This article is sponsored by Careers by KevinMD.com.

When searching for a new job, building strong relationships is an important part of the process, especially when you’re working with a physician recruiter. The relationship you create with your recruiter will set the tone for your job search and ultimately have an effect on whether or not you find that ideal job opportunity.

Here are a few tips to help you forge the type of relationship with your recruiter that will enhance your career:

1. Be honest

Honesty is critical to building trust. Without trust, there is no foundation on which to build a solid relationship. Be honest with your recruiter about your job preferences, your career history, your expectations, and your feelings. By doing so, you’ll not only create a better relationship, but find a job more efficiently. Also, if you’re working with multiple recruiters, be upfront about it.

2. Communicate regularly

Don’t base your relationship with your recruiter on assumptions. Instead, stay in contact with your recruiter often and make sure you clearly communicate your goals, interests, and preferences. Also, provide your recruiter with an up-to-date CV to ensure the best match is found based on your experience.

3. Don’t overpromise

One of the best ways to kill a relationship is a lack of follow-through on your promises. It’s simple: if you can’t commit to something, don’t promise that you can. Be honest with yourself and your recruiter about your time and level of commitment.

4. Be specific

It’s important you know what you are looking for in a job and that you are very clear on what those job preferences are from the very beginning. Let your recruiter know if you’ll only work in certain team settings or geographic locations. And don’t say you’re willing to relocate if you don’t really mean it.

5. Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions — not just about the job and hiring process, but also questions that allow you to get to know your recruiter. Making it a priority to get to know your recruiter as a person will enable you to build a stronger relationship based on respect and trust.

6. Make yourself accessible

Your recruiter needs to be able to reach you when a job opportunity arises. Let your recruiter know the best times to reach you and then do your best to be available during those times.

Cultivating a strong and supportive relationship takes time, but the benefits to your career are worth the effort.

What to expect from your recruiter

Your recruiter should be your ally in achieving both your short- and long-term career goals. When choosing a recruiter to work with, look for one who is reliable, attentive, caring, and knowledgeable about your specialty. You want to walk away from the experience feeling like you’ve found a partner who has your best interests at heart.

A great example is Dr. Monica Anselmetti. Her recruiter doesn’t just help her with her career, but takes a personal interest in what is going on in her life and has seen her through some tough times. You should be able to experience the same relationship with your recruiter.

Don’t settle for less. Take the time needed to find a recruiter that is just right for you. Then, make the effort to cultivate a relationship that will last. Even after you find a job, periodically stay in contact with your recruiter. You never know when you’ll need her help again.

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