Learn what to look for in a recruiter

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Choose the right recruiter

Recruiters play an essential role within the contract world. Choose properly to make your life easier and your bank account much happier.

A recruiter plays a vital role in shaping your professional trajectory and providing support along the way. It is imperative to find the right recruiting company and thus the right recruiter. I have worked with many recruiters, and have learned how to gauge what type of person best suites my professional and financial needs. In this article, we will explore essential considerations and practical tips to help you find a recruiter who suits your unique requirements as a traveling healthcare professional.

Do your research

Reach out to fellow healthcare travelers, colleagues, and professional networks for recommendations on reputable recruiters. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights and help you narrow down your options. Ask questions about amount of job opportunities, where to find open positions, discuss the onboarding process, and inquire about supportive staff. Additionally, conduct thorough online research to learn more about the recruiters you are considering. Check their websites, read reviews, and evaluate their track record in placing healthcare professionals in positions that match your criteria.Research prior to reaching out to a recruiting company will save you precious time. If you have done your due diligence, you will have the information and questions needed to decipher if the recruiter will be an apt fit for you.

What company?

The vast amount of recruiting companies can be overwhelming. It will be difficult to determine what company is really best for you, until you work for them. When you are just starting out, you typically find a recruiting company when searching for job openings. BEWARE! Those job openings listed on job search websites (Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Monster, etc.) are not as updated as you may think. This is no fault to any company, it just the reality of the fast pace nature of the contract world. The only updated job openings you will receive are straight from the recruiter. Based on my personal experience, opting to work with smaller companies has proven to manifest the best opportunities. I have found the recruiters have more leeway to obtain larger wages for the contractor and you feel a sense of personalization working along a small group of people. Now, not to say larger companies can’t take a greater hit during negotiation to make sure they obtain a contract for their client. Furthermore, larger companies tend to have expansive support staff to assist with meeting all requirements for each contract. It would be ideal to have a relationship with both types of companies, which will assist in the negotiation phase. Please see my article on negotiation.

Evaluate

We are all practicing clinicians and know how to complete a thorough evaluation. It is a professional advantage how we can incorporate these tools through our life experiences. Once you begin working with a recruiter, evaluate their communication skills. Effective and timely communication is crucial within the contract world. High paying job opportunities have become more scarce. An experienced recruiter knows this and will be diligent when an optimal position arises.Pay attention to how responsive and attentive recruiters are during initial interactions. Do they listen actively to your needs and respond promptly? Within the current market, top paying jobs are being filled within hours, so you need someone who knows the business and is prepared to move quickly. A good recruiter should be proactive in addressing your questions and concerns, providing regular updates, and keeping you informed throughout the assignment process. You should be hearing from them on the first day of work, a couple weeks in to see how the job is going, and when it is time to search for a new position or extend current contract. The job listings posted on this website are only through recruiters I trust and have personally worked with. You have my personal guarantee that you will be treated professionally and with the utmost care to find you the perfect contract.

If you have any further questions or recommendations, please feel free to reach out! Happy to make fellow traveler’s life easier and their bank account larger.

Nicole Huffington PT, DPT