Step 5 – How to Crush It with Your Recruiter: The Wayward Guide

Building and maintaining a killer relationship with your travel nursing recruiter is a total game-changer for your career. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new gig or happily settled in one, keeping a good rapport with your recruiter keeps your options wide open. But remember, it’s a professional relationship. You can have fun and be friendly, but always make your decisions based on your career goals, not out of worry about offending your recruiter.

Keep the Comm Channels Open

Keep the lines of communication wide open. When you’re actively looking for jobs, make sure your recruiter knows the best way to reach you. The travel nursing market is competitive, and when a job opens up, speed matters. Stay in touch regularly—check in every few days if you’re job hunting. Recruiters juggle dozens of travel nurses, so if they don’t get back to you right away, it’s not personal. Take the initiative and reach out. Aim to touch base at least once a week, whether via email or phone.

Get Real with Your Recruiter

Honesty is crucial. Be upfront with your recruiter about your deal-breakers before they start looking for a position for you. If any issues arise during your contract, no matter how minor, let your recruiter know. Their job is to help you find a position that suits you, but they can’t fix problems they don’t know about. Open and honest communication will help you find the right job more efficiently.

Keep Your Recruiter in the Loop

Your recruiter is your ally. Inform them of any updates to your resume or changes in your availability. Keeping them in the loop ensures you stay top of mind for new opportunities. If you become unavailable for a job, don’t hide it. This is a business relationship—be pleasant and let them know you look forward to reconnecting when your current contract is up.

Stay Tight with Your Recruiter

Once you land a job, keep your recruiter in the loop. Check in occasionally. A good recruiter should touch base with you a few weeks before your assignment ends, even if you took an assignment with a different company. Maintaining a good relationship is important—you never know when you or a friend might need their help. Keeping that bond makes the recruiter more willing to go the extra mile for you down the road.

Give Referrals, Not Gifts

Want to thank your recruiter? Skip the gift baskets and cards. The best way to show appreciation is through referrals. Good referrals lead to better business for your recruiter, and Wayward offers a $500 referral bonuses for qualified RN’s and Allied Health $250 for CNA’s

Check out our How to lose a recruiter in 14 Ways Blog

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