The Dos & Don’ts of Working with a Healthcare Recruiter | healthcaresupport.com
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The Dos & Don’ts of Working with a Healthcare Recruiter

If you’re new to the recruiting world, don’t worry. Everyone takes different approaches when beginning their careers, or looking for new job opportunities. And, to help you be as successful as possible when working with a healthcare recruiter, we’ve compiled some information to help guide you through your job seeking journey.

Partnering with a Recruiter

Because the job market is so competitive, it’s often difficult to get the attention of the individuals who are responsible for hiring new talent. But, when you partner with an outside healthcare recruiter like HealthCare Support (HSS) who has connections with all sorts of people in the healthcare industry, you have access to valuable information on what specific companies are looking for in a potential candidate.

And, while the recruiter works with you during the whole interview process, they also work for the company who obtained their services. So, it’s essential you show the recruiter why you are an ideal candidate. One of the ways to make a great impression on both the recruiter and the company you are interested in working for is by having a well-constructed resume that is organized, easy to read, and highlights prior successes.

Some “Do’s” to Keep in Mind

  • Be honest – Never misrepresent yourself by hiding things regarding your background, experience, or qualifications. Issues often come to light during reference and background checks, so it’s always better to be upfront with your recruiter from the very beginning.
  • Listen – Your recruiter handpicks job opportunities they think would be the best match for both you and the employer. Listen to their insights and directions. If they ask you to improve some things, such as your resume, it’s in your best interest to follow their advice.
  • Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification regarding certain matters. It’s also a good idea to find out what companies are looking for. Let the recruiter know of any skills you have that could be an asset to the company that the recruiter previously may not have known.
  • Follow up – You can’t expect the recruiter to do all of the work for you. Make sure you involve yourself in the process. Following up shows that you’re both motivated and interested in the positions you are applying for.
  • Be professional – While the recruiter does not make the final hiring decision, they are the ones helping you get placed into a job. Treat them just like you would the hiring manager, maintaining a high-level of professionalism at all times.

Some “Don’ts” to Keep in Mind

  • Don’t quit communicating – If you happen to decide you’re not interested in a specific position, be upfront with the recruiter, don’t ignore them. A good recruiter isn’t going to try and pressure you to take a job, but if you cut off communication, you’re only going to come off as unprofessional.
  • Don’t be a pest – There’s following up, and then there’s being an annoyance. It’s perfectly fine to check in one or two times a week throughout the process, but anything more than that will show you’re desperate, which may be seen as a turn-off.
  • Don’t take things personally – If you don’t get chosen for a particular job, it doesn’t mean that there’s necessarily something wrong. You may not have the skill set for the current opening. If a recruiter informs you weren’t selected, then use that information to improve on your shortcoming’s for the next potential role.
  • Don’t go around the recruiter to get to the client – If you don’t hear back from the recruiter in what you think is an appropriate timeframe, never take it upon yourself to contact the client, especially after your information has been presented to the client by the recruiter. Not only will you look bad, but your candidacy could be affected in a negative way.
  • Don’t cancel an interview the day of – If a recruiter works hard to get you an interview, don’t miss the opportunity by canceling it last minute. The recruiter may not want to work with you in the future. You’ve got to remember that their reputation is on the line just as much as yours.

As with all relationships, whether personal or professional, communication is key. When you have an interview scheduled, check in with the healthcare recruiter right before going in to go over any final details. After the interview is over, call the recruiter to inform them of how you think everything went.

Working with the correct healthcare recruiter will only benefit your career. However, it’s important to understand that not all recruiters are the same. HSS is a leader in the healthcare recruitment field, and as a result, we have gained partnerships with some of the most prestigious healthcare organizations. To get started with your job search, contact us today by calling 407-478-0332 or fill out our form online.

 

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