Happy New Year! What’s on your list of career resolutions? If you are a locum tenens physician
or are considering locum work, why not resolve to take a few simple
steps to prepare for your next opportunity. Here’s what our recruiters
recommend.
Refresh
your CV. If you haven’t reviewed your CV in a while, chances are, it
could use updating. See our tips and ensure that you’ve added all of
your new skills, licenses and other relevant information since your last
update.
Enhance your skills. CME is a must, and
if you’re going to do coursework, focus on classes that improve your
skills and marketability. If you’re a hospitalist, consider procedures
training. If your specialty demands other skills, make this the year
that you get up to date.
Contact your References. A new job
typically means reference checks—so when was the last time you reached
out to someone you’re listing as an employment reference? If it’s been a
while, a New Year’s greeting is a great excuse to reach out and renew
that relationship. Remind the individual that you are still listing them
as a professional reference, and consider asking them to write a newly
dated reference letter.
Check-in With Your Recruiter. While
you’re doing outreach, renew that relationship with your recruitment
professional. Even if you have worked with a firm in the recent past, a
periodic check-in is a good idea. Have your personal circumstances
changed? Do you have more or less availability than you have had in the
past? All of this information will help you and your recruiter build a
plan to keep you happily employed throughout the year. (See our tips for
building strong recruiter relationships).
Review your Licenses. Up to date
licensure info is a must. Do you have yours handy? January is also a
good time to get started on new licenses if you seek to move to or work
in a new state in the New Year. Locum Leaders can help get you started. We’ll often reimburse you for your license costs if you work for our firm in a new state.
Good luck in 2012! We look forward to hearing from you—and working with you—in the New Year.