Rolling with the Punches: Mastering Recruitment in a Transitional Season
May 13, 2025"If they do not come with a list of questions to ask me at the end of the interview, I have a really hard time getting past that. I'm usually not rooting for candidates who do not have any questions for me or about the company or about the role. They don't seem interested." — Kendall Hagensen
In this practical and timely episode of the Wellness Center Creators Podcast, hosts Anna Rudel and Kendall Hagensen delve into the challenges and strategies of recruitment during what they call the "transitional season" of spring. Their candid discussion offers valuable insights for wellness practice owners navigating staffing changes in an evolving job market.
The conversation opens with both hosts acknowledging that spring consistently brings staffing transitions in their clinics. Kendall shares her current situation: hiring for a mental health counselor, an IV nurse position (lost due to government layoffs affecting her part-time nurse), and a part-time administrative role. This clustering of changes illustrates the wave-like nature of staffing transitions that many practice owners experience.
What makes this hiring cycle particularly notable is the shift in the candidate pool. Kendall reports receiving 50 applications for an administrative position in less than a week, with many applicants being significantly overqualified. "We have people, many people are writing cover letters which in the last five years in particular it's very few and far between that anyone would write a cover letter," she observes, noting candidates with MBAs and high-level tech backgrounds applying for entry-level administrative positions.
This market shift has required adapting recruitment strategies. Kendall emphasizes the importance of looking for candidates who specifically want to work for their practice, not just any job. "We need succinct, organized information on resumes. Succinct and organized. And we want to see that you care about this position in particular," she advises.
The hosts share specific red flags in the interview process. Both agree that candidates who don't come prepared with questions at the end of an interview rarely make the cut. Anna shares a recent experience with an acupuncturist candidate who would have been "absolutely phenomenal as a practical addition" but showed no genuine interest in the company itself.
The discussion turns to setting realistic expectations for administrative roles. Kendall suggests aiming for two to three years as a benchmark for front desk positions, acknowledging that many candidates view these roles as stepping stones. She shares an example of transparent communication with a candidate from Colombia who needs two years to transfer architect credentials: "If that person's the best candidate for the role, then we're in agreement. This is a two year relationship."
Anna contributes valuable advice about clarity in job descriptions and compensation. "Taking something off your hand is not a job description," she warns, emphasizing the need for specific role definitions. Both hosts stress the importance of being transparent about compensation, benefits, and expectations from the start.
The conversation includes practical hiring tips, such as using structured scoring systems during interviews (rating answers 1-5) and ensuring team members provide individual feedback rather than group consensus that might be influenced by the owner's reactions. Kendall shares her favorite interview question: "What's something you prepared for today that I didn't ask you about, that you would like to share with me?"
The episode also touches on appreciating current staff during transitions, with a timely reminder about Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day. Both clinics celebrate their support staff with various gestures, from potlucks to personalized gift baskets based on a "favorites" document they maintain for each team member.
Throughout the discussion, both hosts demonstrate the kind of process-oriented mindset essential for sustainable practice management. They acknowledge the emotional toll of constant hiring ("I know it's depleting. I know it's exhausting," Kendall empathizes with job seekers) while maintaining professional standards that protect their businesses and ensure quality patient care.
This episode offers wellness practice owners a realistic view of modern recruitment challenges while providing actionable strategies for finding and retaining quality team members. The hosts' transparency about their own processes and challenges makes this valuable listening for anyone building or maintaining a healthcare team in today's competitive market.
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About Anna Rudel
Anna Rudel, L. Ac is the owner and founder of Lokahi Acupuncture Clinic in San Jose California, founded in 2003. Anna is a master organizer and clinician, and as a Coach she specializes in working with Clinic Owners in the state of California, and Acupuncturists and Acupuncture Clinic Owners, or groups wanting to add Acupuncture worldwide, as well as teams that need support with employee retention and satisfaction. Born in the UK, Anna has traveled extensively in Asia and now has a thriving multi-practitioner clinic in the US!
Anna's Website and Links
- Website: https://lokahiacupuncture.com/
- Learn Group Coaching: https://www.wellnesscentercreators.com/group-coaching
- For info about Individual Coaching: https://www.wellnesscentercreators.com/individual-coaching
About Kendall Hagensen
Kendall is a Somatic Mental Health Therapist, Multidisciplinary Clinic Owner and Business Coach. She specializes in, and is passionate about, working with healthcare professionals to create the businesses of their dreams. Big goals always have a psychological component beneath the surface, so Kendall uses her background in Somatic Psychotherapy and EMDR Therapy mixed with Business Coaching tools to help clients develop a healthy relationship with their business and their strength as a leader.
As someone who lives with a chronic illness herself, Kendall feels that health happens best within community, which is why she takes a holistic, integrative, and collaborative wellness approach to her personal and professional life.
Kendall’s Web/Social Links