Being scouted by a Canadian employer is an impressive signal that your skills, experience and profile have caught the attention of hiring managers or recruiters, setting you apart from the competition. However, this moment is just the beginning of a more extensive process.

1. Initial contact and expression of interest

After being scouted, the employer or recruiter will typically reach out to you via email, LinkedIn or a phone call. A growing number of Canadian employers work directly with physician job boards such as PracticeLink, in which case you may receive a message through PracticeLink’s portal. 

The recruiter’s initial communication usually expresses interest in your profile and may include basic information about the role, company and location. It’s crucial at this stage to respond promptly and professionally, even if you are not immediately ready to commit. Showing interest and maintaining open communication sets a positive tone for the rest of the process.

2. Preliminary screening

Next, you can expect a preliminary screening or conversation. This could be a casual chat or a more structured phone interview. The goal is to verify your qualifications, assess your communication skills and determine if your goals align with the company’s needs. Expect questions about your work history, skills, willingness to relocate (if applicable) and your long-term career aspirations.

3. Immigration and work authorization discussions

Since you are being considered by a Canadian employer, there will inevitably be discussions about immigration. Canada offers several work permit options, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). Some employers may also be designated to participate in the Global Talent Stream, which can expedite visa processing. Be prepared to discuss your current legal status, timeline for relocation and any experience you may have with work permits or permanent residency applications.

While being scouted by a recruiter can speed up parts of the hiring process, it does not waive the credentialing and licensing requirements. Regardless of whether a physician is recruited or applies independently, they must still:

  • Submit transcripts
  • Provide proof of medical degrees
  • Undergo background checks
  • Complete assessments if required

The credential verification process, facilitated by the Medical Council of Canada’s PhysiciansApply.ca portal, can be lengthy. On average, it can take several months to over a year, depending on how quickly the applicant provides documentation and whether additional verification steps are necessary. Verification ensures that international qualifications meet Canadian standards.

4. Formal interviews and assessments

If the initial screening is successful, you will be invited to more formal interviews. These may involve multiple rounds with HR personnel, hiring managers and sometimes even potential future colleagues. You may also be asked to complete assessments, case studies or technical tests, depending on the nature of the job. These steps aim to further validate your skills and allow you and the employer to gain a sense of the potential cultural and professional fit.

5. Negotiations and offer

If the interviews are successful, you can expect a job offer. Canadian employers generally provide detailed offer letters outlining salary, benefits, relocation assistance (if any) and terms of employment. It’s advisable to review the offer carefully and consider negotiating aspects such as salary, support for your immigration process or other perks like housing assistance. PracticeLink’s Magazine and Resource Center each have dozens of articles on contract negotiations and contract lawyers. 

6. Relocation and settling in

After accepting the offer, you’ll begin the process of relocating to Canada. Employers often assist with immigration paperwork and may offer resources or relocation packages to help ease the transition. You may also be connected with settlement agencies that assist newcomers with housing, banking, healthcare registration and integration into Canadian society.

Recruiter assistance with credentialing
To some extent, Canadian recruiters do assist with credentialing. Recruiters often help physicians understand which documents are required and may assist in gathering paperwork. However, they typically do not manage the actual licensing or credential verification process. Physicians must still complete formal credentialing through the appropriate Canadian medical authorities.

Recruiters can also:

  • Offer interview preparation
  • Help physicians target provinces with greater job availability
  • Provide advice on contract negotiation and relocation

Building a strong relationship with a reputable recruiter can be a significant asset in transitioning to work in Canada. By starting your job search with PracticeLink, you’re assured that every employer is vetted and you have the power to control who can and cannot see your profile. Explore opportunities on PracticeLink.com today and see where the job search takes you!