How to find a recruiter you love
The world of travel therapy is vast. The list of companies offering travel therapy recruiters runs nearly 14 pages deep on Google search.
The world of travel therapy is also a bit opaque. Agency websites are largely filled with useless or nearly useless information and grand promises.
So despite all of the frustration you have felt clicking around endless pages of sappy sales pitches such as “Expand your career in ways you have never thought possible. Embark on a journey in travel nursing…” you are still undeterred. Travel therapy is what you want to do.
But where do you start?
1. Google
Ok, so Google searching travel companies is not ALL that bad – it is just overwhelming.
Because of the Google page ranking algorithm the larger and more popular companies generally float up to the top. While this is not a very reliable way to find a recruiter that will click with you personally, it will help you find a well oiled and efficient recruiting company. These most often are big, successful companies that have many recruiters to choose from and a tremendous network of available positions across the country.
2. Blast emails
Ugh. I cant believe I am writing this…
I despise blast emails now that I have found a few recruiters I trust and work closely with.
However, when just starting out, or looking for a very specific job, signing up for a recruiting agency’s email list is not a bad route to take.
Most blast emails will come direct from a recruiter, have a location, setting, pay range, and maybe a few other details about the area. Like if it is a beach destination or close to a vibrant night life. We have used blast emails to find a few recruiters that we have talked with in the past. Nothing panned out, but it was not because of anything the recruiters did.
We also get these from recruiters we currently work with. Getting a mass email about XYZ position in someplace you have never entertained the idea of going to can be exciting and inspiring. Sometimes you do not know what you want until it is right in front of you.
3. Referrals
Hands down this is the best way to find a recruiter you will like working with. The power of social proof.
There are a few options out there for finding a worthy recruiter if you are on the prowl.
Love it or hate it (I hate it), the Facebook groups for travel therapists can be quite helpful.
One word of caution – “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.” – William Congreve
No, I do not mean that all of the women on Facebook are in fits of fury. But just keep in mind that when someone has a bad experience with a recruiter (or misinterprets a bad experience as the recruiters fault) they are sure the whole Facebook world knows. Spend 15 minutes perusing the different groups and you will know exactly what I mean.
Nomadicare
Another resource available is Nomadicare. Our buddy Laura started this site to help travelers find vetted recruiters. I did not to reach out to her prior to posting this so honestly I have not investigated her process thoroughly. I know it has become quite the business for her and there are quite a few travelers landing with recruiters through her page. She provides lots of free resources through her site as well.
PTAdventures (Us)
We also have been providing a “Preferred Recruiters List” to folks who read our page. We have worked with countless recruiters and have distilled our most trusted and reliable down to a small handful. Just shoot us an email at OurPTAdventures@gmail.com or click HERE and we will be in touch shortly.
-Disclaimer- As with any referral from one traveler to another, we would get a bonus AFTER you finish a contract with one of these recruiters.
Finding a recruiter that you get along with and feel you can trust is the most important aspect of beginning your career. The right recruiter-PT fit is even more important than which agency you sign on with. So if you find one that meshes with your personality and needs I’d recommend holding on to them (as one of your 3-4) for future collaboration together.
Written by: Stephen Stockhausen
