Recruiters 

As you move from training into the workforce, you will probably be contacted by physician recruiters. Some operate nationally. Others focus on specific geographic areas.

Using recruiters can help streamline the search process and can foster networking opportunities, but it is not a substitute for doing your own research. 

The following are some helpful tips when working with recruiters:  

• Remember the recruiter’s primary goal is to find physicians for their clients and this can sometimes bias their approach. Although recruiters can be helpful in finding a job, it is wise to approach your interactions with them carefully. ​
• Have a plan and stick with it. Vast employment opportunities can be daunting and may derail you from pursuing your pre-determined career objectives and personal needs. While some flexibility is required, it is important to keep the ideal job in your mind before working with a recruiter. They can be very persuasive—that’s their job—and that could cause you to lose sight of your desired goals. Physicians with focused goals often motivate the recruiter to find the best fit for them and potential employers.
• Verify the recruiter’s credentials (e.g., the history of the business, duration of stay for previous placements, companies that they have worked with, and their areas of specialty---geographically and medically).
• Ensure that the recruiter protects your confidentiality. Prior to starting any relationship with recruiters, you need to ensure that the agreement allows you to maintain control as to where your CV goes. If it is dispersed too widely and indiscriminately it may give the impression that you are desperate to find a job.