Healthcare recruitment is spiraling as life expectancy rises and the talent pool shrinks. Missteps in the hiring process are only making it worse. To remain competitive and deliver the best care, expert clinical talent is imperative.

Is your organization struggling to keep up? Here’s what to watch for, according to top healthcare executive recruiters.

Why Has Healthcare Recruitment Become Such a Daunting Task?

The demand for skilled clinical workers is surging, but the talent pool is shrinking. Several factors drive this widening gap:

  • Aging Population: Baby Boomers can expect to live to nearly 79 but face more chronic health issues than previous This raises the question: Who will care for them?
  • Retiring Workforce: 20% of physicians are now 65 or older, and another 22% are nearing retirement age, according to AAMC, creating a widening gap in experienced medical staff.
  • Burnout: According to the CDC, 46% of healthcare workers reported burnout in 2022. Staffing shortages and chaotic environments are key factors driving this exodus.

Common Mistakes Top Healthcare Executive Search Firms See from Hiring Leaders

Even with the help of healthcare search firms, many hiring leaders are still falling into avoidable traps that hinder their recruitment success. Here’s where they’re going wrong:

Overlooking Cultural Fit
Many hiring leaders overlook cultural fit, but LinkedIn data tells a different story: 40% of professionals prioritize culture and colleagues when choosing a job. Candidates want value alignment, so recruiters need to ask targeted behavioral questions to gauge fit.

Failing to Ask the Right Questions
Failing to ask the right questions can make or break an interview. To avoid costly mistakes, focus on key areas: ask about relocation to gauge commitment, probe stress management to assess resilience and explore long-term goals to identify stability.

Losing Candidates to Poor Communication
Poor communication drives candidates away — 54% abandoned the recruitment process in 2023 alone. To avoid ghosting and losing top talent, set clear expectations, share timelines upfront and provide regular status updates to keep candidates informed and engaged.

Dragging Out Recruitment Processes
Top candidates are off the market within 10 days. A lengthy hiring process can result in missed talent. Streamline interviews, feedback and offers to secure clinical professionals quickly.

Neglecting Bench Strength
When recruiters only focus on a few top candidates, they risk being left empty-handed if those fall through. Bench strength means having multiple qualified candidates ready to step in. Keep everyone engaged to build a strong talent pool and avoid scrambling to fill gaps.

Ignoring Red Flags
Technical skills aren’t everything. Be mindful of arrogance or lack of collaboration during interviews, as these traits can disrupt team cohesion and patient care.

Missing the Mark with Traditional Healthcare Search Firms
Traditional methods like contingent searches prioritize speed and volume, often overlooking the deep vetting needed for roles that require cultural and mission alignment. Retained searches, while thorough, have high costs and inflexible structures that don’t fit healthcare’s dynamic needs.

The Path Forward for Healthcare Recruitment: Informed Search

In a strained talent market, Duffy Recruitment Research™, built on our pioneering informed search model, ensures candidates meet both clinical and patient-centered values, helping our clients secure the transformative leadership they need to excel.

Ready to create a talent pipeline tailored to your organization’s needs? Reach out to our team.