Locum Link

• Building a Successful Relationship with a Recruiter

  July 11th, 2011

  Surveys show that most locum tenens physicians work with an agency recruiter (or two or three) to assist them in their job search. In our experience, the recruiter-physician relationship is a win-win for both parties when built on candor and professionalism. Below are some tips for turning your recruiter into a strong, long-term ally:

  Share a complete, accurate employment history. Your recruiter needs all relevant information about past work, including disclosure of malpractice history, known credentialing issues, or gaps in employment. Employers seek reasonable explanations for past work issues. If you have concerns, a good recruiter will help you portray your history in a factual, but positive way. Trying to hide work-related issues or employment discrepancies, especially in the age of internet databases, usually leads to trouble—and is a good way to burn a bridge.

  Be forthcoming about assignment preferences.  Are you looking for work in a certain geographic area? Do you have specific pay  or shift requirements? Are there jobs and institutions you’d like to avoid? Letting your recruiter know this kind of information upfront is a real time saver and can help ensure that you’re quickly matched with opportunities that best fit your needs.

  Track and disclose your recruitment activity. Recruiters understand that doctors may work with several agencies. If you’ve been submitted for a job by an agency, don’t let other agencies submit you for the same assignment. Multiple submissions from different agencies are frustrating for employers as well as the recruiters involved. Keeping a log of where and when you have been submitted—and sharing that information, upon request, with a recruiter is greatly appreciated.

  Stay in touch. Once you’re placed, be sure to keep in touch with your recruiter and provide updates on your experience, particularly if you’re having issues. Use your agency as an ally to help get things back on track. Over the long-term, periodic check-ins with your recruiter can be beneficial, especially if you need to update information in your profile or if you are looking for different types of opportunities.  

  Expect honesty and outstanding service from your recruiter. Relationships are a two way street. If you’re being professional and helpful to your recruiter, you should expect the same. If you have an issue that you feel wasn’t dealt with appropriately by a recruiter, let them know or contact his or her boss.

  If you stick with these principles, you’re sure to establish a long, successful relationship with your locum tenens recruiter.

  To speak to a Locum Leaders recruiter, call 877-562-8656.

  Follow Locum Leaders on Twitter (@Locumleaders) and Facebook!

  Tags: locum tenens, physician recruitment, recruiter
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter

• Five New Year’s Resolutions for Locum Tenens

  January 8th, 2010

  A new year is a great time to revisit some of the elements required for locum tenens success. The 2010 job market promises to be an active one, and the simple tips below will keep you prepared for the next opportunity.

  Update your CV. Are you current with recent work experiences, address and other contact information? What about the addition of new skills, licenses, publications or certifications? If you haven’t checked out your CV in a while, chances are it’s time for a quick review and revision.

  Refresh your References. You’ll need three to five strong references for almost any job, but keep a longer list ready just in case some of your contacts are unreachable. Make sure your references include previous supervisors (not just peers), and don’t hesitate to ask for a new reference at the end of a positive locum assignment. If you’re listing someone you haven’t spoken with in a while, now is a great time to reach out and renew that relationship. Remind the individual that you are still listing them as a professional reference, and consider asking them to write a newly dated reference letter.

  Acquire New Licenses. Want to work in sunny Florida? Then you better have a Florida license (unless you plan to work at a federal facility). If you have your eye on locum work in a new locale, now is the time to become licensed in your states of choice. Remember that licensure in some states can take three months or longer, so don’t delay. It’s also a good time to check on certifications (like ACLS) to be sure you are up to date and, if not, renew as applicable.

  Organize your Locum Life. Working as a locum tenens requires some organization. Some tips: Keep a log of assignments and facilities to which you’ve been submitted. Keep a folder of expenses and pay information for tax purposes. Maintain electronic files of references and other common locum tenens paperwork, and transfer copies to a flash drive so you have them on the road for easy access.

  Talk to Your Recruiter. The best way to book consistent locum work that meets your goals is to partner with a recruiter who knows your interests, pay expectations, skills and availability. Even if you have worked with a recruiter or firm in the recent past, a periodic check-in is a good idea. Have your personal circumstances changed? Do you have more or less availability than you have had in the past? Are there new locations you seek to work in? All of this information will help you and your recruiter build a plan to keep you happily employed throughout the year.

  Tags: 2010, locum tenens, recruiter
  Posted in Ask The Recruiter