5 Tips to Make Life Easier When Working with a Locum Agency

Locum work offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to earn excellent money while exploring Australia. But to make the most of it, your relationship with your locum agency needs to run smoothly. Here are five practical tips to help make the process as easy and efficient as possible.

1. Set Clear Expectations From Day One

Before your agent starts putting you forward for shifts, be up front about your preferences and boundaries.

• Are you open to night shifts or weekends, or do you prefer weekdays only?
  
  
• Are you willing to travel for the right rate?
  
  
• Do you have a minimum hourly rate you won’t go below?
  
  
• Are there locations or specialties you want to avoid?
  
  

The more your agent knows upfront, the better they can advocate for you—and save time on offers that don't suit.

2. Keep Communication Crystal Clear

Locum placements move fast. Being responsive and clear in your communication makes everything easier, from credentialing to bookings and extensions.

• Respond to calls or texts promptly
  
  
• Use one preferred method of contact (e.g., phone, WhatsApp, email)
  
  
• Be honest about your availability and concerns
  
  

A transparent two-way relationship avoids confusion and builds trust quickly.

3. Stay Organised With Your Documents

Many hospitals in rural and remote Australia have limited internet access, especially if you’re in accommodation provided onsite. The last thing you want is to be scrambling for paperwork.

Keep a folder (Google Drive, Dropbox, or a USB stick) with all your current documentation:

• CV
  
  
• AHPRA registration
  
  
• Medical indemnity
  
  
• Police check
  
  
• Immunisation records
  
  
• ID documents
  
  
• Recent references
  
  

Having everything ready to go saves time—and helps your agency lock in placements faster.

4. Do Your Research Before Signing Up

Not all agencies are created equal. Before committing to one, do a bit of due diligence:

• Look up Google and Trustpilot reviews
  
  
• Ask other locum doctors who they’ve worked with
  
  
• Check how long the agency has been operating
  
  
• Understand their payroll process, travel arrangements, and accommodation standards
  
  

An experienced, reputable agency makes a huge difference in how smoothly your locum experience runs.

5. Work With an Agent You Actually Like

Locum recruitment isn’t just about shifts and rosters—it’s about people. Find an agent who gets you, respects your time, and makes the process enjoyable.

• You want someone who communicates well
  
  
• Understands your career goals
  
  
• And won’t pressure you into taking shifts that don’t suit
  
  

A good agent becomes a long-term partner in your locum journey—not just a middleman.

Final Thought

Locum work gives you control over your career—but that control starts with how you manage your agency relationship. A little preparation and a lot of clear communication go a long way.

Looking for an agency that actually listens, understands the locum market, and puts doctors first?

Talk to Blugibbon Medical Recruitment

Website: www.blugibbon.com.au
Email: info@blugibbon.com.au

Want us to review your documents and help get you ready? We’re happy to guide you through the process.

Let me know if you’d like this turned into a downloadable checklist or social media tiles for repurposing.