By: Marjorie Alexander, MBA, CPRP-DEI

Recruitment is more than filling positions; it’s about connecting with people and building relationships. It’s about understanding their career aspirations, family needs, and lifestyle preferences, and ultimately, finding the right fit for both the provider and your organization.

Understanding our candidates requires genuine connection. Candidates often buy into the recruiter before they buy into the organization’s vision. Your ability to connect is extremely important.

Here are some tips to build strong connections:

Prioritize Listening

Before discussing job specifics, take the time to listen and understand their background, interests, family needs and career goals. Finding common ground, such as shared interests or geographic connections, hobbies or pets, builds rapport and lays the foundation for a strong connection.

Focus on Clarity and Conciseness

Healthcare is already complex enough. Communicate clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon (WRVUs come to mind) and addressing concerns directly and in a way that it is easy to understand. Providers appreciate transparency and authenticity.

Project your Enthusiasm

Most of our conversations are over the phone, which means that your enthusiasm needs to be evident in your tone. Communicate with passion; enthusiasm is contagious!

Add Value

Share insights into anything they brought up in the conversation so that you can position yourself as a trusted advisor, not just a “salesperson”.

Remember Personal Details

Remembering that they have 2 boys and a girl or their hobbies or pets’ names (if mentioned), shows candidates you value them as individuals which will strengthen your connection.

Connecting is a skill that can be developed and refined. Reflect on your current communication practices and identify areas where you can strengthen your connection with others, not just with candidates.