I have been a recruiter with MDI Medical for 3 years now, and just when I think I've seen everything in this industry, something comes along and surprises me. I have seen the future of physical therapy jobs put in jeopardy by the Medicare Part B cap, I've seen rehab jobs surge after major events in the country, and I've seen all types of candidates looking to further their physical therapy careers.

The one thing that stays constant during these ups and downs in the market is the one person who's with you through all of the changes - your recruiter. Your recruiter is in business to develop relationships, not make sales. You can usually tell which recruiters out there are out to 'close a deal' and which ones really want to build a lasting partnership with you.

When ou are selecting your recruiter, be sure to pick someone who is savvy to the industry, but is also easy to talk to. You don't want a 'all-work-and-no-play' type of recruiter, nor do you want the opposite. If you can strike up a conversation with your recruiter about your interests, it helps you when you're out there looking for travel therapy jobs. If your recruiter knows who you are, it says to the hiring manager that your agency takes the time to get to know the people they are representing. If a facility knows that one agency is sending them a therapist they believe in, and another agency is simply tossing out any therapist they can find, the facility is going to go with the company that prides itself on its reputation.

Keep this in mind when you are shopping around for your next company, the right fit with your recruiter could make all the difference in the world.