Background info:
I'm a PA student graduating in December from a program in Chicago. I want to go into ortho but I'd do anything in surgery if the opportunity was right. I want to go back West after graduation to somewhere like Seattle/Portland, maybe Phoenix or SLC. Family of 5. I feel like I have a strong resume for a new grad (lots of previous OR experience before school, multiple rotations with leading orthopedists in the nation).

Question:
How picky were you when applying to jobs out of school/residency/fellowship? Did you apply to a broad area geographically or were you set on a certain location? Also, how crazy is the market right now, if you know? I have never applied to PA jobs so I have nothing to compare my experience to. I'm nervous though. It's seems like it's such a crazy situation to be graduating into with what feels like a bleak outlook.

Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome. Thanks!