Recruiters are an excellent resource for physicians who are looking for career guidance and new opportunities. For the best results, learn how to work effectively with your firm.
Since the 1980’s, physician recruitment firms have helped connect medical professionals with healthcare organizations. These firms provide excellent career opportunities to everyone from primary care physicians to specialists. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or have recently completed residency, recruitment agencies can help you find a position that meets your needs and desires.
A recruitment firm’s clients range from hospitals and medical care groups, to managed care organizations. Any company that may need a physician can use a recruitment agency to find highly qualified physicians. Whether they are searching for permanent or Locum Tenens employees, a qualified recruitment firm can help streamline that search. It is important to note that healthcare organizations either retain recruiters for an upfront fee or they work on a contingency basis, meaning that they don’t receive a fee until they find a physician. Either way, recruitment firms will work hard to ensure that their clients are matched with highly qualified physicians.
If you are a physician seeking new career opportunities, use the following tips to get the best results.
1. Do not pay a recruitment firm.
As previously stated, recruitment firms are paid only by the healthcare organization that is looking to fill a position. As such, there should be no need for physicians to pay a recruiter for any services. Let the healthcare organization take care of the financial obligations during your search for a new position.
2. Be Selective
While it may be tempting to work with as many recruiters as possible, it is damaging to deploy your CV too widely. Not only will this may you look desperate to find a position, but it also may connote that you have a questionable background or record. Furthermore, if more than one recruiter sends your application to a healthcare organization, it may look like a mistake, and therefore, you may get overlooked. Because of these issues, recruiters who believe that you are working with too many other firms may choose not to work with you.
3. Form a Physician-Recruiter Relationship
After you have done your research and chosen a firm that you think will fit your needs, talk with your recruiter one-on-one. Since you will likely be in contact often, it is necessary that you find a firm that is easy to work with. Plus, establishing a relationship will help your agency select the appropriate opportunities for you. Thus, it is important to take the time to form a relationship with your recruitment agency so you can ensure that you understand each other’s needs.
4. Understand Your Own Needs
Every physician is looking for the most ideal position in the best location possible. This, however, means something different to each person. Thus, it is essential that you reflect on what is most important to you in a new position. Remember to be realistic; while you may love to work in a coastal area, it could end up being more important to be close to family members who may live in an inland state, for example.
5. Be Serious About Your Search
It is good to know what options are out there for physician employment. It is important, however, to avoid wasting your own time or a recruiter’s time if you are not serious about a new career opportunity. Though this doesn’t require you to accept the first position that it offered, it does mean that you should be ready to accept new employment when an opportunity comes along that fits your needs.
If you are a physician who is looking for new career opportunities, please contact us at Medstaff National Medical Staffing today. Our professional recruiters will help you find a placement that is a perfect fit for both you and the healthcare organization.