Whether you're newly out of your residency or at any other stage of your journey as a practicing physician, you may find yourself soon working with a locum tenens recruiter, for a number of reasons — an increasing use of locums to deal with the escalating physician shortage being one of them. (See more reasons why locum tenens professionals are more in-demand than ever.)
The list of benefits of working with an established locum tenens agency is vast. In addition to providing a broader, more exclusive variety of physician jobs across the United States, established locums agencies — like Staff Care, a company of AMN Healthcare — offer the assurance of an established brand that can be depended upon at every stage of your career.
Perhaps the most important aspect of working with a locums recruitment agency — in point of fact, the most important aspect, according to many surveyed physicians and practitioners — is the expertise of the locum tenens recruiters on staff. Professional locum recruiters who are knowledgeable about the industry — i.e., equipped with the know-how and ability to best negotiate to the employment waters on behalf of candidates — are essential to your success with a locums agency.
Meet Staff Care's Locum Recruiters
6 Tips for Working with a Locum Tenens Recruiter
With that in mind, we offer these 6 important factors about working with a locum tenens recruiter.
1. Openness. A good locum tenens recruiter isn't concerned only with your job prospects, but also what makes you happy as a person. He or she understands that your success in the role is strongly influenced by the personal satisfaction you take with each assignment — so be open and honest when considering the prospects put before you.
2. Flexibility. Particularly when it comes to locum tenens assignments, which offer the option to see virtually every corner of the United States, variety is the spice of life! Being open to new experiences is the gateway to further development, personally as well as professionally.
3. Responsiveness. It’s important to keep lines of communication active. If your locum recruiter leaves you a message, a prompt response will help ensure you don't miss any great upcoming opportunities.
4. Selectivity. Working with multiple locum tenens agencies may seem like an effective way to maximize your exposure, but remember not to spread yourself too thin. Your relationship with a locum recruiter is a two-way street — be aware of your communication responsibilities to each.
5. Record keeping. Tracking all the tax information you can (on your phone, tablet, or computer) and providing your recruiter with updated paperwork and licenses will help keep things running smoothly, as will keeping your CV updated and working to research the destinations you'd like to pursue in the future.
6. Thoroughness. Read each contract thoroughly when accepting a new opportunity. Your Staff Care locum recruiter will also make sure you're equipped with malpractice insurance and travel expense coverage for your assignment, but be aware of the details and ask questions about anything you don't understand.
Developing a strong relationship with your locum tenens recruiter is an important step to ensuring you'll find the best possible career opportunities. Staff Care's expert and industry-savvy recruiters are regarded as among the best in the business — and they're standing by to help achieve your career goals today!
Contact a Staff Care Recruiter