quarterly career check-up//January 2008

Successful Interviewing Tips (Part 2)

The interview is one of the greatest skills you can master to aid your career development. Knowing how to market yourself well is the first step in achieving your goals. In the first issue of this two-part series, Kendall & Davis’ top physician recruiters offered tips to help you master the initial phases of the interview process. Now let us help you excel in the most crucial stages of the interview process.

The On-Site Interview

Being prepared for your on-site interview will give you an edge against other candidates for the position. This crucial encounter is your best chance to make an impression. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare for your visit.

• Research the facility prior to your interview.
• Bring extra copies of your curriculum vitae and any relevant paperwork.
• Confirm your appointment 24 hours in advance.
• Be prompt and dress in a professional manner.
• Prepare a list of your achievements, setbacks, positive and negative attributes, and professional goals to help you guide your discussion.

During the interview, the potential employer will ask you questions based on their specific needs. Being prepared to answer any question put to you in a thorough and concise manner is a key interviewing skill. Here are some of the most common interview questions.

1. Why did you choose to go into medicine?
2. Why did you choose the school you attended?
3. Why are you changing jobs?
4. What interests you about this position/location?
5. What are your long-term career goals?
6. What do you feel you can bring to the group?
7. Describe your strong points and your weaknesses.
8. How do you describe your clinical judgment?
9. What are your strongest clinical areas?
10. Describe one of your most recent clinical triumphs.
11. Describe a clinical scenario that did not go well and how you handled it.
12. How did you resolve a major conflict with a patient?
13. What do your patients like best and least about you?
14. Describe your personality, work ethic and habits.
15. How well do you communicate with patients and with co-workers?
16. With what volume of work are you comfortable?
17. What do you feel are the most important contributions you have made to your profession?
18. Have you ever had any disciplinary actions, problems of professional competence, investigations or malpractice suits against you (past or present)?
19. After what you have seen and heard, are you interested in the position?
20. What level of compensation are you seeking?

Don’t forget that an interview is a two-way conversation. The potential employer will expect you to ask questions regarding the position, the location, and the other physicians in the practice. Here are a few sample questions to consider asking.

1. What type of candidate are you looking for?
2. What conditions prompted the hiring of another doctor?
3. What is your practice philosophy?
4. How does the practice assign patients?
5. What is the demographic breakdown of patients at the practice?
6. How many in-office hours will I be expected to keep each week?
7. Are there satellite locations I will be expected to visit?
8. How many patients will I be expected to see in a week?
9. Will there be on-call hours? How often?
10. Is this a partnership track position? What opportunities for advancement exist?
11. Are there any costs I will be expected to assume? For example, malpractice insurance.
12. How will my responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom? How often?
13. What administrative tasks will I be expected to cover?
14. How much staff support do physicians in this position currently have?

After the Interview

Maintaining the connection with the potential employer after the interview is an important marketing skill. Time can be your enemy, and keeping your name fresh in their minds can have a substantial impact on their hiring decisions. Here are some ideas to consider.

• Write a thank-you note. Hand-written notes are best, although e-mail messages are acceptable at times. Following up with a brief, concise note two days after the interview will reaffirm to them that you are interested.
• Keep a record of questions that you still would like to address. The process from interview to hire can take months and it is important to not let important issues slide.
• Return phone calls immediately.
• If you are not interested, be sure to decline politely and immediately.

If you receive an offer, it is important to consider the pros and cons of the position before giving a response. Also, consider factors such as location, local culture and environment, compensation packages, and family concerns. You are completely within your right to negotiate a contract – seek legal council to review it with you before responding. Be flexible and be prepared to compromise in order to achieve the best resolution.

If you keep these tips in mind, you will be able to secure the position you want. At Kendall & Davis and Linde Healthcare, we know how hard it can be to find that perfect position and our recruiters are committed to helping you exceed your career goals. To begin working with one of our expert recruiters today, contact us at 1-866-480-3874.