It’s your final year of university and you’re on the hunt for the best new graduate Speech Pathology jobs on offer. There’s plenty of options to choose from, including Speech Pathology jobs that are local and those that call for an inter- or intra- state move. But where should you go, and how should you go about your search for the best new graduate Speech Pathology job possible? Let us help you out!
Here at SpeechEase Speech Therapy, we’ve supported new graduate Speech Pathologists in finding the perfect Speech Pathology setting and caseload for them. We’re big on making sure that your new graduate job suits your interests, strengths, and goals for the future.
If you’d like to make your first job the best new grad speech pathology job possible, then keep on reading.
How to Find the Best New Graduate Speech Pathology Jobs
Get clear on what you’re looking for in a new graduate Speech Pathology job
Before you start looking at what’s out there, it’s important to get clear on exactly what you are looking for in your perfect new graduate Speech Pathology job. There are so many different Speech Pathology settings and opportunities out there, but this first step in your career is laying the foundations!
Here at SpeechEase we’ve developed a free e-book to help you get clear on your preferred setting, work schedule, work benefits, and the type of workplace that would suit you best. Download your free copy here!
Look for a dedicated Careers website page
Sure, a lot of organisations are hiring new graduate Speech Pathologists and offering great packages. But what is a career with them really like? Will they support you in the way that you need as a new graduate, finding your feet and getting comfortable as a clinician?
One of the secrets to finding the best new graduate Speech Pathology jobs is to look for the organisations that have a dedicated Careers page on their website. There you’ll be able to find important information about professional development benefits, workplace culture and career progression, maybe even some team member reviews!
To get an idea what you’re looking for, take a look at our Careers page here. We’ve also got a dedicated Regional Relocation page if you’re interested in learning more about new graduate job opportunities outside of the typical city clinic location.
Get in touch directly
At our Sip & Speechie event for new graduate Speech Pathologists (and Speech Pathology students!) we were joined by the hosts of your favourite podcast, Diary of a New Grad Speechie. During the event we discussed at length the importance of putting yourself out there to get the best new graduate Speech Pathology jobs on offer.
One of the ways you can do this is to get in touch with Speech Pathology employers directly. If you see a job ad you’re interested in or know of a clinic you’d like to work at, give them a call to discuss the opportunities available and ask a question or two. Show your interest and put your best foot forward, and you can guarantee your resume and application will be remembered when it reaches their inbox!
See if you can spend a day in the clinic
One of the best ways to figure out if a workplace is right for you is to actually spend a day there! If you don’t ask, you don’t get, so don’t be shy about asking to spend even a few hours work shadowing and getting to know your (potential!) colleagues.
If you’d like to get some experience in a private practice that supports clients across the lifespan, take a look at our Day in the Clinic experience at SpeechEase!
Put in your application – even if you can’t see a job ad
Something else you may not have considered when looking for the best new graduate Speech Pathology jobs is applying for roles even when there is no current job ad listed. Many workplaces and Speech Pathology clinics have capacity for more staff but have been focusing on supporting their current staff and delighting their clients so haven’t gotten around to it!
Because of this, there are often hidden opportunities at great organisations for Speech Pathology students who are willing to do the extra legwork! So, if you find an organisation that you like and you’ve seen them hiring previously, reach out with an application and see what happens.
If you see a senior job advertised, make the effort and apply anyway!
Continuing on from our previous point, you may find a great workplace seeking experienced or senior Speech Pathologists on job search websites. While you’re definitely not there yet in terms of experience, there’s a good chance that the workplace would be interested in getting to know you and may even offer you a job if you put in the effort to get in touch.
A good first step here would be contacting the organisation or hiring manager directly, and then applying when you’ve had a chance to discuss what you’re looking for as a new graduate Speech Pathologist.
Now that you’ve got some helpful hints and a free e-book to help guide your job search, it’s time to start looking for that perfect new graduate Speech Pathology job. If you have any questions along the way, or would like to experience a day in a private practice that supports clients across the lifespan, take a look at our Day in the Clinic experience.