Surgeons need to know that securing employment in resource-intensive specialties in Canada remains challenging due to a complicated hiring process.

• The study involved 20 physicians across 15 specialties, highlighting a nebulous and opaque hiring landscape.
• Participants noted hiring decisions often depend on subjective perceived fit, raising concerns about bias and inequity.

Structured national guidelines could improve transparency and support trainees in their career planning.

• Recommendations include multilevel changes to address access and alignment of expectations among job seekers and hiring bodies.