5 Steps for Hospital Leaders to Get the Most from Their Recruitment Firm

Many recruitment leaders provide a quick intake call on a position, but these calls often lack the details necessary for success. Too often, healthcare recruitment firms accept this because they are eager for business. This approach is a mistake for both hospitals and recruitment firms. Healthcare recruitment firms should work with hospitals that are willing to invest in a true partnership. Likewise, talent leaders should stop viewing recruitment firms as a necessary evil. If you engage a firm, take the time to partner with them and provide the information they need to succeed on your organization’s behalf.

1. Communicate the Details to Set the Firm Up to Recruit Successfully

If you choose to work with a healthcare recruitment firm, providing them with the right information will ensure you get the most from your investment. Typical information that should be provided includes:

• A list of previous applicants who were rejected. This prevents recruiters from reintroducing candidates who have already been considered.
• An ideal candidate profile. Be specific about must-have qualifications, preferred experience, and cultural fit. A resume of a previous successful hire is very helpful.
• Insights into your hiring process. Clear expectations on interview timelines, decision-making processes, and hiring priorities will allow the firm to operate more efficiently.
• A structured response timeline. Ensure all submitted candidates are contacted within a set timeframe to maintain engagement and a positive candidate experience.
  
  

2. Keep an Open Mind When Reviewing Candidates

It is easy to dismiss a candidate based on their resume alone, but that can lead to missed opportunities. Just because a candidate has held multiple positions recently or is a recent graduate does not automatically mean they are not a good fit. While tenure is important, an open-minded approach is key to finding hidden talent. The only way to form a valid opinion of a candidate is to assess them yourself.

3. Provide Feedback on Every Candidate Presented

Whether you provide that feedback directly to the candidate or through your recruitment firm makes no difference. When candidates feel ignored or disrespected, it damages your hospital’s reputation. Over time, your hospital may become known for poor hiring practices, making it even harder to attract top talent.

If a firm sends an unqualified candidate, ask yourself:

• Did I provide them with enough information to target the right candidates?
• Seek clarity from the firm as to why they feel the candidate should be considered.
• Sometimes you have to assess whether the firm is truly the right partner for my hospital. Does this firm understand the hospital industry, or do they just dabble in it?
  
  

4. Hold Recruitment Firms Accountable

Some contingent recruitment firms have earned poor reputations by pulling the first resumes they find from job boards rather than sourcing quality candidates. If you pay for recruitment services, you should expect a firm that is dedicated to delivering strong results.

• Create a contract that encourages success while protecting your hospital.
• Schedule weekly check-in calls. Regular discussions about candidates, hiring progress, and challenges can make a significant impact. 15 minutes go a long way.
• Communicate openly about what has and has not worked. Without regular updates, both parties risk wasting effort.
• Ask for references before engaging a firm. Choose a partner with proven expertise in hospital recruitment.
  
  

5. Choose the Right Recruitment Model for Your Hospital

Hospitals have more choices than ever when it comes to recruitment solutions. Some positions may be best filled with a contingent search, while others require the dedicated approach of a retained search or the ongoing support of an RPO partnership.

eHospitalHire provides all three options, contingent, retained, and RPO, so hospitals can assess which model serves them best. No matter the approach, our goal is to provide experienced recruiters who act as an extension of your team, helping you find the right talent efficiently and effectively. We only engage with hospitals that believe that a true partnership is the path to successfully filling positions. eHospitalHire is here to help healthcare organizations understand the complexities of hospital hiring when engaging a recruitment firm.