Scoring a Travel Assignment in a Recovery Market

Scoring a Travel Assignment in a Recovery Market:

The 6 things you AND your recruiter should do to get you placed and back out on the road.

There’s no denying it, times are tough. As the COVID-19 outbreak spread across the country, hospitals and clinics were forced to forgo elective procedures and focus their efforts on combating the virus. While there was high demand in a few key specialties, many travel and even permanent medical professionals were left on the sidelines.

As we see COVID case volume begin to stabilize, there is a push to re-open the country, including a return to operating rooms and elective procedures. Inevitably the need for travelers will begin to ramp, but all signs point to a slow, measured climb to pre-COVID activity levels.

Answer your Phone:

It might be your recruiter calling with a job or facility calling to interview you. Miss the call and be ready to rid the pine…: It is crucial to stay in touch with your recruiter either by text, phone, or email weekly. Once a job is posted with staffing agencies, volume goes through the roof. It is essential to be in the first round of submissions. Again, if they aren’t staying in touch with you, now’s the time to go looking for someone who will.

Readjust Expectations:

We get it. This one is tough. We saved it for last. You may not want to hear it but the medical pros that are the most flexible are the ones landing their next gig.

Timing: Clients will want soonest start date possible. Have your bags packed and be ready to go. You may also have to be open to shorter contract options during the recovery.
Flexibility: No sugar coating this one. The more open you are, to settings, to locations and to pay the more opportunities are available.
Pay: Let’s get more specific. You will likely not see the same pay as your last assignment for the next several months. It’s not what you want to hear, but we want you to be prepared for the current market.
Vacation: We recommend limiting your PTO requests during the next 3-6 months if possible, especially during the upcoming holidays. Not ideal but may be worth it if for your career in the long run.

Take action now. Don’t wait.

We have compiled a list the 6 things you and your recruiter should be doing right now to ensure you are ready.

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Update Skills Checklist:

Don’t wait until a job becomes available, make sure your skills checklists on file with your agency today is the most up to date.

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Verified References on File

It’s not just enough to provide references, be sure your recruiter has followed up and verified. Don’t miss out on a job because Sally Manager at your last facility hasn’t returned your recruiter’s phone call.

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Ensure you have a Branded Resume:

You may not know it, but your agency often reformats your resume before they can submit you for a job. Again, make sure it is up to date with your latest work history and your recruiter has formatted it properly for submissions. Waiting to complete this step can mean you miss out on the next urgent opening.

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Answer your Phone:

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Give Permission to Submit:

Consider giving your recruiter permission to submit you to a job if they are confident it meets your needs. You do not want to miss an opportunity because you missed a text message or phone call about an opening.

Readjust Expectations:

We get it. This one is tough. We saved it for last. You may not want to hear it but the medical pros that are the most flexible are the ones landing their next gig.

expectations

Timing: Clients will want soonest start date possible. Have your bags packed and be ready to go. You may also have to be open to shorter contract options during the recovery.
Flexibility: No sugar coating this one. The more open you are, to settings, to locations and to pay the more opportunities are available.
Pay: Let’s get more specific. You will likely not see the same pay as your last assignment for the next several months. It’s not what you want to hear, but we want you to be prepared for the current market.
Vacation: We recommend limiting your PTO requests during the next 3-6 months if possible, especially during the upcoming holidays. Not ideal but may be worth it if for your career in the long run.

So yes, the return to normal will be competitive and positions are limited.

The events of 2020 have left many feeling out of control. But, some good news: you (and your recruiter) are in control of how you respond to the opportunities opening around the country.

In this market, the early bird definitely gets the worm. Prepare now and your chances of starting an assignment are real. Sit back and wait for the return? You will likely continue sitting . . . on the bench.