You worked so hard to learn all you needed to become someone who helped heal and care for people. It took long hours of school, lots of research and probably a few meltdowns, but now that you’ve entered the world as a traveling medical professional, you’re ready for the most fulfilling career you can find. As a visitor to the Triage blog, we can bet you either have a job in the traveling medical field or you are interested in seeing what one could do for you. Either way, you will want to know what it takes to find assignments that you love.
We can’t promise you will get that amazing position in Honolulu, Hawaii, but we can ensure that the following will help you find a great new gig you’ll love.
1. Google is your friend.
Research all aspects of your job. As someone just entering the field, it’s important you find a traveling medical staffing agency to suit your needs and answer your personal and professional questions. The Triage website is a great place to find a list of benefits, but a broader search might get you more specifics on pay, comprehensive benefits packages, continued education and licensures in the industry. If you are someone who already has an agency, your research should surround the places your potential assignment could be. Know thyself and don’t choose that listing in Boulder, Colorado in December if you aren’t a snow bunny.
2. Make your resume glow.
You’re still working with a recruiter, so it’s important you’re actively managing your resume and cover letter. All the time and effort you spend connecting with your recruiter and finding positions that interest you will never amount to anything unless these documents are professionally assembled and well-written. It’s important to also understand that these resumes don’t always immediately make it into the hands of a human, so do a little research on applicant tracking systems and be sure to include key phrases that ensure yours makes it to the hiring manager’s desk.
Check out this resource with keywords and action words every medical professional should know!
3. Keep your options open.
Assignments will pop up that you just can’t seem to keep off your mind. No matter how qualified you are for the ICU position in Boston (during fall, no less!), try as you might, you just won’t land all of your first choice assignments. Be open and flexible with locations. The more places you’re open to, the better your chances of landing an assignment. Plus, you might find that great traveling medical positions aren’t all about the surrounding landmarks, but are instead the atmosphere and local people.
4. Think of your recruiter as your career specialist.
Your recruiter not only knows the market better than most, they could (if you’re willing to share) know you and your personal aspirations. These individuals hold the key to finding you the most fitting placement, but even more, they are skilled and can act as an amazing resource in job coaching and interview skills. The more you communicate with your recruiter, the better the chances they know what it is you’re looking for in your medical traveling career.
5. Talk to your colleagues.
Don’t be afraid to approach other traveling medical professionals. They will know things only those who have worked an assignment or two will understand. Most will welcome conversation around their favorite travel assignments and the different facilities they worked within. Veteran travelers can spread some wisdom on surviving different procedures under the pressure of a transient career. Even more, fellow travelers can give you specific details on what medical staffing agencies are like and have to offer their employees.
New or experienced, every medical traveling professional can feel overwhelmed when preparing for a new assignment. Download our handy New Traveling Medical Job Location checklist and never worry about forgetting anything again.