Recruiter as a resource: Building relationships with residents

Many forward-thinking college students begin building relationships with recruiters while they are still in school. Medical residents are often too busy to focus on the career path ahead of them. By becoming a trusted source of information, recruiters can find potential candidates and develop solid relationships at the same time.

Becoming a source of knowledge

The business of medicine is very different from the actual practice of medicine. Though many medical schools offer business-related courses, many residents may feel unprepared when entering the working world. Recruiters can fill this knowledge gap by forming relationships with residents, learning about their needs and developing a strategy for developing effective collateral.

For instance, medical residents have very little time to network. According to The Atlantic, medical residents often work 80 hours or more each week. With so little time to focus on developing a professional network, recruiters can serve as a shortcut, guiding recruits along their career path.

Recruiters should consider developing an understanding of resident needs, so they can develop content that answers common questions and concerns. Providing useful content at strategic points in the relationship can build trust between recruiters and residents and lead to fruitful placements.

Recruiters can become a valuable source of knowledge for medical residents.

Building relationships with residents

Recruiting.com recommended utilizing traditional and non-traditional channels to reach potential recruits. Visiting residents at work and school can establish a relationship that goes beyond thin digital communications. However, leveraging social networking sites can also benefit recruiters.

Because residents are so busy, recruiters may have to take the lead in maintaining a steady line of communication. Rather than bothering a resident about job offers that are still years away, recruiters can pass along helpful information to maintain the relationship. That way, when the resident is ready to look for work, he or she will already have a connection to a trustworthy recruiter.

Recruiters need to remember to be patient, however. Medical school is a long and exhausting process. When residents do get a chance to breathe, they likely don't want to spend all their time talking with recruiters. Remaining open and available for a quick call or email is a tactic recruiters can use to stay present without being intrusive.

Medical job boards are another key way to establish relationships with residents. To find qualified candidates today, post your next position on myHealthTalent.com today.