Mar 28, 2023
When it comes to enlisting a recruiter for your job search, it’s not only important to know where they can place you, but how they can place you. While healthcare professionals have long relied on recruiters to help them find a new position, not all recruiters are created equally and knowing to expect before you dive into your search can help find you the right place at the right time.
Here’s what a recruiter should be able to offer you:
Transparency. If you ask for information about a position, your recruiter should be able to offer it to you, or at the very least disclose why they can’t share that information. A recruiter’s job is to know the positions they are trying to fill. If you feel vital information is being withheld, ask why.
Location. A recruiter should be able to provide you with the location of the position they’re looking to place you in before you start the process. After all, if you’ve lived in Manhattan your entire life and can’t imagine life outside of the city, your dream job is not likely to be in rural Kentucky. With more healthcare professionals demanding an increase in work-life balance, it’s critical to ensure that the “life” portion is spent in a city or town where you would like to live.
Recruiters shouldn’t rely on secret information to coerce you into applying for a job – in fact, that’s an outdated model and a surefire way to spot a not-so-great opportunity.
Salary. Compensation is a huge deciding factor when it comes to taking a new position. While not all facilities will disclose the salary for a position (even to the recruiter), having the ‘money discussion’ with your recruiter is crucial.
Recruiters should have an idea of how negotiable the salary is, as well as if sign-on or production bonuses are an option. In the long run, having this conversation can help your recruiter find opportunities that are great fits instead of wasting time by offering you okay fits.
Recruitment fees. While on the subject of pay, don’t be afraid to ask how your recruiter is being paid to get you hired. Many recruiters get a big paycheck to place you in a specific job, which inevitably can lead to dishonesty and pressure to accept a position you may not truly want. Finding a recruiter that is simply paid a salary to be a resource to you is the best way to ensure you are being pointed in the right direction.
Remember, a recruiter is working for you. Simply skimming through work experience and license specifics is not going to lead to your dream job. A recruiter who has your best interests in mind will also ask about your motivations for change and what makes you unique as a healthcare provider and as an individual.
Working with a skilled recruiter can be a pivotal moment for your career if done correctly. Take the time, ask the right questions, and land the best job.