The Dos and Don’ts of Working with a Healthcare Recruiter

Medical recruitment companies may be the best resource for developing your professional life. Managing your medical career can be daunting – yet it’s the key to job satisfaction and overall success. Going it alone means devoting your time to understanding the job market, what it takes to compete, and when that elusive, perfect spot opens up. That’s where physician recruiters come in. It’s their role to know the medical job market – what employers are looking for and how to match qualified candidates with open positions. Partnering with the right medical recruitment firm can ease your way to finding the job you truly want and rising above the competition.

The Physician Recruiter Demystified: What They Do and How They Do it

Physician recruiters are experts in the medical job market—they know what employers are looking for and how to match qualified candidates with open positions. Their role is to manage every aspect of the process until a position is filled.

Medical recruiting firms work closely with both the client organization and the candidate to understand their needs so they can match the most qualified person for each position. A physician recruiter’s client might be a hospital, a medical practice, or a staffing agency. Recruiters’ credentials typically include a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field. They often access databases, social media and other tools. They may also attend job fairs and other events to find potential candidates.

After identifying a potential match, the recruiter sets up an interview with the candidate to learn about their qualifications and interests. During the interview they also share details about the opportunity and answer any questions. After the interview, the recruiter provides feedback to both the client and the candidate, and if both parties are interested in moving forward, the recruiter will help facilitate negotiations. Once an offer is made and accepted, the recruiter will stay in touch with both parties to make sure everything is going well.

How to Find the Right Physician Recruiter for Your Needs

Here’s what you should keep in mind when engaging with recruiters – from understanding their services better to avoiding common communication pitfalls – so that you can develop a good relationship and optimize the search for your preferred position. Look into the answers to the following questions to ensure you find the fit.

Q. Do they specialize in placement for your specific medical field and subspecialty?

Don’t make the mistake of approaching a company that has a narrow field of opportunities. The best medical recruitment firm will cater to your specific requirements. MASC Medical, for instance, covers a wide variety of positions. They can also offer different commitment levels and catered contracts for locums tenens work or as permanent hires.

Q. Do they have good relationships within the healthcare organizations for which you want to work?

A well-connected recruiter will have considered placements for scores of professionals before you. As contractors, they will have extensive relationships with anyone from small practices to hospital networks. In fact, these long-term relationships can help you get your foot in the door where you may otherwise struggle to distinguish yourself.

Q. Would the firm be attentive to your needs?

According to a survey by executive research firm Future Forum, the wrong fit decreases job satisfaction by almost 80%. A good recruiter will take the time to get to know you and understand your career goals so they can better match you with potential employers.

The Dos and Don’ts of Working with a Physician Recruiter

The Dos

1. Be clear about your goals and objectives.

   Go into an interview knowing what kind of position you are looking for and what your ideal practice settings are.

2. Be honest about your qualifications and experience.

   The recruiter can’t help you if they don’t know what you’re really capable of. Make sure that you provide accurate information regarding your qualifications, specialties and areas of expertise so the medical recruitment firm can better match you up with potential job opportunities.

3. Keep lines of communication open.

   Respond to calls and emails in a timely manner and provide feedback on interviews and offers. Don’t wait for the physician recruiter to reach out to you – take the initiative and contact them when necessary. This will show that you are serious about managing your healthcare career and demonstrate your commitment to finding the right job opportunity.

4. Remember that the recruiter is working for you.

   Medical recruitment firms want to find you the best possible position to meet your needs, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. If a physician recruiter offers feedback on your resume or qualifications, take it seriously and make any necessary adjustments to improve your chances of getting hired.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

   A good recruiter will be happy to answer any questions you have about the process or the positions they have available.

2. Don’t try to negotiate your salary without first discussing it with the recruiter.

   They likely have a good idea of what the market rate is for your position and can help you get the best possible salary.

3. Don’t ignore red flags.

   You should always take advantage of your own network and take an active role in researching potential employers and jobs on your own. If something doesn’t feel right about a position or a company, trust your gut and move on to something else.

As a medical professional, staying apprised of available job opportunities is essential to making the best decisions for your career. A physician recruiter can be a valuable resource when it comes to exploring new positions, so knowing how to effectively work with them is important. Finding the right fit in a physician recruiter means finding someone who’s willing to get to know you and your goals, specializes in your area of expertise, and has strong connections in the types of organizations where you want to work. With the right approach, physician recruiters can help you find the perfect job opportunity that fits your skills and ambitions.  Get in touch with us to begin your journey to a better, more satisfying career.