Recruiting candidates in the healthcare industry
How to find, engage, attract, and interview in-demand healthcare talent.
Discover key data-based insights to source talent.
Attract and identify great candidates.
Start the conversation with confidence.
Interview questions and what to listen for by role.
Recruiting talent
Insights on the healthcare industry talent pool
Understanding where the most in-demand healthcare candidates are located will help you make better talent decisions — from where you should open your next office to the size of the candidate pool.
Select a role to discover top locations and companies employing healthcare talent
Top locations for nurses
United States • Brazil • Colombia • England • United Arab Emirates
Candidate information powered by LinkedIn Talent Insights data to help you make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
Top companies employing nurses
National Health Service
Kaiser Permanente
HCA
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Top locations for physical therapists
United States • Brazil • Colombia • Netherlands • England
Candidate information powered by LinkedIn Talent Insights data to help you make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
Top companies employing physical therapists
Kaiser Permanente
ATI Physical Therapy
RehabCare
National Health Service
Top locations for doctors
United States • Egypt • Pakistan • Colombia • Niger
Candidate information powered by LinkedIn Talent Insights data to help you make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
Top companies employing doctors
National Health Service
Lifespan
Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social
Kaiser Permanente
Top locations for dentists
United States • Brazil • Colombia • Egypt • Chile
Candidate information powered by LinkedIn Talent Insights data to help you make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
Top companies employing dentists
National Health Service
Ministry of Health
Aspen Dental
Pacific Dental Services
Top locations for general surgeons
United States • Brazil • Chile • Peru • Egypt
Candidate information powered by LinkedIn Talent Insights data to help you make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
Top companies employing general surgeons
Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social
National Health Service
Kaiser Permanente
United Nations
Searching for talent
How to find qualified healthcare candidates
In order to expand your reach with in-demand candidates, you’ll need to post your open roles online. Get started by using our five useful job description templates.
Use these templates to help you hire the most in-demand healthcare talent
Nurse job description
Nurses assess, monitor, and treat patients in need of medical or preventive care. Some nurses specialize or only work with particular patients, like newborns or cancer patients, while others practice general care.
Responsibilities
• Administer medications and provide treatment according to physician’s orders
• Provide health education, medication review, healthcare coordination, and specialist referrals
• Ensure that all treatments and medications are fully documented in patients’ health records
Skills and qualifications
• Bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN), associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), or diploma from accredited nursing program
• Licensed by local State Board of Nursing and passed NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam
• Ability to work well as part of a team in a fast-paced healthcare environment
Get the full nurse job description that includes additional responsibilities, qualifications, and role objectives.
Physical therapist job description
Physical therapists help patients reduce pain and improve mobility following an illness or injury. In some cases, a physical therapist can help conduct research to support new practices that can enhance wellness and fitness in patients.
Responsibilities
• Lead patients through therapy program that uses techniques such as exercises, hands-on therapy, and equipment to help increase mobility and alleviate pain
• Stay knowledgeable of current physical therapy practices by way of continuing education courses, seminars, and scholarly articles
• Educate patients on at-home practices to continue treatment and cope with the recovery process
Skills and qualifications
• Must have valid physical therapy license in the state(s) of practice, or eligibility to apply
• Graduation from an accredited physical therapy program
• Experience working in a clinical setting
Download the full sample physical therapist job description that includes skills, qualifications, and role objectives.
Doctor job description
Doctors are responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, advising, and treating patients. They collaborate with an integrated medical team that includes nurses, medical assistants, specialists, and other medical professionals.
Responsibilities
• Evaluate patients and provide appropriate medical attention and treatment for routine care, various illnesses, and injuries
• Create care plans, coordinate diagnostic tests and other services, and counsel patients on preventive healthcare practices
• Prescribe, administer, and dispense medication and supplements in accordance with state and federal regulations
Skills and qualifications
• Board certification issued by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) with 3–5 years in a residency program
• State licensure and specialty certifications if relevant
• Proven clinical experience as a primary care provider
Download the full sample doctor job description that includes skills, qualifications, and role objectives.
Dentist job description
Dentists are licensed medical professionals who care for patients’ teeth, gums, and oral health. They deliver preventive oral health services, as well as diagnose and treat dental diseases.
Responsibilities
• Perform dental examinations and provide general and emergency dental care for patients of all ages, including regular cleanings, root canals, surgical extractions, implants, and cosmetic dentistry
• Diagnose and treat oral diseases and injuries using advanced dental instruments
• Interpret X-rays and diagnostic tests, while monitoring growth and development of the teeth and jaws
Skills and qualifications
• DDS/DMD from ADA-accredited dental program
• License to practice dentistry in the state of [X] with 5+ years of clinical experience
• Certified to write prescriptions by federal and state regulatory authorities
Download the full sample dentist job description that includes skills, qualifications, and role objectives.
General surgeon job description
General surgeons perform highly specialized procedures related to abdominal issues, including appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder malfunction, and stomach and intestinal dysfunction.
Responsibilities
• Collaborate with a team of anesthesiologists, CRNAs, physician assistants, perioperative staff, and perianesthesia staff
• Perform general surgeries including hernia repair, cholecystectomy, abscess drainage, endoscopy, colonoscopy, appendectomy, and colon surgery
• Provide an explanation of medical procedures and care plans to, and review test results with, patients and their families
Skills and qualifications
• Doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree from an accredited US school of medicine or osteopathy
• Board-certified, licensed general surgeon
• 3–5 years of experience in residency; 1–3 years as a practicing general surgeon
Download the full sample general surgeon job description that includes skills, qualifications, and role objectives.
What your hiring style is telling candidates
Learn how to win over candidates by making a positive, lasting impression through every stage of the hiring process.
Engaging with talent
3 ways to engage with healthcare talent
Use email, your employer brand, and LinkedIn Groups to initiate a conversation.
In order to pique the interest of qualified candidates, you’ll need to develop a meaningful connection with them. Accomplish this by clearly communicating company opportunities and goals through email, a strong employer brand, and conversations in LinkedIn Groups.
Connect with healthcare candidates through email
Great healthcare candidates get a lot of messages from recruiters, so it’s important to make yours stand out. Always customize every email to match the candidate’s interests and desires, as well as your own personality and style.
Best practices to help make your email stand out:
Keep subject lines short and impactful
Use keywords like “thanks,” “exclusive invitation,” “connect,” “job opportunity,” and “join us.”
Start a dialogue
Candidates don’t respond well to “look at the job and tell me if you’re interested” messages. Instead, have a conversation about their career path and goals.
Use a conversational, enthusiastic tone
Choose words that reflect your personal voice and express a genuine interest in helping candidates with their professional goals.
Build an online presence healthcare candidates will want to follow
A strong online brand is essential for attracting high-quality healthcare talent. With an online presence, you’ll diversify your reach, build rapport with candidates, and stay top of mind when they’re looking for their next role. Candidates tend to look at a company’s LinkedIn Page, careers site, and social media profiles.
Simple steps to boost your online brand:
Incorporate pictures and videos
• Showcase real employees and the vibrant work environment
• Promote perks like work-life balance or volunteer day
Share testimonials
• Show a personal experience that candidates can relate to
• Demonstrate that you’re an employer that values its staff
Start a dialogue with healthcare talent in groups designed for recruitment
LinkedIn Groups give like-minded professionals a chance to network, share their interests, and discover new opportunities. Here are the details to help you find, join, and post on LinkedIn Groups, so you can start building credibility with your audience.
Reach out to a candidate in a LinkedIn Group.
Health Care Opportunities
Connect with high-level healthcare professionals on new job opportunities in the US.
Join now
Healthcare Industry Professionals Group
National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)
NAHQ offers an accredited certification in healthcare quality, networking opportunities, and career resources to support healthcare professionals.
6 steps to redesigning your LinkedIn profile
You don’t pick talent — talent picks you. Revamp your LinkedIn profile in this six-step guide.
Interviewing talent
Top interview questions for healthcare roles
Discover what to ask and what to listen for.
What are the top interview questions you can ask to assess a candidate’s fit for a role? Learn effective interview questions to identify and hire top talent by selecting for the role you’re hiring below.
QUESTION
What's your experience using electronic health records (EHRs)?
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
EHRs are efficient, productive, and care-focused. Candidates should demonstrate a healthy respect for this technology.
QUESTION
Tell me about a time a patient demanded antibiotics they didn’t need.
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
An answer that shows methods for educating patients while showing appropriate restraint is crucial.
QUESTION
Describe a situation where you had to work closely with a difficult colleague.
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
Look for evidence of patience, active listening, and strong conflict resolution skills.
Get more sample interview questions, plus what to listen for and why these questions matter, by visiting the top interview questions for nurses.
QUESTION
How do you develop patient treatment plans?
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
A candidate’s comprehensive approach to care that sets up long-term patient success, plus aligns with treatment strategies at your practice.
QUESTION
How do you approach an unwilling patient?
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
Conflict resolution exhibits strong communication skills and may indicate potential for long-term success at your organization.
QUESTION
How do you encourage patients to adhere to treatment plans?
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
A supportive, out-of-the-box thinker will come up with patient-first approaches to follow-ups and questions.
Get more sample interview questions, plus what to listen for and why these questions matter, by visiting the top interview questions for physical therapists.
QUESTION
Walk me through how you’d present complicated information to a patient.
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
Ability to break down complicated medical terms while regulating patient emotion shows strong communication skills and compassion.
QUESTION
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your career? What’d you learn?
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
Accountability is critical in healthcare. Make sure they recognize their mistakes while offering specific steps to avoid them in the future.
QUESTION
What are some of today’s most pressing health issues?
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
Adaptation is key. Doctors must remain vigilant learners to provide patients with medical developments and the latest treatment plans.
Get more sample interview questions, plus what to listen for and why these questions matter, by visiting the top interview questions for doctors.
QUESTION
Describe a treatment plan for periodontal disease.
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
Strong candidates will offer an exhaustive, but programmatic, approach to treatment while personalizing it based on each case.
QUESTION
What’s the key to developing a good team?
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
Listen for examples of how they’ve built mutual trust, respect, and cooperation in past roles. It’ll reveal if they are a team player.
QUESTION
Describe how you’d tell a patient their tooth needs to be extracted.
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
An empathetic candidate will nurture a concerned patient, while delivering the news in layman’s terms to ensure comprehension.
Get more sample interview questions, plus what to listen for and why these questions matter, by visiting the top interview questions for dentists.
QUESTION
Talk me through your preoperative procedure.
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
Collaboration and efficiency are keys for success. With lots of moving parts, the candidate should customize while building from experience.
QUESTION
Have you ever dealt with a patient who refused treatment on grounds of religion?
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
Flexibility, plus a thoughtful discussion of risks, consequences, and empathy toward patient welfare are crucial.
QUESTION
I see that you have experience in [X]. Teach me something about it.
WHAT THIS EVALUATES
The ability to passionately break down complex medical concepts to educate both staff and patients will foster a positive work environment.
Get more sample interview questions, plus what to listen for and why these questions matter, by visiting the top interview questions for general surgeons.
How to Hire Hub
Everything you need to find and hire the right person for your organization can be found in our How to Hire Hub.
Learn how LinkedIn helps the healthcare industry hire talent.
Discover how the organization grew its brand awareness and fostered a culture of learning.
Since 1975 this hospital has grown to become one of the world’s leading healthcare institutions.
Read our additional hiring guides
LinkedIn in action
We offer a full range of hiring and recruiting solutions for every step in the process. We’ll help you find and engage the right candidates, build your brand, and make even smarter talent decisions with LinkedIn data and insights.