Some patterns are so predictable you can almost set your watch by them. Pumpkin spice cravings in the fall. Discount candy after Halloween. “Quick” trips to Target turning into a cartful of things you didn’t even know you needed.
In the Travel Nursing world, one of the biggest patterns we see is Travelers waiting until early January to secure their next assignment after the holidays. Every year this results in a bottleneck of Travelers facing high competition for the same jobs. So, here’s the 411 on how and why you should secure your next Travel Nurse contract before the January rush!
Timing is Everything
At the start of January, many Travelers want to start off the new year with a new contract. And I do mean many. That’s not a bad idea, but it can be a frustrating experience if you wait until January to find a new job. Travelers are wise to be aware of these types of seasonal rushes and to plan ahead with their recruiter to avoid high competition and the added stress of trying to get a job during this kind of hectic, peak time.
October is another busy month for Travelers wanting to start a new job, so if you know you want to start a contract in October, the best thing to do is to go ahead and get in touch with your recruiter in early September to get the ball rolling. This will help you secure the best job for you without any last-minute stress.
The Early Bird Gets the Worm
If you already know roughly when you’d like to begin your next job, it’s never too early to sign on! Doing so protects you from excess competition, gives you a good batch of jobs to choose from, and allows you plenty of time to get everything planned out ahead of your next adventure. A good rule of thumb is to start looking for your next assignment about 6-8 weeks into a 13-week contract.
Alternately, you might consider a contract extension, if that’s available to you. That way you’re all locked in and good to go. Besides, who wants to move in January anyway?! (It really is the perfect time to extend.) If you’re interested in extending a contract, the best time to start discussing that with your recruiter is about midway through your current contract, so again, about 6-8 weeks into a traditional 13-week assignment.
Make Your Contract Work for You
The reason for the January rush of Travelers trying to secure new assignments is largely because people want to take time off for the holidays. But that is not your only option! When signing a contract that will go through the holidays, you can always look into taking certain days off by having that written into your contract. If that’s important to you, be sure to discuss this with your recruiter.
Ask and You Shall Receive
Along those same lines, remember that your Career Consultant is a true expert in helping their Travelers find jobs and negotiate contracts that best serve their Travelers. They have seen dozens of other Travelers through all kinds of assignments and scheduling scenarios, so be sure to explain what you want to them and ask their expert advice on how best to get it! Tell them what you want — whether it’s certain days off or to be in a certain location for the holidays. They may not be able to grant your every wish, but they’ll do their best to make it happen and can provide crucial guidance to position you as best as possible depending on your needs and desires.