If i were a recruiter...

Posts: 5 · Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Posts: 5

I am very new to all this travel stuff and it will be a while before I have the experience to travel but no time like the present to start researching. So here is my question to you all. If I were a recruiter, wouldn’t I want to tell you everything you want to hear so that you choose me and my company? Granted not all people thank god are not that malicious, but we know some are. People mention often that finding the best recruiter is more important that the agency…well what makes a good recruiter more than a good liar. I understand he/she cant flat out lie to you, but based on some of the experiences I have read, it sounds like there are some shady things that go down with these agencies. What are some important things you want to hear and not hear? What should be asked during an interview? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks much

Posts: 23 · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 23 Location: Seattle, WA

Make sure that you tell the recruiter up front what you are looking for....don't wait until the last minute. Also, it is the recruiter's/agency's job to set up your interview and to get the specifics of your shift, etc. I like the travel company I am with now, but for both contracts that I had signed on with, they have expected me to set up my own interview with the hospital and to find out the specifics of the shift. Also, the travel company guaranteed me 40 hours a week..I have the signed contract stating such, but when I started the job, I only had 30 hours one week and 40 the next. Then, the recruiter told me that i could just pick up an extra shift to make up for the missing 10 hours. Well, no shit. But that's not the point......they made me a promise in a contract and then couldn't stick by it. Also, most of the recruiters I have encountered have no healthcare experience whatsoever, so they really don't understand or appreciate the needs/struggles of the traveler. I'm not badmouthing all companies, but this is just a tip to follow. Don't sign ANYTHING until you read the contract and have it in writing. Don't take them on their word.

Posts: 5 · Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Posts: 5

thanks for writing peachy, but there is one thing i am unclear about. you and others i have read about seem to have these experiences where you sign contracts and the agency does not follow through on the contract. then what is the point is signing one? are there any repercussions for the company not holding up its end?

Posts: 66 · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 5:11 pm

the contract is allegdy supposed to protect everyone. but if a hospital wants to get rid of you they will make all types of stuff up and just have you fired saying you were bad and breeched the contract. it is mostly to scare you into sticking into it. most of the time contract is really pointless just forces the hospital into things like paying you when they want to send you home because they are overstaffed for the day.