Getting Started with Travel Therapy: Finding the Right Recruiter

Kristen
Jul 5
3 min read

If you’re considering travel therapy and starting to explore recruiters, here's what I would recommend:

Step 1: Ask Around

Start by asking a few travelers who their favorite recruiters are. Personal referrals are always the way to go and can be incredibly helpful. Once you have a few contacts, reach out to those recruiters to learn more about them and the company they work for.

Step 2: Interview Recruiters

I would plan to interview 3-4 recruiters from different companies. Use these conversations to get to know them, their company, and any other questions you might have about travel therapy. They will answer what they can. This will help you learn about their communication style, if they seem trustworthy, and if you think you will work well together. After these mini interviews, I would choose two recruiters you would like to work with to help you find your first contract. In my experience, working with more than two recruiters can be overwhelming.

Even if you’re still on the fence about travel therapy, there’s no harm in reaching out. You can ask questions, get a feel for the process, and have someone ready when you decide to take the leap.

What to Look for in a Recruiter

It is important to find a recruiter that you like and work well with. You should feel like they are working with you and have your best interests in mind. They should be responsive and quick to respond to set up an interview. It is important that they are prompt if they are going to be finding jobs for you. The recruiter will usually do most of the talking because they are trying to "sell" you on why you should work with them. I would be prepared to tell them a little about yourself including your background and clinical experience. Discuss what is important to you in a contract like pay, setting, or location or if clinical mentorship is something you are looking for. This helps them match you with jobs that align with your goals.

Questions to Ask

They may cover some of this on their own, but here are key questions you should be sure to ask:

Benefits & Compensation

What kind of benefits do you offer?
What does your healthcare coverage include?
When does insurance coverage start?
Do you offer a 401(k)? Is there a match?
Will I still receive a stipend if I take a sick day?
Do you offer reimbursement for state licensure or moving costs?

Support Between Contracts

How many days off between contracts will the health insurance cover?
Do you have a licensing team to help with state requirements?
Will I just be working with you or do you work as part of a team?
Who will support me if you're out of town?

Professional Support

Do you offer access to continuing education (CEUs)?
Do you have more connections in certain states or settings?

Logistics

What information do you need from me before submitting my application?
Where are you based? (Time zones matter!)
How long have you worked at your company, and what do you like about it?

Stay Organized

Things move quickly in travel therapy, so I recommend keeping a google doc with each recruiter’s name, company, and answers to these questions. Staying organized helps you compare and make the best decision when opportunities arise.

If you’d like a personal recruiter recommendation or have any other questions, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!