In the demanding field of healthcare, attracting and retaining top talent is essential. For medical job recruiters, this task is even more challenging given the specialised skills required and the continued shortage of needed medically qualified doctors and other allied health fields. Â
As the industry evolves, talent acquisition teams and other hiring roles from practice managers to practice owners, all must adapt and leverage new strategies to succeed. This article provides insights on empowering your talent acquisition team with the latest data and metrics from the Annual AusDoc.JOBS Job Seeker Study, designed for Australian doctors, medical professionals, and specialists.Â
Setting Your Organisation Apart
To attract top-tier candidates, it is crucial to distinguish your organisation from others.Â
Highlight Unique Benefits: Emphasise what makes your practice unique, such as advanced medical technologies, innovative treatment methods, and a supportive work culture. According to the Annual AusDoc.JOBS study, 72% of job seekers consider salary and billing percentage as top criteria. However, don’t forget to mention other benefits like flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment as these were all critically important factors.Â
Promote Work-Life Balance: With 58% of job seekers prioritising family-friendly environments, ensure your job ads highlight flexible working arrangements, part-time opportunities, if there is a need to work weekends, and any policies that support work-life balance.Â
Diversity and Inclusion: Clearly state your commitment to diversity and inclusion. This not only attracts a broader range of candidates but also strengthens your organisation’s reputation as an inclusive employer.Â
Utilising Available Talent and Tools
Leveraging the right talent and tools can significantly enhance your recruitment process.Â
Use Data-Driven Insights: Utilise data from sources like the AusDoc.JOBS Job Seeker Study to understand the preferences and behaviours of job seekers. For example, 62% of respondents use job boards as a primary source when looking for new job opportunities. Make sure your job ads are prominently displayed on popular job boards like AusDoc.JOBS and the RACGP website.Â
Maximise Professional Networks: Encourage your current employees to refer colleagues and use their professional networks. Referrals from colleagues or professional networks are used by 62% of job seekers. This can be an effective way to reach potential candidates who might not actively be looking for a new job but are open to opportunities.Â
Technology and Automation: Implement recruitment software and tools that streamline the hiring process. These tools can help in candidate sourcing, resume screening, and interview scheduling, saving time and resources while ensuring a more efficient process.Â
Bringing Leaders on Board
The involvement of leadership or other highly valued team members is critical in the recruitment process.Â
Leadership Advocacy: Ensure that leaders within your organisation are actively involved in the recruitment process. Their participation can make a significant impact on potential candidates. Leaders can share their vision, culture, and the strategic goals of the organisation, making the opportunity more appealing.Â
Mentorship and Support: Highlight any mentorship programmes and support structures in place. Candidates are more likely to join an organisation where they see opportunities for growth and support from experienced professionals. According to the study, professional growth and career progression are important factors for job seekers.Â
Transparent Communication: Leaders should communicate transparently about the challenges and opportunities within the organisation. This builds trust and ensures that candidates have a realistic understanding of what to expect.Â
Conclusion
Empowering your talent acquisition team and other hiring roles from practice managers to practice owners, is critical in helping to set your organisation apart, along with utilising available talent and tools, and bringing leaders into the process. Â
By adopting these strategies, medical job recruiters can navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare recruitment more effectively. Implementing data-driven insights, leveraging professional networks, and involving leadership can enhance your recruitment efforts, ensuring you attract and retain the best talent in the medical field.Â