In today’s competitive Healthcare IT job market, its more important than ever to qualify the Recruiters you work with. Here are a number of points to consider or inquire about when speaking to an Agency or Consulting Firm

Recruiter:
1. How long have you and your company been in the Healthcare IT space? (since HCIT is so hot now, many companies that have no experience in HCIT are trying to enter the market thinking they can make quick money, someone with no real knowledge of HCIT cannot represent you or your qualifications well)

2. What is the name of the client you want to present me to? (never work with a Recruiter or company that is unwilling to share the names of their clients with you, it is your right to know where your information is being presented)

3. What is your standard process for submitting resumes to clients? (Since most clients will cancel out resumes they receive from more than 1 source… its important to know how your resume is being submitted and also to ask that your resume is not submitted unless you have first given approval)

4. How often can I expect to hear from you? (Some Recruiters will stay in touch with you regularly, others will submit your resume to a client and then not call you again unless the client requests an interview)

5. During your initial interview with the Recruiter take notice of how well they’re listening to you; do they seem rushed? does it seem like they have a firm understanding of your qualifications? are they picking up on your career desires or trying to push you into interest in a particular job they’re trying to fill?

6. Go with your gut. If something doesn’t “feel” right when you’re on the phone, thank them for their time and move on. There are plenty of Recruiters to work with.
A good practice would be to chose 2 or 3 Recruiters from different companies that you enjoy working with and use them exclusively. Between them they should be able to adequately represent you and find you the position you’re looking for in the HCIT space.

Best wishes in your career endeavors!
Cherie Lester
CherieL@parkerhealthcareit.com