It is no secret that we live in a world in which building a quality relationship is a necessity to succeed. The travel therapy world is no different.
If you ask anyone, the single most important factor to traveling as a therapist is building a great relationship with your recruiter. Having been a therapy recruiter for nearly four years, I have had the opportunity to listen to both a traveler’s and a colleague’s thoughts on the matter.
Below, I explore five ways both recruiters and travelers can improve this important relationship. If you follow these, working together will be a cinch!
Get to know each other. Believe it or not, the person on the other end of the phone is a real person and lives a real life. You would be surprised to learn what the other does on the weekend or in their spare time. You may even bond over those interests!
Be honest. We all know it can be frustrating to feel like you are being misled. Recruiters: do not tell your traveler you have jobs in areas in which you do not. Travelers: always be forthcoming about which jobs you would actually accept if offered. Any relationship is great when both parties can trust the other is being truthful!
Be accessible. We are all incredibly busy people. Therapists are constantly evaluating, treating, and documenting most of the day. On the other hand, recruiters are constantly on the phone, helping with applications, and can be busy with other duties as well. That said, set appointments with each other or perhaps find other methods of communication like e-mail, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Follow through. Imagine being in a group project where your partner did not do their part. Frustrating, right? Do not be that partner. Do what you say you are going to do. Recruiters, if you promise to call a traveler at a certain time—call them! Travelers, if you say you will build a profile by a certain time—build the profile!
Set expectations. Let each other know how you operate or how you would like things done. For example, travelers, let your recruiter know if you only want to be called once a week (or less). Recruiters, please let your traveler know if you are expecting a quick response regarding jobs.
What did I miss? What are some other ways you have strengthened the bond between you and your recruiter? Comment below with your suggestions!
Louis Teal is a Recruiter for the Aureus Medical Social Media Recruitment Team.