Are you researching medical staffing agencies? Working with a recruiter can be an excellent way to land some of the best jobs out there. It opens doors to more opportunities, and can also be less stressful than having to go through the search alone. However, job seekers still have a significant role in the process. Aside from having to have the right credentials, they must be able to work with the recruiter in a way that will assure success.
To make the most out of your partnership with one of the medical staffing agencies you choose, follow these 10 quick tips. They will help both of you to stay on the same page and get the results you want as fast as possible.
- Have a well organized resume. In order to get any job, recruiter or not, this is important. However, recruiters especially need this if you want them to sell you to hiring companies. Make sure your resume reflects your achievements and what makes you the best candidate for the type of position you seek.
- Don’t expect too much information upfront. If you’ve ever searched our Job Search page, you know that the company with the opening is referred to simply as “our client.” This is to protect the privacy of the organization and the staffing firm. Prior to sitting down for an interview, candidates that work with recruiters may not get as much information as they would like right away. They must rely solely on the job description available, but not to worry, all the information you will require to make a decision will be given to you when the time is right.
- Keep records of your job search. Applying for several positions without knowing the name of the company can be confusing when a recruiter calls you and says, “I’m getting back to you about the RN position you applied for.” You are then left scrambling to figure out exactly which of the 36 RN jobs you sent your resume in for that they are talking about. To eliminate these moments of panic, write down all the jobs you apply for in a notebook or keep a spreadsheet on your computer, include the job title, the medical staffing agencies you spoke with about the position, and the date you applied. You may also keep notes on the emails or phone calls you made regarding the position.
- Present yourself as a professional. Your recruiter is your gateway to your next job. As such, they will be assessing how you would be as an employee. Their reputation is on the line too, and presenting consistently late or sloppy workers to hiring managers is not something they will do. Be professional in all your interactions to show them you are serious about finding a job and that you would be a great candidate.
- Be reliable. As with nearly all areas of life, if you say you are going to do something, then you should do it. Don’t leave your recruiter waiting for a certain document that you said you would send over. If you want your recruiter to put in their full effort, you must too.
- Be specific. If you don’t want to be inundated with a bunch of job offers that you don’t want, then you have to be upfront and honest about what you do want. It is OK to be picky if you are willing to wait for the right job to come along. Knowing your preferences will help the recruiter to make the best match for you. They will also appreciate not wasting their time trying to round up openings you will inevitably decline.
- Be proactive. Recruiters have hundred of contacts and are busy making new ones all the time. With some companies, job seekers feel that their recruiter is ignoring them, which is not the case. Candidates must also play a role in maintaining their relationship. This means checking in every once in a while. Give your recruiter a call every few weeks to hear about the latest openings and make sure that you stay the top of their list.
- Be loyal. It is acceptable to work with more than one recruiter. Most people feel it increases their chances of getting hired. However, sometimes conflicts arise, such as being contacted by two different medical staffing agencies for the same job. In these instances it is in good taste to be honest with the second recruiter and let him or her know that someone else is presenting you for the position. Having both recruiters give your name to the hiring company will not improve your chances of getting hired, and may reflect poorly on you. You may also damage your relationship with one or both recruiters.
- Ensure confidentiality. It should go without saying that you can expect confidentiality when you talk to a recruiter, but to be safe, make sure you discuss your expectations on this topic. This may be particularly important to you if you are still currently employed. You should feel confident that you can trust your recruiter and that your information will not be sent to a company without your consent.
- No longer looking? Respond anyway. If you have already found a new job, or made the decision to stick with the one you have, don’t close off contact with recruiters. There may be a time down the road when you are in a position again where you will want to use medical staffing agencies again. They may also be able to present exciting opportunities to you that trump the job you have now. Even if you are not interested at all, get back to them in a timely manner to explain that you are not currently looking. This way you can still keep you contact and continue to be in good standing with the person.
Special Ops Staffing is the premier medical staffing agency for licensed medical professionals and therapists in DFW Area. To meet with a recruiter from a reputable medical staffing firm with proven results, contact us today.