Are you a physician considering locum tenens work? It’s essential you start preparing now! Landing locum tenens jobs can be competitive by nature and it takes time for many candidates to find opportunities that align with their career interests and assignment preferences. As you begin the job search process, here are some important things you can do to position yourself as a top locum tenens candidate in the eyes of recruiters and facilities:
Acquire professional references. In the locum tenens field, having education and employment experience is not enough to rise above the competition. If your goal is to build a long-term locum tenens career, you must acquire references from managers and other healthcare professionals with whom you’ve worked in a professional capacity for a certain length of time. Having at least two or three references who can speak to your skills and abilities is what will help to set you apart from other candidates, as they’ll speak not only to your qualifications, but to your character and work ethic.
Keep your curricula vitae (CV) current. If you’re serious about obtaining a locum tenens job, it’s in your best interest to prepare your CV and keep it current with all your education, certifications and employment. Before sending your CV to a recruiter, review it and make sure it’s accurate and free of grammatical errors. Because your CV is often the first thing a recruiter will see about you, it’s paramount you make sure it’s comprehensive and presents all your qualifications in the most professional manner. Once you begin taking on locum tenens assignments, it’s a good practice to update your CV regularly to ensure it has the most current information about your employment.
Make yourself accessible. Even if you’re working a full-time job while exploring your locum tenens prospects, it’s essential you make yourself readily accessible to recruiters. Locum tenens jobs often pop up unexpectedly as vacancies occur at healthcare facilities; therefore, you must be ready to quickly respond as opportunities are presented to you. This means returning phone calls and emails in a timely fashion, so recruiters can confirm your interest and availability for a position. If you fail to take your communication with recruiters seriously, you’ll show a lack of professionalism that will result in missed opportunities.
When it comes to making yourself a marketable locum tenens physician or advanced practice professional, preparation can make all the difference. Making the time to update your application materials and showcase your qualifications in the best light possible is what will elevate you as a candidate!
Struggling to land locum tenens jobs?
Get in touch with MPLT Healthcare and let our team propel your locum tenens career!
