Should I work with more than one recruiter?
Advertorial -by Good Together
One of the most common questions we get asked is whether doctors should work with more than one recruiter. It can seem like a smart way to speed things up – to cast the net wider and find more options, faster. But in reality, especially within New Zealand’s health sector, it often does the opposite. Working with multiple recruiters can make things more complicated, not clearer, and may even get in the way of finding the right fit.
When you start thinking about changing jobs, it can be tempting to register with a few different recruiters. After all, surely the more people you have looking, the more opportunities you’ll find, right?
In reality, it doesn’t quite work that way, especially in the medical world. In fact, casting the net wider can sometimes muddy the waters and make it harder to land the right role.
Here’s why.
You risk being represented for the same job more than once
Most GP and hospital vacancies in New Zealand are circulated among a small number of trusted agencies who all work closely with the same clinics. So, if you register with several recruiters, there’s a good chance they’ll each put your name forward for the same role. Clinics don’t love that. It can create confusion about who represents you, and in some cases, mean your application isn’t progressed at all.
The best recruiters do more than send your CV
A good recruiter doesn’t just submit your name, they advocate for you. They’ll get to know your experience, your interests, your values, and your family situation. They’ll speak with the clinic about why you’d be a good fit and what matters most to you. That depth of understanding only happens when you’ve built trust and are working together exclusively.
In New Zealand, where the health system is smaller and community connections matter, this kind of advocacy carries real weight. Many clinics rely on their relationships with agencies they know and trust, and when your recruiter can speak genuinely about who you are, it helps you stand out for all the right reasons.
It’s about quality of connection, not quantity of contacts
When you find the right recruiter, they become your sounding board and your guide. They’ll help you weigh up options, navigate the Medical Council of New Zealand registration process, and support your relocation. If you’re talking to multiple agencies, it can be hard to keep track of who said what, and even harder for anyone to give you truly personalised support.
Consistency is key, especially with MCNZ registration. The paperwork is detailed, and having one point of contact who understands where you are in the process avoids delays, duplication, and unnecessary stress.
Clinics value clarity and professionalism
Employers want to know who they’re dealing with. When a recruiter presents a doctor with confidence and insight, it signals professionalism and care. But when the same doctor appears through different channels, it can look disorganised, even though that’s rarely the case.
Many clinics here are privately owned and receive multiple CVs each week. If they see your name more than once, they may simply move on to the next candidate to avoid potential confusion.
So what’s the best approach?
If you’re early in your search, have open conversations with one or two recruiters and see who feels like the best fit. Look for someone who listens, asks thoughtful questions, and genuinely understands the New Zealand health landscape. Once you’ve found that person, commit to working closely with them and let others know you’ve already got support.
That way, your recruiter can do what they do best: represent you fully, strategically, and with care.
At Good Together, we often say that our role is to help doctors find not just a job, but a lifestyle and community that fits who they are. And that takes time, trust, and partnership, things that grow best one relationship at a time.
