Are you looking for a new (or your first) travel contract? Are you struggling to decide which contract is the best choice for you? To help you narrow the contract pool down for you, I’ve created a list of 7 questions to ask your recruiter BEFORE submitting to contracts to help you find your dream job!
**Psst! If you don’t have a recruiter yet, check out
‘How to Become a Travel Med Tech‘
for 4 simple steps to get you started!**
Submitting to travel contracts can seem daunting with the number of available assignments out there, and it may be overwhelming. To help with this overload of information, I’ve compiled a list of things to cover with your recruiter before submitting to help narrow down the field and get you one step closer to your dream contract!
#1- Specify the Hospital
This might seem obvious, however, there have been a number of times that I’ve seen a job posted for a certain city, when in reality the hospital is 30+ minutes away. Just clarify with your recruiter before committing to anything!
#2- Contract Length
Be sure to specify the length of your assignment. Most contracts are 13 weeks, however, there are some contracts that are 26 weeks!
#3- Shift
Make sure you’re honest with your recruiter about which shifts you prefer to work and which shifts are hard nos. Days, evenings, nights? 5×8’s, 4×10’s, 3×12’s? What would your schedule for this specific contract look like? If the shift is 3×12’s, which 3 days of the week are you working?? What about weekends??
**Be aware that some contracts will state “variable shift” or “shift discussed during interview”. In that case, be sure you’re up front with your interviewer about shifts you are, and are not, willing to work!**
**Be aware that some contracts will state “variable shift” or “shift discussed during interview”. In that case, be sure you’re up front with your interviewer about shifts you are, and are not, willing to work!**
#4- Pay Package
Be sure to clarify with your recruiter how much of your pay is hourly vs. stipend. This goes a long way in determining how much you’ll bring home at the end of each week. Also, don’t sell yourself short! These hospitals are in such dire need for help that they are having to bring on travelers, so don’t let them short-change you. Also keep in mind the area of the country you’re working in. Is the cost of living more expensive here?
***Tip- Do a quick furnished finder/air-bnb check to see the average cost of rent for short-term, furnished housing in the area!
#5- Job Description
As a med tech, there are many different areas of the lab you could be assigned to. Make sure the area of the lab you’re submitting to is one in which you have experience or are interested in working.
**Your recruiter may not have this info, and you may need to discuss this with the manager in your interview. No big deal!**
#6- Time Off
Be sure to discuss any time off you may need during the length of your contract BEFORE submission. This way the manager will know beforehand if your schedule will work for the position they need filled. If not, no one’s time has been wasted with unnecessary interviews. This time off can also be written into your contract so you’re GUARANTEED the time off.
#7- Previous Travelers
Ask your recruiter if there have been any other travelers that have worked in this facility and what their experience was like. This is a great way to get a feel for staff attitude, workload, and overall atmosphere of the work environment!
I hope these tips were helpful in clarifying how to set yourself up to land your dream travel contract! Keep in mind that you can always ask these questions as you progress through the process, but everything is quicker and easier if you know up front!
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