To use a headhunter or not?

Nurses General Nursing

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What are your opinions on headhunters? Are they a good idea for experienced nurses looking to switch specialties? My husband has used a headhunter, but he is in finance management which is way different than nursing. I know there are some especially for nurses, but I've heard they don't result in more job offers, just lower salary offers to compensate for the headhunter comission. What do you think?

:redpinkhe Jess

Ruthiegal

280 Posts

Specializes in LTC, Disease Management, smoking Cessati.

My one and only experience with a head hunter made me feel all they were after was a commission. When I had to say no to a relocation, this person was so upset with me. I had to do what was best for my family not the headhunter. Be aware, and careful.

PurpleLVN

244 Posts

Specializes in AA&I, research,peds, radiation oncology.

I used an employment agency when I initially moved to Dallas-I was offered a great job and the employer paid for the staffing fee!! I got a job in a few days!! That was in 2003. I tried to use the same company last year and the results were horrific!! A new group of uncaring, unprofessional people who didn't even contact me to keep me informed of any leads.:nono: So, it's really a try it and see approach-but may help you cover more bases than working alone!! Good luck!!:wink2:

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If you do use a recruiter - make sure you completely understand the agreement. In some cases, even if you find a job on your own the new employer is expected to pay the recruiter!!!

In my part of the country, no one is using recruiters for staff positions at this point because there is an adequate supply of applicants. Our HR folks are not even returning calls to recruiters who are trying to place staff nurses. Recruitment 'inducements' are gone also - for the same reasons.

Recruiters may still be used for higher-level (Director and up) and hard-to-fill positions like credentialed nurse informaticists or NPs.

tvccrn, ASN, RN

762 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care.

I am usingone now that i have been working with for about 5 months and she has been great!!! I have been submitted for many positions ( having a BSN is SO important these days!!!!) and she is always looking for more. I am expecting an offer from a place now that she put me in contact with.

She has been so nice to work with. She helped me revamp my resume to make me more attractive to prospective employers. She kept in touch while she was on vacation. She helped make the travel arrangments for me to fly for the interview. She has researched and let me know the license requirements in the new state. Heck, she even called a realtor and made an appointment for me to look at some places while I was out there.

It's been such a pleasure working with her. PM me if you would like her info.

belgarion

697 Posts

Specializes in Med Surg.

I dealt with a few recruiters in my previous career. Just remember they are being paid by the employer. The good ones will really try to find a match that make both parties happy. The bad ones only goal is to fill a position, get paid and move on. Just do YOUR homework before you agree to anything and you will avoid some nasty surprises.

OldnurseRN

165 Posts

Specializes in ED, Med-Surg, Psych, Oncology, Hospice.

My one and only experience was 18 years ago and a disaster. I left my job of 11 years for a position that was NOT a good fit. He hard-sold me to them and vice versa. On my 90th day, I was let go and could not get my old job back.

llg, PhD, RN

13,469 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I used one once many years ago and it was terrible. She was not interested in my needs at all -- just looking for bodies to present to the company that hired her.

Over the years, I have been contacted by a few trying to recruit me for specialized jobs they were trying to fill. Most did not impress me as being very interested in my needs at all. They were trying to sell me a job.

I would only recommend them to someone looking for an advanced specialized position -- the type that might not be advertised -- the type the employer is willing to pay the extra recruitment fee for to find the right person to fill the vacant position. Also, since they represent clients all over the country, you have to realize going in that most of the jobs they know about would require you to relocate.

diane227, LPN, RN

1,941 Posts

Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

If you have great PR skills go for it but make sure you pay is spelled out in detail in your contract.

LexiKad1234

2 Posts

Hello thank you for this information.

Could I get her contact information from you?

I have been searching for a new graduate nursing job here in Oregon and I am not having any luck and I don't want to get scammed by a headhunter so it would be nice to get in touch with someone who someone else has had luck with.

Thank you!

OCNRN63, RN

5,978 Posts

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Hello thank you for this information.

Could I get her contact information from you?

I have been searching for a new graduate nursing job here in Oregon and I am not having any luck and I don't want to get scammed by a headhunter so it would be nice to get in touch with someone who someone else has had luck with.

Thank you!

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