[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job hunting is stressful, even in a strong market. It can be hard to learn about prospective employers, especially in a different region or state. Organizations may not even post every available position.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For those struggling with the job process, nursing headhunters can help you find the right openings, guide you through the interview process, and provide valuable advice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working with a registered nurse (RN) recruiter can save you time and effort, but it comes with disadvantages as well. This article can help you understand how nurse recruiters work and how to make the relationship benefit you most.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Find a Nurse Recruiter[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse recruiter duties consist of matching job seekers with employers. This means they need to:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Know the employer and job in question[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Identify candidates[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Determine if it’s likely to be a good match[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Help both the employer and job hunter navigate applications, interviewing, and making a decision[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can either reach out to a recruiter or wait for one to find you. Nursing headhunters search for candidates on general job and career sites, like LinkedIn and Indeed, and professional association career boards that host resumes. They also attend conferences and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//networking-in-nursing/”]professional networking events in nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maximize your chances of being found by posting your resume and keeping it current on career sites and association boards. Attend networking events. You can also look for recruiter directories, but some charge a fee. Building a nursing network on LinkedIn can be helpful too.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Review your professional profile from an RN recruiter’s perspective. Does it show that you are active professionally, improving in your job, and growing your knowledge base? Do your other public profiles, including social media, increase or reduce a potential employer’s confidence in your professionalism? Polish your [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-resume-guide/”]nursing resume[/hen-ui-link] and profile before actively seeking a recruiter.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Know About Working With a Nurse Recruiter[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A reputable RN recruiter does not require a fee from the job hunter. In fact, if they ask for a fee, this is a warning sign. Most recruiters either work full time for the employer, or the employer pays them by placement, typically a percentage of your first year’s salary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Be aware that the recruiter’s best interests should align with yours, but they aren’t necessarily identical. Some aim for quantity of placements rather than quality and are not concerned about a long-term match, for example.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In-house recruiters work for the same organization for which they recruit. This means they know the organization well. Other RN headhunters work for staffing agencies with a broader reach than in-house RN recruiters. However, depending on the size of the agency and the commission they’ll earn, you might not be their top priority. An independent recruiter typically gives you the most personalized attention, but they don’t have the reach of a staffing agency.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Selecting the right RN recruiter depends on your goals and career stage. If you want somebody to provide more personalized attention, choose an independent recruiter. If you want access to as many openings as possible, a larger staffing agency might be the best choice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following factors are key to building a positive relationship with your nurse recruiter:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Connections[/hen-ui-text]: Recruiters are well connected. Make sure that they put their networking skills to good use.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Experience[/hen-ui-text]: No one wants to serve as the “guinea pig” for a recruiter’s first placement. Look for recruiters with a solid track record in the nursing field.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Compensation[/hen-ui-text]: Determine whether a nursing recruiter receives payment as a retainer or on contingency. This could affect their motivation to get you a good versus great job. They should understand why you might ask how they get paid.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Placement Record[/hen-ui-text]: Placement is a major part of RN recruiters’ jobs, so recruiters should share their results with you. Seek nursing recruiters with a high success rate.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Preferred Contact[/hen-ui-text]: Try to streamline communication with your recruiter. Make sure their preferred method (email or phone, for example) matches yours.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Initial Interview With a Nursing Recruiter[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN recruiters screen and interview candidates as part of their daily job responsibilities. Many recruiters do a phone interview with a job seeker before scheduling an in-person screening. Some prefer to set up a face-to-face meeting right away.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nursing recruiter should put you at ease, be tactful yet truthful, and share in your job-search approach. Developing rapport now can help your working relationship later.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your first meeting with a recruiter is an opportunity to discuss your short- and long-term career goals. This will help to ensure a recruiter has the best understanding of the type of job you are seeking. You will also want to discuss your ideal salary including benefits and your preferred working environment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An experienced RN recruiter knows that placing you in a good job benefits all involved.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]The Job Interviewing Process[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The process of interviewing for a job through a recruiter differs depending on where and how the recruiter works. In-house recruiters will schedule the job interview between their employer and a potential employee.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A recruiter working for an outside agency may direct you to the employer’s hiring manager or human resources. You should not expect a recruiter to coach you on how to interview for a job, but some will provide general tips.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most RN recruiters continue their services long after your initial job interview. The recruiter may check references, submit feedback, and give an opinion on final selections. On behalf of the job seeker, recruiters also keep nursing candidates informed of the decision-making process.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The involvement of a nurse recruiter in the interviewing and selection process may differ from one client to another. Recruiters never make the final decision about who gets hired. Check for any latest developments with your recruiter once a week.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Is Working With a Nurse Recruiter Right for Me?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working with an RN recruiter means entrusting part of your career development to another person. This comes with many advantages and disadvantages. Consider these pros and cons before working with nursing headhunters.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Tips for Working With a Nursing Recruiter[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many of the rules that apply to job hunting apply to working with recruiters: dress appropriately, don’t speak negatively of past jobs or colleagues, customize your resume, research the organization, and be courteous to everybody you encounter during your job hunt.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider these additional tips for working with nursing headhunters:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Determine and communicate your professional development goals. An RN recruiter should know which employers will support employee professional development with time off or tuition reimbursement and which will not.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tell your nursing recruiter what you’re looking for in an employer and what’s a dealbreaker. Figure out what’s important and what’s optional.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ask your nursing network for recruiter recommendations and introductions, especially if a job is a good match. Many recruiters keep active files of candidates, even if they don’t have a good match right then.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Be aware that a recruiter will do a lot of the work in job hunting, but not all the work. Learn for yourself about their recommended employers and jobs. Research salary ranges in organizations that interest you, so you can tell if a salary sounds too low.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For example, if a nursing headhunter says they can get you a much higher salary than what is standard or says there are no downsides to a particular job, be suspicious.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Working With a Nursing Recruiter[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How many times do you meet with a recruiter, on average?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recruiters will schedule a welcome interview to get to know you and your job goals. Most recruiters will measure your experience and professionalism before considering you for a position.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unless you discuss another option with your RN recruiter, plan to connect weekly.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What kind of qualifications do recruiters typically have?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A qualified recruiter may study human resources, psychology, sociology, or marketing. All must have exceptional internet, customer service, onboarding, and training skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Can you work with multiple recruiters at the same time?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While some job seekers work with multiple recruiters at the same time, many professionals advise against this. It can promote a lack of transparency between candidates and recruiters. Some nursing headhunters require exclusivity.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What are the signs of a good recruiter?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Good recruiters possess strong organizational and communication skills. Recruiters should and always remain professional. You should feel as though your recruiter keeps you informed and stays on top of the jobs they submit for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What are the signs of a substandard recruiter?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Substandard recruiters are unorganized and possess poor communication skills. Red flags include pressuring a job seeker to take a bad offer, submitting your resume for jobs unrelated to your field, or asking you to lie on your resume.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Pages[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”41673,37247,37143″][/hen-ui-article-row]