Healthcare is a growing industry. Not just the nursing field, but all aspects of healthcare, including personal training and massage therapy.
But while there are thousands of jobs available, and the income outlook is good, there are also thousands more applicants competing for the same positions.
Because of the large number of people competing for these positions, sending resumes to HR and attending job fairs are seldom the best way to get noticed by potential employers.
If you are having trouble finding work, consider using a healthcare recruiter.
Healthcare recruiters work alone, or through a recruiting agency, to match qualified healthcare candidates with desirable jobs. In some ways, they do the work of the Human Resources department by screening and interviewing candidates. That screening includes handling resumes, background checks, and verifying each candidate’s education and credentials.
Once the recruiter has screened the candidates, he then matches them with potential employers.
But a recruiter can also help potential employees get hired. Some recruiters provide training opportunities including mock interviews, resume writing, and even skill building – like typing, or general computer skills.
Healthcare recruiters are usually categorized by industry or job type. You will find recruiters that focus solely on physical therapists, and others that only deal with hospital placement, or home nursing. You can find recruiters at job sites, like Monster.com, in employment listings, and anywhere else that you would look for a healthcare job.
How you approach a recruiter depends on how you found him.
If you were referred to the recruiter through a job listing, your best option is to follow the contact instructions in the job listing. Many recruiters will provide an email address and request a resume, salary history, and educational credentials. Be sure to also include a brief cover letter that expresses your interest and explains why you are the best person for the job. The letter should also include information on the best way to contact you.
If you found the recruiter through a yellow pages listing, or the placement office at your school, your best option is to send an introductory letter via postal mail, and follow up with a phone call within a week.
The best way to approach a recruiter is with a referral from someone who knows, or works with, the recruiter.
Professional networking sites, like Linked In can also get you a foot in the door with healthcare recruiters. Many of these sites have forums where members go to exchange ideas and job leads. Recruiters also use these sites to look for potential candidates.
Once you have successfully contacted a recruiter, the next step is to schedule an interview session. Arrive to this session dressed as you would for any other job interview. Arrive early to allow time for parking and other incidentals, and bring a copy of your resume and professional credentials.
After the interview, the recruiter will conduct a background check to verify that you do not have a criminal record, and that your credentials are real. You could also be required to submit to a drug test.
When you are cleared for placement, the recruiter will match you with employers and jobs that match your experience, skill set, and preferred work environment.
Some employers might hire you directly from the recruiter, with no further screening. Many will require you to interview with their HR department, and the hiring manager, to determine if you are a good fit.
Healthcare recruiters can give you the advantage you need, to find the job you want. Whether it’s a direct line to a hiring manager, or leads on unadvertised openings.
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