Don't Ask, Don't Tell - Should you alert agency that you're working with another

Published

:confused:I just recently found out that I qualified requirement wise to work with travel agency. I had one assignment that I was going to take but it was cancelled. Since then I've signed up with another agency. The recruiters for both agencies are wonderful and they both are trying very hard to help me. When it comes to travel nurse etiquette should I inform both recruiters that I'm working with someone else at the same time. Ideally I would like to work for both companies so I don't want to do anything that would jeopardize the relationship with either one. Especially since I've been told that it's better to work for two. Would this be a case of don't ask and don't tell?:confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB.

There is nothing inappropriate about working with multiple agencies. A little healthy competition may spur a recruiter to work hard to keep your business.

However, when working with multiple agencies be sure to tell recruiters to contact you every time before submitting you for a position. Most hospitals, if receiving more than one submission from more than one agency for the same nurse will not consider that nurse. They do not want to get caught in a dispute between agencies and it is easier to just go on to the next applicant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I struggled with that in the beginning too. Now I usually give my current company a few days to put together some options, and then contact the other two I have on board as well. Make sure you keep everything straight though. Either keep a book listing the agency and where they submitted you, or communicate through e-mail. I

t will keep you from looking stupid during an interview, and will give you a better chance at getting a job. Definitely get more than two agencies looking for your though. It betters your chances of getting a job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your responses

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D.

Yes! Tell your recruiter. I had a friend who was working with multiple recruiters and 2 of them submitted him to the same positions and he got rejected because of it!!! I always tell my recruiter and she is always appreciative. I have been working with her for a while and have got some great assignments. My advice and is to be upfront with them. If you need a great recruiter use mine!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Yes tell both recruiters, this is better for you and normal in the travel industry.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you guys. I did just that and they were both appreciative. I got my first travel assignment. I'm so excited. The 2nd recruiter was so nice. She said well why don't we work on getting your license for California, so by the time you finish this assignment you will be ready to travel with us. She immediately assigned me to a recruiter in the company working in my specialty. :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/CVICU/ER.
There is nothing inappropriate about working with multiple agencies. A little healthy competition may spur a recruiter to work hard to keep your business.

However, when working with multiple agencies be sure to tell recruiters to contact you every time before submitting you for a position. Most hospitals, if receiving more than one submission from more than one agency for the same nurse will not consider that nurse. They do not want to get caught in a dispute between agencies and it is easier to just go on to the next applicant.

I 100% agree!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion