By Robyn Lee

You’ve made the big decision. You’re ready to start the search and find your next position in allied health. One that’s the ideal fit – that dream role. Now comes the second big decision. Choosing the right recruiter to help ensure you’re at the top of the candidate list.

While most allied health recruitment agencies have jobs targeting physiotherapists, occupational therapists and rehabilitation consultants, not all can deliver the outcome you’re looking for. So what sets different agencies apart? This is a question I get a lot, especially from graduates as they begin navigating the job market. And, it’s a very valid one.

Today I want to pull back the curtain and share three elements I know play a big part in creating a great match between a candidate and recruiter. They are not the most obvious. But their impact is significant and they ensure you are well placed to secure your preferred role when you apply them in the process of choosing which agency to work with.

 1.     Networking Opportunities

There is truth in the age-old saying, 'It is not what you know, but who you know'. Many of the best positions are filled before they hit the open market. This alone means it is a smart move to align with a recruiter who has a strong network of contacts. You want to connect with someone who can get you in front of the practice owners and managers you want to work for. At Thrive we build trusted relationships with our network of clients, which you benefit directly from. You are in safe hands here with access to leading employers of choice.

 2.     Career Advice

Industry knowledge is a powerful asset to have in your preferred recruiter. Personally, I believe it’s the most important of the three tips. Aligning with someone who specialises in allied health will ensure the job and career advice you received is tailored to your specialisation. We are able to provide candidates with very specific advice thanks to a boutique approach focused on three key roles – physio, OT and rehab. Having intimate knowledge of what each role requires and what makes a great candidate/employer match, typically delivers big wins for those we support through the recruitment journey. You want to avoid agencies that adopt a broad spread, scattergun approach. You deserve a more customised experience designed to meet our exact needs.

 3.     Support

Take care to choose an agency that sees you as a person, not a number. A good indication of this is how willing a recruiter is to speak with you. Requesting you simply 'send an email' or not returning calls is a red flag that they likely operate with the high volume, scattergun approach mentioned above. Matching you with your ideal role requires an understanding of who you are beyond your CV. Understand what motivates you and what you are really looking for in your next position? We believe the only way to do this is by investing the time to get to know you. Be wary of choosing an agency that doesn’t appear to be willing to invest their time in discovering what a great outcome looks like for you.

Starting a job search can be a daunting task, especially in the early stages of your career. There are a lot of factors to consider. If you place these three criteria that the top of your list, and assess each allied health recruitment agency against them, you will be well placed to find a match that results in a positive experience.

 Please connect if you have a question not addressed here or if you’d like to chat in more detail about your career.