By: Shari Dalton
In the meantime, here are just a few things that you can do, to help set up for success during these unprecedented times.
- Focus on building relationships. Time is on your side right now and you need to invest in candidates who are ready and willing to invest in you. We constantly talk about the importance of having a strong relationship between recruiter and traveler, but this is more important now that ever. Every contract you get right now, you will have to work for. Please make sure that you are working on behalf of those travelers who appreciate you for it! Cream of the crop! “A” candidates only!
- Stay up to date on market conditions. Know what is going on and be able to clearly articulate that to your travelers so they are in the know as well. Set them up for success-crossing your fingers and hoping all goes will only get you so far. Take some time each day to read blogs and articles from industry experts and talk with your managers to get their insight.
- Take care of your current travelers. If they were with you before COVID, make sure they are with you after the dust settles. They need to be a priority. Don’t get so hyper-focused on everything else right now that you neglect checking in with them and showing support and appreciation for the work they do.
- Hone your craft. If you’re experiencing any down time, now is the time to focus in on professional growth. If you know you struggle with organization or time management, find new ways to help you in these areas. If you struggle with conversation starters, put together a great list of go-to questions. Unclear about traveler credentialing? Conference call with your compliance team to get a better understanding of your company’s policies and procedures. Work smarter, not harder!
- Self-care. We can’t stress this enough. You can’t give 100% to your travelers if you’re not feeling 100%. Times are stressful personally and professionally. Keep your cup full. If that means turning off your phone for a few hours each day, do it. Take walks. Take a bath. Play video games. Do one thing for yourself each day that brings you joy and keeps you grounded.
Take it from a couple of folks who recruited during the recession of 2008-2009, tough times don’t last, but tough people do. What got you here won’t take you into the future. Adjust and adapt and you will get through this. Maybe not unscathed, but you will get through. And remember, we’ve got your back!
