Even in an incredibly strong job market, the process of searching for a new position can be stressful. In some cases, it can be difficult to find out about potential employers. This is especially true if they are located in another state or region. Some organizations may not post all available positions.
Nursing headhunters are available to help those who need assistance in finding a job. They can guide them through the interview and find suitable openings.
It can be beneficial to work with an RN recruiter, as it will save time and energy. However, there are also disadvantages. The article below will help you to understand the work of nurse recruiters and how you can make your relationship with them most beneficial.
What to do when you are looking for a nurse recruiter
The nurse recruiter’s duties include matching up job seekers and employers. They must:
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Employer and position in question -
Candidates can be identified by identifying the candidates -
It’s important to determine if the match is likely to work. -
Employers and job seekers can both benefit from navigating the application process, interviews, and decision-making.
You can reach out directly to recruiters or you can wait until they find you. Headhunters for nursing look at resumes on job sites like LinkedIn, Indeed and other general career and employment websites. The headhunters also attend nursing conferences and networking events.
Post your current resume on job sites, association boards and career websites to maximize your chance of getting found. Networking events are a great way to meet people. Some recruiter directories charge fees, so you may want to look elsewhere. It can also be beneficial to build a network of nurses on LinkedIn.
Look at your profile through the eyes of a RN recruiter. Is it clear that you’re active in the professional world, are improving at your job and expanding your knowledge? Your other profiles on social media and elsewhere can either increase or decrease the confidence of a prospective employer in you. Polish up your profile and resume before you actively seek a recruiter.
What You Should Know Before Working with a Nurse Recruitment Agency
Reputable RN recruiters do not charge a fee to job seekers. If they charge a fee it is an indication that you should be wary. The majority of recruiters work for their employer full-time or are paid by the company based on placements, usually a certain percentage.
Remember that while the interests of both you and your recruiter should be aligned, they may not always coincide. Others are more concerned with quantity than quality, and don’t care about long-term matches.
They work within the organization they recruit for. They know their organization very well. Some RN headhunters are employed by staffing agencies that have a wider reach than internal RN recruiters. Depending on how big the staffing agency is and what commissions they will earn, your job may not be the top priority. Independent recruiters are more likely to give you personalized service, but their reach is not as wide as a staffing firm.
The right RN recruiter for you will depend on your career goals and stage. Independent recruiters can provide you with more personalized service. A larger staffing agency may be your best option if you are looking for as many job openings as possible.
To build a good relationship with your recruiter, you should consider the following:
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- Connections : The recruiters have a lot of connections. Be sure to make the most of their network skills.
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- Experience No one likes to be the “guinea-pig” of a recruiter. Search for nurse recruiters who have a proven track record.
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- Compensation Determine if a nurse recruiter is paid on a contingency basis or as part of a retainer. It could influence their motivation in getting you the best job. You should be able to understand the reason you may ask about their pay.
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- Record of Placements: Since placement is a big part of RN recruitment, recruiters are expected to share with you their success rates. Nursing recruiters who have a good success rate are the best to choose.
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- Contact Preference: Streamline communication with recruiters. Make sure that their preferred communication method (email, phone or other) is the same as yours.
First Interview with a Nurse Recruiter
RN recruiters are responsible for screening and interviewing candidates. A lot of recruiters conduct a telephone interview before arranging an in-person screen. Others prefer to schedule a meeting in person immediately.
The recruiter for a nursing position should make you feel comfortable, while being tactful and truthful. They also need to share your approach in job search. A good rapport can be beneficial to your future working relationships.
You can discuss with the recruiter your career objectives, both short and long term. It will ensure that a recruiter understands the kind of position you’re looking for. Discuss your desired salary, benefits and working conditions.
A RN recruiter with experience knows the importance of finding you a job that benefits everyone.
Interviewing for a Job
The interviewing process for a new job is different depending on the location and type of recruiter. The in-house recruiter will set up the interview between an employer and potential employee.
You may be directed to the hiring manager of an employer or their human resources department by a recruiter who works for an agency outside. A recruiter will not coach you in how to conduct an interview, although some may provide tips.
Most RN recruiters will continue to provide services after the initial interview. The recruiter can check references, provide feedback and express an opinion about final selections. Recruiters keep candidates in the nursing field informed about the process of decision making on behalf of job seekers.
The role of the nurse recruiter during an interview and selection may vary from client to client. The final hiring decision is never made by recruiters. Once a week, check with your recruiter for the latest news.
What is the Right Time to Work with a Nurse Recruitment Agency?
It is a way to entrust a part of your professional development to someone else. It has both advantages and disadvantages. Before working with nursing recruiters, consider these pros and cons.
Advantages of Working with a Recruiter
Recruiters can save you time and effort. They can also give you access to jobs you wouldn’t otherwise learn about.
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Recruiters know local employers, especially valuable if you’re relocating to an unfamiliar area. -
Nursing recruiters have access to jobs not listed publicly. -
Recruiters can help you customize your nursing resume, application, and interview with exclusive information. -
Nursing headhunters save you time in researching which companies are hiring. -
RN recruiters have experience and knowledge of which job seekers match best with different organizations.
Disadvantages of Working With a Recruiter
There are pitfalls working with an RN recruiter. Some of these are specific to a certain kind of recruiter. Other cons apply to all recruiters.
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Nursing headhunters might tell you what they think you want to hear about an employer, especially if the employer has difficulty hiring and retaining nurses. -
Because employers pay external RN recruiter fees, going through a recruiter makes you a more expensive candidate to hire than one who applies directly. -
External nursing headhunters get paid only if they place you in a job and might not care about the fit. However, some may receive incentives for long-term placements. -
An in-house RN recruiter might have an incentive to negotiate a lower salary than you’re worth. -
Even the best RN recruiter won’t know you and your goals the way you do, so they might overlook your dream career if you entrust your entire job search to them.
Work with a Nurse Recruiter: Tips
Dress appropriately, do not speak negatively about past employers or co-workers, tailor your resume and research the company. Be courteous to everyone you meet during your job search.
Here are some additional suggestions for working with nurse headhunters.
Communicate your goals for professional development. A nurse recruiter needs to know what employers are willing to support professional development of their employees with paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
Inform your nurse recruiter of what qualities you are looking for and which ones will make or break a potential employer. Decide what is important, and what can be ignored.
You can ask your network of nurses for recommendations or introductions to recruiters, particularly if the job you are interested in is right up your alley. Even if they are not able to match a candidate with a job, many recruiters maintain active files.
Remember that the recruiter can help you with some of your job search, but they cannot do it all. You should do your own research on the recommended companies and positions. You can find out the salary ranges of organizations you are interested in, and determine if an offer sounds low.
It’s probably not true if it seems too good to last. Be suspicious if, for example, the nursing headhunter claims to be able to get you a higher salary or that there is no downside of a certain job.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working With a Nursing Recruiter
How many times do you meet with a recruiter, on average?
Recruiters will schedule a welcome interview to get to know you and your job goals. Most recruiters will measure your experience and professionalism before considering you for a position.
Unless you discuss another option with your RN recruiter, plan to connect weekly.
What kind of qualifications do recruiters typically have?
A qualified recruiter may study human resources, psychology, sociology, or marketing. All must have exceptional internet, customer service, onboarding, and training skills.
Can you work with multiple recruiters at the same time?
While some job seekers work with multiple recruiters at the same time, many professionals advise against this. It can promote a lack of transparency between candidates and recruiters. Some nursing headhunters require exclusivity.
What are the signs of a good recruiter?
Good recruiters possess strong organizational and communication skills. Recruiters should and always remain professional. You should feel as though your recruiter keeps you informed and stays on top of the jobs they submit for you.
What are the signs of a substandard recruiter?
Substandard recruiters are unorganized and possess poor communication skills. Red flags include pressuring a job seeker to take a bad offer, submitting your resume for jobs unrelated to your field, or asking you to lie on your resume.
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