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An Interview Guide For Success
THE KEYS TO SUCCESS
KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT AND HOW TO INTERVIEW
Whether you are a resident about to embark on your career, or a practicing physician looking for career advancement, the job search process can be time consuming and confusing. Based on our many years of recruiting experience, we have identified some practical tips to assist you in defining your career path and guide you through the entire interviewing process.
Self-Assessment Prepares You For A Successful Interview
If you are uncertain about your career path, plunging into the job market makes little sense. Interviewers quickly eliminate candidates who are unsure of their direction. Self-assessment is the first and most important step in any job search.
Self-Assessment Questions
What are my key competencies?
What are my personal concerns?
Frequently Asked Interview Questions
General
Strengths and Weaknesses
Quality of Service and Patient Relationships
Personal Attributes
Contributions
Risk Factors
Conclusion
Telephone Interview
Most practices will have a brief telephone interview with a candidate before setting up a site interview. Telephone screening offers an introduction and gives some level of assurance that you are appropriate for the opportunity. Remember the impression you make during the telephone interview determines if there will be a site visit. Unqualified candidates are screened out over the telephone. If you are unprepared or ill mannered on the phone, you may not have an opportunity to go to the next step. Don't lose your momentum by falling short on the phone interviews when a potential opportunity comes calling.
Always Sound Alert and Interested
Enthusiasm will increase your chances of landing an all-important site interview.
Eliminate Background Noise
You will seem unprofessional or inattentive if there is background noise such as radio, television or children. Avoid any unnecessary disruptions. Do not answer other phone calls.
Write Down the Caller's Name and the Hospital
Refer to the hospital and the caller by name during the conversation. Follow up with a letter, even if you have only had a phone discussion.
Be Prepared
Keep your CV, appointment book and a list of questions you have near the phone.
Ask Questions
Ask questions to show interest. Stay focused on the opportunity. Do not ask about salary or benefits. Get the interviewer talking about himself/herself.
Give Concise Answers
Think of questions that might be asked beforehand. Don't waste the caller's time by being unprepared and rambling.
Inquire About the Next Step
At the end of the conversation always ask what the next step will be. Ask for an interview and know your availability. Remember the telephone not only helps impress potential employers but also allows you to explore various opportunities without taking time off.
Be Flexible in Scheduling an Appointment
If you have impressed them enough to get an interview, maintain the positive image and momentum by being readily available.
Interview Preparation
Do your homework. Remember there is always competition for a good opportunity. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be for you to stand out against the competition.
Confirm your appointment. Make sure you have accurate directions and phone numbers, in case of problems.
Dress professionally. You do not have a second chance to make a first impression. You should wear a conservative suit, and have a neat and well-groomed appearance.
Be on time. Employers look for emotionally mature adults with sound, rational judgment. Your prompt arrival indicates your interest in the opportunity.
Bring a clear copy of your Curriculum Vitae, along with names, addresses and phone numbers of your references.
Concentrate on selling yourself and finding out if this position is for you. (If you impress them, then your dollar value will naturally increase).
What is your wish list? (Geographics, call coverage, salary, community, family needs, etc.)
There is no such thing as a perfect opportunity. If you look for everything on your wish list, you may miss the best opportunity by searching for something that doesn't exist. If 50 percent of your wish list is met, you have a good match.
Never discuss money on the first interview, you will appear money-motivated. If asked what kind of offer you are looking for, your response should be, "I will consider your strongest offer." This will prevent you from giving a figure that is too high or too low, which could take you out of the running because they can't afford you - or generate an offer less than desired. If and when they offer you the position, discuss the offer with your recruiter and he/she will guide you.
You have no decision to make until you have an offer. Your goal in any interview is to get an offer. If you like what you see, don't leave without one. Never be afraid to ask for the position.
Site Interview
Interview Skills
These are the finer points of marketing yourself ... subtly. These skills are an important part of implementing a career plan in a highly competitive marketplace. Common sense may cover interviewing basics but you seldom realize the finer points of a successful interview without research and practice.
Utilize the basic fundamental rules of interviewing we suggest below, as well as common sense, in all job-hunting situations. Doctors who are accustomed to interviewing patients often do a poor job when they sit on the other side as a candidate. You must prepare for the interview - especially, if you have been out of the job market for any length of time. Make sure you turn off your cell phone when you arrive.
Stress Accomplishments
Administrators want to know what distinguishes you from the competition. When asked about your accomplishments, be prepared.
Develop a list of accomplishments, naming the most important first. Don't be modest or arrogant but take credit for your achievements!
Use Examples
Answer questions directly and concisely but vary the length of your responses. A two-hour interview devoid of examples and imagery is too theoretical. Use examples and imagery rather than lecturing to expand on points and issues. For example, cite diagnostic situations you have encountered and the resolutions you implemented to improve the patient's overall health.
Let the Interviewer Talk
Be courteous to the administrator and let him/her take the lead - especially early in the meeting. Size up the interviewer and interject comments that will allow you to control what should be a two-way conversation.
Ask Solid Questions
Investigate the opportunity in-depth before your visit and be ready to ask thoughtful questions about the practice environment and organizational issues. Administrators are impressed with candidates who show knowledge and interest in the position and organization.
It Is Important to be Yourself
Be flexible by showing there is more than one way to handle a given situation. Avoid controversial topics, such as politics, religion and issues that generate strong emotional reactions - but don't always agree with the interviewer. In some instances, interviewers try to trap the candidate into agreeing with a senseless observation or opinion. If you are pressed for answers on a subject on which you may disagree with the interviewer, be honest, but not argumentative.
It is the one who interviews best who receives the job, not the most qualified. Some candidates are too brief with answers to questions regarding hobbies, family and spare time activities. These questions can be an essential way for the interviewer to see your humanity and often mean the difference between receiving an offer or a rejection. You may be competing with people whose qualifications and accomplishments are very similar to yours. The administrator and others in the organization want to know that you fit in with the culture of the organization. The most critical part is marketing yourself. Remember that your poise may be tested with some tough questions so be prepared for those that delve into situations where things did not work out well. How you handled a difficult situation successfully would be a point to pursue. Know in advance what you are going to say and how to present it. Close the interview with the impression that you are the best candidate. Ask questions so that the interviewer knows how interested you are. Don't forget to ask for the job if it's something you want.
Specific Questions You Might Ask During The Interview
General
Physicians
Education
Community
Billing
Personal Issues
Patient Information
Money Concerns
What is the compensation plan? How often are increases made? Are you an employee or on partnership track. What expenses are you responsible for, and what is covered by the group/hospital? What is the malpractice insurance and who pays the premiums?
Practice Setting
The Office
Housing and Family
After the Interview
Write a thank you note. Although e-mail thank you notes are acceptable, a handwritten note is best. It should be brief - tell them you enjoyed your meeting. Express interest in the position and in hearing from them soon.
Keep a record of questions you still have that will need to be addressed. The entire process from interview to hire can take a few months. By writing down your thoughts, you will be able to stir your memory on issues that may become important later.
If you get an offer. If you are interested in the job, you should have a good idea that an offer is coming, before it is actually extended. Communication is the key - stay in constant contact with the hiring authority. Have an attorney review the employment contract. Return phone calls to your future employer immediately. Time kills all offers. If you are continuing to interview, they are doing the same. Move quickly and you will secure the opportunity you desire.
If you are not interested, be courteous in declining and do it immediately.
SUMMARY
The keys and tips in this guide are designed to give you the basic skills necessary to help you find the opportunity you desire. If you are using the services of a recruiter, you should take advantage of their knowledge and expertise to help you with your preparation. Practice the tips and refer to the guide regularly and you will have a distinct advantage in your quest for your ideal job.