Whether you're preparing for your first locum tenens assignment or your fiftieth, a strong CV and a thoughtful interview can help you stand out and find the right fit. Use these resources to present your experience effectively, ask the right questions, and evaluate opportunities with confidence.
Your CV is often the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager sees. A well-organized CV helps facilities quickly understand your qualifications and determine whether you're a good fit for the assignment.
Current contact information
Professional summary
Education and training
Licenses and certifications
Board certifications
Clinical experience
EMR experience
Publications, presentations, and research (if applicable)
Volunteer work and leadership experience 
Keep formatting clean and consistent
List positions in reverse chronological order
Quantify experience when possible
Include specific procedures and competencies
Highlight leadership, supervisory, or teaching experience
Keep licenses and certifications current
Update your CV regularly after assignments 
Missing employment dates
Outdated contact information
Gaps without explanation
Excessive formatting or graphics
Omitting procedure experience
Listing expired certifications An interview is as much about evaluating the opportunity as it is about demonstrating your qualifications.
Review the facility and practice setting
Understand the patient population
Review the job description carefully
Prepare examples of challenging cases and clinical decision-making
Be ready to discuss licensing, credentialing, and availability 
What does a typical day look like?
What is the average patient volume?
How is call structured?
What support staff are available?
Which EMR is used?
What are the biggest challenges facing the department?
How long does credentialing typically take?
What does onboarding look like? 
Be specific when discussing experience
Highlight adaptability and flexibility
Demonstrate strong communication skills
Ask thoughtful questions about workflow and expectations
Be honest about procedural comfort levels Physician assignments can vary significantly by specialty, facility size, patient acuity, and procedural requirements. Consider asking:
What is the daily patient census?
Will I be rounding independently or with a team?
What procedures am I expected to perform?
Are there residents, APPs, or other physicians on service?
What is the call schedule and frequency?
Are there specific case volume requirements for credentialing?
What subspecialty support is available? Understanding patient volume, procedural expectations, call responsibilities, and team structure can help you determine whether the assignment aligns with your experience and practice style.
NP roles can differ dramatically depending on state regulations, specialty, and facility policies. Ask questions such as:
Will I practice independently or under physician supervision?
What level of autonomy is expected?
What is the patient volume per day?
What procedures am I expected to perform?
What support staff are available?
Will I participate in call coverage?
How are admissions, consults, and follow-ups distributed?
What training and onboarding are provided? Understanding collaboration requirements, scope of practice, and workflow expectations can help ensure a successful assignment.
Before accepting a PA assignment, make sure you understand both the clinical responsibilities and practice environment. Consider asking:
What procedures will I perform regularly?
Will I first assist or participate in surgical cases?
What level of physician supervision is available?
How are patient loads distributed?
What is the expected mix of inpatient and outpatient work?
Will I perform admissions, consults, or discharges?
What orientation look like?
How is call handled? A clear understanding of procedural expectations and autonomy helps avoid surprises after arrival.
Dental assignments often vary based on patient demographics, procedure mix, equipment availability, and support staff. Ask questions such as:
How many patients are seen each day?
What procedures are expected most frequently?
What percentage of patients are pediatric versus adult?
What technology and equipment are available?
How many operatories are in use?
What support staff are available?
Are emergency walk-in patients common?
What insurance and Medicaid requirements exist? You should also clarify expectations around crowns, bridges, extractions, root canals, implants, sedation, and other procedures you may be asked to perform.
Psychiatry assignments can differ substantially depending on the setting, patient population, and treatment responsibilities. Ask questions such as:
Is the setting inpatient, outpatient, correctional, academic, or community-based?
What diagnoses are most commonly treated?
What is the average patient census?
Will I perform evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, or all three?
What is the expected follow-up volume?
What support staff are available?
Are there responsibilities related to involuntary holds, court evaluations, or disability paperwork?
What is the call schedule? It's also important to understand responsibilities involving medication management, psychiatric evaluations, crisis stabilization, and specialty treatments such as TMS, ketamine therapy, or ECT.
Starting your healthcare career can feel overwhelming, but preparation goes a long way.
Build a polished CV early
Keep licenses and certifications organized
Practice interviewing with mentors and colleagues
Learn how credentialing works
Understand compensation structures and contract terms
What onboarding and mentorship are available?
What training resources are provided?
How quickly will I be expected to practice independently?
What support staff are available?
What does success look like during the first 90 days? 