Changes in medical work and the medical workforce have created a doctor shortage in Australia. As a result, the use of locum doctors is becoming more commonplace throughout the country.
As a locum doctor looking for work, you have a lot of options when looking for a locum recruitment agency. So how do you narrow it down?
Here are seven tips for helping you find the best locum companies.
With these tips, you can find the best fit for your career. Otherwise, you might end up partnering with a company more concerned about filling jobs than keeping your best interests in mind.
Keep reading for everything you need to find an ideal locum recruitment agency.
1. Do Your Research
Don’t choose the first locum recruitment company you find. After all, anyone can claim they’re qualified. With more firms adding to the locum masses, it pays to remain picky.
Before you choose an agency, do your research.
Ask some of the other locum doctors you’ve worked with if they’ve had a positive experience with an agency. Word of mouth can go a long way to providing you with the reassurance you need.
As you talk with agencies, ask how long they’ve been in business. Who are their clients? You can also ask for a list of services and benefits they offer.
You can also ask:
- How many locum jobs they currently have available
- If they often have high availability
- If they have recruiters who specialise with your discipline
Remember, these people are responsible for helping you find your next job. In that sense, it’s also important to determine their level of professionalism. Can you trust this agency to help you?
The more you know about the agency, the easier it is to discern the best locum recruitment companies from the rest.
2. Determine Who Pays
Locum recruitment companies charge hospitals varying rates.
Locum companies are there to help you find your next job. However, that doesn’t mean you’re responsible for paying for their services. Rather, it’s the client who pays for your work.
Make sure the locum recruitment agency gets paid by the hospital or party looking for a locum doctor.
As the candidate, make sure it’s clear you’re not the one paying. If the agency asks you for payment, look for another company instead.
3. Determine What You Need
Before looking for the best locum companies, determine what you need. It’s easier to find the right match if you have realistic expectations.
It’s also important to distinguish what you want versus what you need.
Determine your requirements, including:
The type of position
The pay you need
The locations you’re willing to work in
That the agency understands your speciality
Once you know what you need, it’s easier to find an agency that can match these requirements.
4. Don’t Spread Yourself Too Thin
Many locum doctors find one locum recruitment agency they want to work with. Once you find the right match, you’ll likely feel comfortable enough to stick with the agency. In many cases, this makes finding the process of getting your next job easier and more efficient.
However, other locum doctors choose to shop around for different agencies.
The decision is up to you. However, it’s important you make sure you’re not spreading yourself too thin with different agencies.
Consider finding one trustworthy recruiter who is dedicated to helping you find work.
Instead of stretching yourself thin, you can partner with someone you know and trust. Your recruiter will work with you to accomplish your goals and meet the requirements you pinpointed earlier.
5. Communication Is Key
The right locum recruitment agency will keep you up-to-date with new opportunities. Otherwise, how are you going to find work?
Make sure the agency you choose is good at communicating. They’ll keep you up-to-date with every step of the process, including:
Finding assignments
Interviewing
Negotiating
Closing
Throughout this process, your recruiter should remain in constant contact with you. Otherwise, how are you sure they’re committed to helping you? Are they available to answer your questions when you have them?
The recruiter should remain available throughout the onboarding process, as well as during your assignment. That way, you have someone you can speak to if any concerns arise.
As your locum recruitment agency, they should want to build a relationship with you throughout each assignment. This will help them gain a better understanding of who you are as an individual.
During your communication, make sure they also have a clear understanding of your long-term goals and needs.
Your locum recruitment agency should act as your advocate.
Make sure the two of you get along. If you don’t have a good relationship with your recruiter, it’s time to find someone new.
6. Protect Your CV
New South Wales public hospital system is using more locum doctors to fill resident and registrar shifts.
To help you find work, the agency will hand out your CV to as many hospitals as possible. However, this isn’t always in your best interest. After all, you want to make sure you’re finding work that matches your needs, including your specialty.
As you choose a locum recruitment agency to work with, make sure they understand your goals.
Consider having a written agreement in place between yourself and the agency stating which hospitals they can offer your CV to. That way, you’re both on the same page.
7. Insurance, Licensing, & Privileging
For many locum doctors, one of the benefits of locum work is the chance to travel. However, you’ll need to have the proper licencing to work in certain areas.
Your agency should be able to take care of the little details.
See if they can help you obtain the correct licences and hospital privileges you need.
Many locum recruitment agencies develop relationships with boards and facilities. This should make it easier for you to obtain all of the documents you need.
Ask if they offer malpractice insurance, too. Will the agency protect you while you’re on an assignment? Ask before you agree to a contract.
The Locum Doctor is In: 7 Tips for Choosing the Best Locum Recruitment Agency
A locum recruitment agency can help you accomplish your career goals. With countless locum agencies out there, it’s important you find someone with your best interests in mind.
Searching for a locum position? Contact our team today to get started.