Modern Recruitment for Primary Care

Hiring new people isn’t just a task – it’s a strategic opportunity to strengthen your team and improve patient care with the right people in the right roles

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in HR Future

Hiring in a busy GP practice isn’t just about filling a vacancy – it’s about finding the right person who can support patient care, fit seamlessly into your team and handle the unique pressures of primary healthcare. In today’s high-demand healthcare job market, practice managers must go beyond traditional job listings. Whether you’re hiring for the front desk or a clinical support role, the right recruitment approach combines technology, storytelling and human connection.

On-Site Hiring Events Made Easy with Automation

Job fairs and on-site interview days remain a reliable way to connect with qualified candidates, especially for roles like receptionists, healthcare assistants and administrative staff. But the logistics – coordinating schedules, managing check-ins and following up – can be a headache for already overstretched practice managers. Mobile-friendly hiring platforms are now making this process easier. Many practices are now using:

• QR code check-ins at recruitment events
• Automated SMS/email reminders for interviews
• Real-time attendance tracking via mobile apps

Some platforms also provide cloud-based dashboards, allowing you to monitor candidate engagement and track feedback immediately after the event. This makes it easier to follow up with strong applicants quickly before they get snapped up elsewhere.

Marketing Your Practice to Attract Better Candidates

Candidates are researching you just as much as you’re assessing them. They’re looking at your online reputation, your culture and whether your practice feels like a place where they can thrive. To stay competitive, your recruitment approach should include:

• Branded job ads that reflect your values and culture
• Email campaigns targeted to healthcare talent pools
• Engaging landing pages about working in your practice
• Social media posts that showcase team dynamics and patient-centred care

You don’t need to go viral on TikTok, but sharing a short video tour of your surgery, a “day-in-the-life” feature of your admin team, or testimonials from current staff can go a long way in building trust and interest among potential applicants.

AI-Powered Candidate Screening for Healthcare Roles

Gone are the days of spending hours manually reviewing CVs. Today’s AI-powered recruitment tools can help streamline the first round of screening – especially helpful when you’re juggling hiring alongside the day-to-day running of a practice.

In a GP setting, this can help you quickly shortlist candidates for roles like reception staff, administrators, or even locum nurses. AI tools also help reduce unconscious bias by focusing on criteria you’ve pre-set like qualifications, years of experience and availability.

By blending smart technology with genuine storytelling and a human-first approach, your hiring process can attract not just applicants, but future team members who truly belong in your practice.