10 Traits That Matter Most in a Travel Nursing Recruiter

1. Honest

Yes, recruiters should be friendly and easy to talk to, but honesty is number one on the list for a reason. Recruiters should be transparent about what skills you need to improve to reach your professional goals, if your expectations are unrealistic, and what hospital-specific challenges you may face. Most importantly, they need to be honest about when they make mistakes. Without trust between you and your recruiter, there is no basis for a real partnership.

2. Dependable

This should go without saying, but dependability is key in a good recruiter. A recruiter will go to bat for you – to land you the perfect job in your dream city, to help you polish up your resume, or to help work out a dilemma with a hospital. And they are especially reliable for simple things, like calling you back when you have an urgent (or even not-so-urgent) question. With a dependable recruiter, you’ll never have to wonder if they’re invested in your success.

3. Communicative

Recruiters talk with their nurses on a regular basis and also reach out to new prospects every single day. A pleasant attitude, sincere communication style, and understanding of others’ communication preferences make star recruiters stand out. They learn exactly how their nurses like to be contacted and when, adjusting their personal communication style to maintain a great rapport.

4. Empathic

Your recruiter will be there for some of the most challenging and triumphant times in your career. Sharing your experiences helps them gain a great appreciation and deep understanding of your personality and aspirations. It’s one one of the most powerful traits to look for in a recruiter.

5. Resourceful

Opportunities for new and exciting assignments don’t just appear out of thin air. Successful recruiters know how to effectively leverage their resources and find the best jobs for their nurses.

6. Motivated

To succeed in their own careers, recruiters have to remain competitive in their space. They need a strong work ethic and motivation to work hard to get you what you need. The most successful recruiters are also lifelong learners, taking special care to keep up on the latest developments and desirable skill sets in the healthcare industry. This keeps them at the top of their field — and it helps them find new and exciting opportunities for you.

7. Supportive

Often times, recruiters are there when no one else is. They’re available to listen to your concerns, questions, and general venting about assignments. Being a support system for you can also help them identify what kind of positions you thrive in, ones that challenge you, and ones that tend to beat you down.

8. Organized

Smart recruiters keep comprehensive communication records to make sure no detail falls through the cracks. They have their day-to-day operations streamlined and remain flexible to respond to their nurses. The individual methods recruiters use to get everything done differ, but keeping everything in order is something they have down to a science.

9. Tech-savvy

Travel nurse recruiters have a lot of tech tools right at their fingertips. From social media to online job boards and databases, recruiters have to know how to efficiently navigate each channel for optimal return.

10. Experienced

Everyone has to start somewhere in their career, but experienced recruiters tend to be the most successful. They know the most efficient processes, most fruitful resources, and have the ability to quickly get a read on their nurses and what opportunities will work out for them.

Looking for more on finding your recruiter match? Check out our blog on what to look for in the perfect recruiter.