Top 5 Tips for BCBA Job Seekers in 2024

If you’re a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) looking for your next opportunity, you're in good company. The demand for BCBAs is at an all-time high—but that doesn’t mean every role is the right one for you. Whether you're fresh out of supervision or a seasoned clinician, how you approach the job search can shape your career (and your satisfaction).

Here are 5 tips that’ll help you stand out, make smart decisions, and land a position where you can thrive.

1. Know What You Want Before You Apply

It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many BCBAs cast a wide net without thinking about what kind of work environment suits them. Ask yourself:

• Do I want to work in a clinic, school, or home setting?
• Am I looking for a supervisory role or more direct client interaction?
• What populations do I enjoy working with most (early intervention, teens, adults)?
• What’s my ideal caseload size?

Having clear answers makes your search more focused—and helps you spot red flags in job descriptions. If you’re working with a recruiter (like Career Connections), sharing these details makes it far easier to match you with roles where you'll be supported, not stretched too thin.

2. Highlight Your Value on Your Resume

Most resumes list what you’ve done—but the best ones show what you’ve accomplished. When you’re writing or updating your resume:

• Quantify where you can: “Managed a caseload of 12 clients across 3 programs”
• Add key achievements: “Reduced staff turnover by 20% after implementing a new training model”
• Keep formatting clean: no need to get flashy—just clear, organized, and easy to scan
• Include certifications (BCBA, CPR, CPI, etc.) in a dedicated section

Tip: Use keywords from job descriptions, especially if applying directly online. Most systems (and humans!) scan for these first.

3. Prep Like a Pro for the Interview

Even if you’re confident clinically, take time to prepare for interviews. Here’s how to set yourself apart:

• Research the organization’s model (e.g., school-based vs. clinic-based ABA, funding streams)
• Prepare 2–3 questions to ask the hiring team: “What’s the average caseload size?” or “How do you support professional development?”
• Be ready to speak to ethical decision-making: Many organizations will ask behavior-based questions related to supervision, data integrity, or client care.

Many organizations will ask behavior-based questions related to supervision, data integrity, or client care.

If you’re working with a recruiter, they can walk you through interview expectations and help you feel prepared—not just for the questions, but for the culture.

4. Consider More Than Just Salary

Compensation matters, but it’s not the only thing that affects job satisfaction. Other factors worth weighing:

• Support & supervision – Will you be mentoring RBTs? Will you have a supervisor?
• Administrative burden – How much time will you spend writing reports vs. working with clients?
• Work/life balance – Are there expectations around availability after hours? Is the schedule flexible?
• Clinical integrity – Does the company prioritize quality over volume?

A good offer on paper can quickly burn you out if you’re not aligned with how the company operates. Ask detailed questions and look for signs of how they treat their staff.

5. Work With a Specialized Recruiter

The ABA field is unique—and not every staffing agency gets it. Working with a recruiting partner who understands BCBA certification, supervision structures, and Medicaid billing can make a huge difference.

At Career Connections, we’ve placed thousands of professionals in ABA settings. We know what good support looks like. We also know how to:

• Help you articulate your strengths
• Find roles aligned with your values
• Navigate offer negotiations with your long-term growth in mind

Whether you’re actively job searching or just open to hearing about new roles, working with a specialized recruiter can help you avoid missteps and find a job that lasts.

Closing:

If you’re a BCBA looking for your next role, you don’t have to do it alone. We know the field, we speak your language, and we’re here to match you with opportunities where you can do your best work.

📩 Submit your resume here or reach out to get started.

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