What to Look for When Choosing a Medical Recruitment Agency
Advertorial fra Good Together:
When you’re choosing a medical recruitment agency, whether you’re a clinic looking for a doctor, or a doctor looking for a job, it can be hard to know what really matters.
Everyone says they care,
Everyone says they’re responsive,
Everyone says they’ve got the ‘right fit’.
But the difference is often in the small things: the way you’re communicated with, the questions you’re asked, and the support you receive before, during, and after a placement is made.
So how do you cut through the noise? Here are a few things we think are worth looking out for
1. Do they really understand the New Zealand healthcare landscape?
There are some fantastic agencies operating out of the UK, Australia, and elsewhere, but when it comes to matching people well in the NZ system, local insight matters.
Knowing how the Medical Council works, what immigration pathways are realistic, and how clinics operate in different parts of the country can make or break a placement. So can understanding the pressure points, whether that’s workforce shortages, rural isolation, or patient needs.
An agency based here in Aotearoa is more likely to be part of the conversation, not just watching from afar. And that means their advice is better grounded, not just in theory, but in real life.
2. Do they walk their talk?
Lots of agencies talk about values, but how do you know if they live them?
Here are some clues:
- Are they transparent about fees and timelines?
- Do they offer advice that helps you, even if it doesn’t benefit them?
- Do they follow through on what they say, or do you feel like you’re doing all the chasing?
The right agency won’t just tell you what you want to hear. They’ll help you make smart, informed decisions, and they’ll stick beside you the whole way through.
3. Do they support both sides of the placement?
Sometimes, recruitment can feel one-sided. A doctor gets all the attention while the clinic is left guessing, or the clinic’s needs drive the process, and the doctor is just expected to slot in.
Good agencies understand that the best outcomes come when both parties feel supported, respected, and heard.
Whether it’s writing a compelling clinic profile, checking in with a new hire after their first week, or helping a clinic navigate supervision, real support shows up for everyone involved.
4. Are they thinking short-term or long-term?
Placements shouldn’t be about ticking a box or hitting a number. They should be about finding the right match, someone who brings value to the team and the community, and who wants to be there.
Good agencies will:
- Ask deeper questions about what you’re looking for
- Consider cultural and personal fit, not just clinical scope
- Support candidates and clinics beyond the start date
- Focus on retention and sustainability, not just placement speed
If an agency seems more focused on filling roles quickly than finding the right match, it’s okay to pause. You get to be choosy, and you should be.
Final thought
Recruitment is about more than just logistics, it’s about people, systems, and care. And the agency you choose will influence the quality of your experience in a big way. So look for one that gets it, one that gets you, and one that’s grounded, not just in the job market, but in New Zealand’s healthcare landscape.
The post What to Look for When Choosing a Medical Recruitment Agency appeared first on Good Together.
