Another valuable step in the job search is connecting with a reputable search firm and a recruiter who specializes in the home care and hospice industry. There are success stories and war stories about using search firms, but the bottom line is that their industry knowledge and networking capabilities facilitate introductions to positions and people you don’t see advertised on the internet. Good recruiters know which organizations are stable, growing and financially secure. That, coupled with the search firm’s networking capability, produces quicker and better results.
To an employer, the recruiter is an extra pair of hands to weed out the list of candidates, verify their credentials, interview references, and offer insight about salaries, benefits, and position responsibilities. To candidates, recruiters offer access to the hidden job market, as well as ideas for improving their résumés, interviewing skills and negotiation techniques. They can also help evaluate position requirements, relocation costs, and salary and benefit packages.
Finding a good search firm means again doing some homework. It begins with identifying search firms that specialize in the industry. Professional colleagues can provide sources in this area.
The job seeker should ask how long a recruiter has been in the home care search business and look for enthusiasm, knowledge of the industry, interest in the candidate and whether they ask pertinent questions. Communication, especially via telephone, is a recruiter’s key to success, so listen for diplomacy, the ability to give positive and negative feedback and to answer questions realistically and honestly.