Changes in medical services and the medical staff have caused a doctor shortage. Consequently, the use of locum doctors is becoming more common. As a locum doctor looking for work, you have a lot of choices when searching for a locum recruitment agency. Here are seven tips for helping you find the best locum recruitment agencies. With these tips, you can find the best one for your career. Otherwise, you might end up cooperating with an agency more concerned about filling vacancies than keeping your best interests in mind.

Do your research

Don’t select the first locum recruitment agency you find. After all, anyone can claim they’re certified. Before you select an agency, do your research. Ask some of the other locum doctors you’ve worked with if they’ve had a good experience with an agency. Word of mouth can go a long way to giving you the assurance you need.

As you discuss agencies, ask how long they’ve been working in this industry. Who are their customers? You can also ask for a list of services and profits they present and the following questions:

• How many locum jobs do they presently have ready?
• If they often have high job vacancies.
• If they have recruiters who specialize in your field.

Keep in mind, that these people are responsible for assisting you to find your next job. In that sense, it’s also necessary to specify their level of professionalism. Can you trust this company to help you?

The more you know about the agency, the easier it is to distinguish the best locum recruitment agencies from the rest.

Specify who pays

Locum recruitment agencies charge hospitals different rates. Locum agencies are there to help you find your next job. Still, that doesn’t mean that you are the person who must pay for their services. Instead, it’s the customer who pays for your work.

Make certain the locum recruitment agency gets paid by the hospital or party looking for a locum doctor. As the candidate, ensure it is tangible you’re not the one paying. If the agency asks you for payment, look for another agency instead.

Determine what you need

Before looking for the best locum agencies, determine what you need. It’s easier to find the right agency if you have rational expectations. It’s also necessary to differentiate between what you want versus what you need. Determine your needs, including:

• The type of position
• The revenue you need
• The locations you’re inclined to work in

Once you know what you need, it’s easier to find an agency that can meet these standards.

Don’t spread yourself too thin

Many locum doctors are willing to find one locum recruitment agency that they want to work with. Once you find the right agency, you’ll likely feel at ease enough to keep going with the agency. In many cases, this makes the process of getting your next job easier and more comfortable. However, other locum doctors decide to shop around for various agencies.

The decision is up to you. However, you need to make sure that you’re not spreading yourself too thin with various agencies. Focus on finding one reliable recruiter who is committed to helping you find work. Rather than stretching yourself thin, you can work with someone you know and trust. Your recruiter will work with you to achieve your goals and meet the standards you identified earlier.

Communication is essential

A good locum recruitment agency will keep you abreast of new job vacancies. Make certain the agency you choose is great at communicating. They’ll inform you of every step of the process, including:

• Finding assignments
• Interviewing
• Negotiating
• Closing

Throughout this process, your recruiter should keep in constant contact with you. Otherwise, how are you sure they’re dedicated to helping you? Are they available to answer your questions when you need them?

The recruiter should be available throughout the ongoing process, as well as during your assignment. That way, you have someone you can speak to if any problems arise.

As your locum recruitment agency, they should want to develop a relationship with you throughout each step. This will help them acquire a better understanding of who you are as an individual.

During your communication, they should have a clear understanding of your long-term targets and needs. Your locum recruitment agency should act as your supporter. If you don’t have a constructive relationship with your recruiter, it’s time to find someone new.

Protect your resume

To help you find work, the agency will deliver your CV to as many hospitals as possible. After all, you want to make sure you’re finding work that meets your needs, including your specialty.

As you select a locum recruitment agency to cooperate with, make sure they understand your targets. Consider having a written consensus in place between yourself and the agency stipulating which hospitals they can offer your CV to.

Insurance, licensing, & privileging

For many locum doctors, one of the advantages of locum work is the opportunity to travel. However, you’ll need to have the right licensing to work in specific areas.

See if they can help you acquire the proper licenses and hospital privileges you need. Many locum recruitment agencies build relationships with boards and facilities. This should make it easier for you to gain all of the documents you need.

Ask if they provide malpractice insurance, too. Will the company protect you while you’re on an assignment? Questions such as this must be answered before you choose a locum recruitment agency.