You submitted your application. You spoke with a recruiter. Now you’re waiting for the next step.
What exactly is happening behind the scenes?
In healthcare staffing, finding the right opportunity involves more than simply matching a resume to an open position. Staffing agencies work through several important steps to help ensure candidates are qualified, prepared, and matched with assignments that fit their experience.
Here’s a closer look at what happens between “Application Submitted” and “You’re Hired!”
Step 1: Your Application Is Reviewed
The process begins with your application and resume. A recruiter reviews your experience, skills, availability, certifications, and other qualifications to determine which opportunities may be a potential fit.
Keeping your resume current and providing accurate information can help recruiters better understand where your experience fits.
Step 2: Screening Goes Beyond Your Resume
If your background aligns with an available opportunity, the next step is typically a conversation with a recruiter.
This gives the recruiter a chance to learn more about your work history, schedule, preferred locations, availability, and career goals. Depending on the position, you may also be asked about specific healthcare experience or required credentials.
It’s also your opportunity to ask questions and explain what you’re looking for in your next assignment.
Step 3: Credentialing Helps Get You Assignment-Ready
Healthcare positions often come with credentialing and compliance requirements. Depending on the role and facility, candidates may need to provide licenses, certifications, health records, background screening information, or other documentation.
Your staffing team helps guide you through the requirements that apply to your opportunity.
Responding promptly to credentialing requests and submitting complete, up-to-date documents can help keep the process moving.
Step 4: Recruiters Work to Find the Right Match
Being qualified for a position is important, but matching goes beyond checking boxes.
Recruiters may consider your experience, specialty, schedule, location, availability, assignment preferences, and the specific needs of the healthcare facility.
That’s why being open with your recruiter matters. The more they understand what you’re looking for, the better they can identify opportunities that align with your qualifications and preferences.
Step 5: Onboarding Prepares You to Start
Once you’ve been selected for an assignment and the necessary requirements have been completed, onboarding begins.
This stage may include employment paperwork, assignment details, policies, timekeeping instructions, orientation information, and other items you’ll need before your first day.
The goal is simple: make sure you know where to go, what to expect, and what you need to successfully begin your assignment.
Step 6: It’s Time for Placement
Once everything is complete, it’s time to start your assignment!
Your staffing agency continues to serve as a resource throughout your placement. If questions come up about your assignment, schedule, timekeeping, or other employment-related matters, your staffing team can help point you in the right direction.
Why Can the Process Take Time?
It can sometimes feel like there’s a lot happening between applying for and starting a healthcare position and there is.
Healthcare organizations have specific hiring, credentialing, and compliance requirements that must be completed before certain employees can begin working. Some steps also depend on outside parties or the hiring facility, which means timelines can vary from one assignment to another.
A little preparation can make a significant difference. Keep your resume updated, maintain copies of your current credentials, respond to your recruiter promptly, and complete requested paperwork as soon as possible.
There’s More Happening Behind the Scenes Than You Think
Ready to explore healthcare job opportunities in Southern California? T&T Staffing connects qualified candidates with clinical, medical administrative, and medical food service positions. Explore available opportunities and take the next step in your healthcare career.
