of NECO’s career resources, you’ll be well-equipped to land your ideal first optometry job. Best of luck! 🎓👁️✨