The health care industry has been growing rapidly, adding nearly half a million new employees in 2015 alone. The sector is now responsible for one in nine jobs in the U.S.—and its share is only going to grow. Health care is expected to add the most jobs of any industry over the next decade, according to the Labor Department.
The employment boom, combined with changing care methods focused on quality over quantity, also means that there will be demand for new types of workers, from case managers to data analysts. As demand for these workers—and traditional doctors and nurses—increases, health systems and hospitals are competing to attract the best employees with a mix of great benefits, stable career paths, and supportive cultures. Here are some tips on how to get hired.
1 Baptist Health South Florida
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 25
Nearly 92% of employees say the health system is a great place to work and plan to stay for a long time. Baptist Health, which has been on Fortune’s Best Companies to Work For list for 16 straight years, offers perks like a $10,000 adoption benefit, 24 holidays and vacation days, and a 401(k) matching program. “Individuals who deliver results and make career moves of greater scope and responsibility exemplify the talent we strive to bring here,” says one recruiter. “Prepare by learning about our organization and developing questions to ensure you are making an educated decision. Make sure the culture of our organization is aligned to your personal views and beliefs.”
2 Southern Ohio Medical Center
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 29
The hospital has a promote-from-within policy and perks like tuition reimbursement and a bonus pay program, so it’s not surprising that 95% of employees say their company offers great rewards. “Applicants must have strong customer service skills and a caring heart. We love those applicants who challenge us and are engaged in the interview process,” says recruiter Dallas Czerwieniec.
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3 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 35
Ninety-nine percent of workers at this hospital take great pride in what they do. The health system, which seeks to find cures for pediatric cancer, among other diseases, also offers benefits like a free on-campus gym and tuition reimbursement. “Successful candidates will be able to offer specific examples [of their accomplishments] from their work and personal life,” says John Leech, director of talent acquisition.
4 Scripps Health
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 42
At Scripps, 92% of employees say their work has special meaning—it’s not just a job. “We look for exceptional talent and provide multiple opportunities for the cream to rise to the top—with culture assessments and patient care simulations being part of the application process to give the brightest the chance to shine,” says talent adviser Lee Pinn.
5 Texas Health Resources
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 46
Ninety-six percent of employees say they feel a sense of pride in their work. The health system offers low medical premiums tied to salary and tuition reimbursement. “Candidates who invest in themselves tend to stand apart from the pack,” says recruiter Jacqueline Small. “Those who take time to really develop their résumé are a breath of fresh air.”
6 OhioHealth
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 68
The health system believes strongly in ongoing education, offering employees hands-on training at its OhioHealth University and rotational program. “When you share a personal story, it strays from the traditional interview structure and allows the candidate to be vulnerable and illustrate why they went into the health care field,” says recruiter Melissa Miller.
7 Encompass Home Health and Hospice
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 69
Flexible schedules, up to 30 paid days off a year, and an Encompass Scholars Program help explain why 96% of employees say this health provider has a great work atmosphere. “The secret that impresses us the most is when a candidate comes to us not just for a job, but comes to us because of a passion and a calling,”says Mike Verner, VP of human resources.
8 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 78
A national leader in pediatric health care, Children’s is looking for workers who exhibit and live its mission and values: “care about people, be passionate about kids and dedicated to being better.” Recruiter Melissa Madden says, “We seek individuals who strive for excellence and truly understand the difference and impact they make every day in our patients’ lives.”
9 Atlantic Health System
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 79
Atlantic offers a unique Talent Advisor program that provides tuition reimbursement as well as personalized financial advising. “During the interview process, candidates who speak and dress professionally and provide answers directly related to my specific questions without going off topic will always impress me,” says recruiter Amy Tedesco.
10 Mayo Clinic
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 86
“Many candidates—even those who are highly qualified—don’t capitalize on the opportunity to demonstrate cultural fit in their applications. Take the time to illustrate how certain skills and achievements show cultural competencies such as collaboration, continuous learning, mutual respect, resourcefulness, and empathy,” says recruitment director Brent Bultema.
11 WellStar Health System
Rank on 100 Best Companies to Work For: No. 93
During a busy week, employees can take advantage of WellStar’s free on-site concierge services to run errands, pick up groceries, or buy a gift.
“Let your talent shine in the interview process by providing examples of how you demonstrate key characteristics: pride in your work, ability to influence others, team orientation, and compassion,” says recruitment director Natalie Jones.
See the full list of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For at fortune.com/bestcompanies, where you can also find job searching tips, career advice, and secrets from recruiters.
A version of this article appears in the March 15, 2016 issue of Fortune with the headline "The Health Care Hiring Boom."
