Graduating from chiropractic school is a huge milestone but now comes the next big step: landing your first associate job.
Starting your career can feel both exciting and intimidating. You want the right opportunity to grow clinically, learn the business, and build patient trust. But how do you stand out in a competitive field?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you confidently secure your first chiropractic associate role.
Step 1: Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter
First impressions matter, especially when you're competing against other new grads. A strong resume and personalized cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked.
What to include in your resume:
- Techniques you’ve learned: Diversified, Gonstead, Activator, ART, Webster, etc.
- Clinical experience: Highlight externships, internships, and preceptorships
- Soft skills: Communication, leadership, adaptability, and teamwork
- Certifications: Include CPR, X-ray, or any relevant CE credits
- Special interests: Pediatrics, sports rehab, prenatal, wellness, etc.
Cover letter tips:
- Explain why you chose chiropractic as a profession
- Highlight why you’re interested in that specific clinic
- Mention any local ties, philosophy fit, or passion for the clinic’s niche
- Keep it under one page and customize for each job
Pro Tip: Save your resume as a PDF and keep a master version ready to tailor for each opportunity.
Step 2: Use Specialized Chiropractic Job Boards
Generic job platforms like Indeed or ZipRecruiter may list some chiropractic jobs—but they’re not built for our profession. You’ll waste time filtering through irrelevant listings.
Instead, use chiropractic-specific job boards like ChiroJobs.com to:
- Search by technique, state, or practice type
- Discover mentorship-focused roles
- Get alerts for new grad-friendly clinics
- Apply directly to hiring doctors who understand your training
Using the right job board saves time and connects you with clinics that actually want new chiropractors.
Step 3: Network Early and Often
More than 60% of chiropractic jobs are never advertised. Networking can uncover hidden opportunities and fast-track interviews.
How to build your network:
- Attend CE seminars, workshops, and technique intensives
- Join your state association and chiropractic alumni groups
- Follow and engage with chiropractors on LinkedIn and Instagram
- Reach out to faculty or preceptors for introductions
Your connections could lead to mentorship, referrals, or direct job offers often before they’re even posted online.
Step 4: Prepare to Shine in Interviews
When you land that interview, your goal is to build trust and show alignment with the clinic’s values and style.
Be ready to discuss:
- Your treatment philosophy and adjusting strengths
- How you connect with patients and build rapport
- Your approach to teamwork and collaboration
- Willingness to adapt to their systems and EHR
- Long-term goals and openness to mentorship or growth
Also, prepare questions to ask them:
- What does a typical day look like for an associate?
- How are patients assigned or scheduled?
- Is there a mentorship plan or onboarding structure?
- What techniques do most patients expect here?
Interviews are a two-way street. You’re evaluating the clinic just as much as they’re evaluating you.
Step 5: Be Open-Minded About Your First Role
Your first associate position may not be your “dream clinic”—and that’s okay. It’s about building a foundation, not chasing perfection.
Look for roles that offer:
- Hands-on experience with real patient flow
- Supportive mentorship from experienced DCs
- Exposure to clinic systems, billing, and communication
- A chance to improve your speed, skills, and confidence
You can always pivot later. Right now, learning and growth are the most valuable benefits.
Many successful clinic owners and entrepreneurs started in modest roles but used that time to build skills, credibility, and clarity.
Final Thoughts
Landing your first chiropractic associate job is about being prepared, professional, and proactive. Every interview, resume tweak, and CE event brings you closer to the right fit.
✅ Craft a strong, tailored resume and cover letter
✅ Use chiropractic-specific job boards like ChiroJobs.com
✅ Network with professionals, mentors, and alumni
✅ Prepare for interviews with confidence and curiosity
✅ Stay open to learning-focused roles that build your career