Interviewing for a position as a physician is very much like interviewing for any other professional position. Though your skill is in high demand, putting your best foot forward is key to making a favorable impression. The traditional rules of preparation and etiquette of interviewing still apply to physicians, anesthesiologists, and other doctors, regardless of specialty. In fact, for healthcare specialists and physicians, there are even a few additional steps to take in order to have a successful interviewing experience and a subsequent offer for the position.
Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Pay close attention to your CV - ask an expert in the field to review it for content and proofread your CV for grammar, spelling and punctuation. A CV is not simply a listing of education, experience and qualifications; hiring decisions have an increasing emphasis on generic skills like teamwork, initiative and teaching/mentoring.
- Do not use the same CV for each position to which you are applying; customize it based on the facility and job description.
- An increasing number of positions use application forms instead of or in addition to CV’s so candidate information can be viewed in a standardized format and comparisons between candidates can be made more easily. Do not grumble about an additional application process and be sure to carefully review print and online forms before submitting. It’s nothing personal. The potential employer simply needs you to do it.
- Copies, copies, and more copies. Make sure to bring at least 4 (four) extra copies of your CV with you to the interview. You never know who might waltz in on your interview and you want to be prepared with a nice, clean copy of your CV on the spot.
- I can't believe I have to include this, but I've seen phenomenal candidates get rejected for positions for having wrinkled or folded CV's, or CV's with pencil revisions handwritten in, or smudge stains of jelly or God only knows what else on the CV given to the interviewer. Never, ever, ever is this okay. Let's face it. It is better not to give a CV at all than to give one that looks like it came out of a hobo's pocket.
General Job Interview Tips
- Learn as much as you can about the organization and its staff.
- Practice an interview with an expert in the healthcare recruiting industry who will provide honest feedback. If you can, practice an interview with someone who works in your specialty.
- Many health systems and corporations are now asking questions related to emotional intelligence and anticipated behaviors. Spend some time on the Internet researching these areas and be prepared to answer questions.
- Dress conservatively, be well-groomed, do not wear too much perfume or cologne, make sure nails and hair are trimmed and neat, and do not wear too much makeup or jewelry. You've heard this before, but seriously. It's true.
- Arrive before the scheduled interview time—you may have to complete paperwork first.
- Practice good eye contact.
- Always offer positive answers to questions and avoid negativity. The prepared candidate can put a positive spin on any topic or articulation.
- Focus your answers on your accomplishments and successes. Use specific examples and scenarios to demonstrate your experience and ability. Be careful, though. Don't talk too much. Know when to shut up. (Really! It's okay to say your piece and then simply shut up. You don't have to fill the silence. The last thing you want is to ramble your interviewer into an open-eyed coma while you painfully relay every last detail of your experience. Answer the question articulately, using concise examples if possible, nod your head slightly, smile, and shut your pie hole.) On that note, try to avoid opening yourself to areas of questioning that may be difficult for you to answer.
- Don't just answer questions. Be prepared to ask them, too! In doing so, you’ll demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and motivation for the position and organization. Just be careful not to ask obvious questions that are easily answered by company literature or a web site. This could make you appear unprepared and as if you did not research the opportunity and organization prior to the interview. If you're working with me on your search, you will be prepared and research is a requirement before interviews I'll arrange on your behalf. If you don't care enough to google a press release or read the "About Us" section on the employer's website, then you probably don't want the job badly enough. Both are a waste of my time, as well as my client's time and money.
- Ask for business cards. Not only can you add the names and numbers to your contacts, but you'll know to whom and where you should send 'thank-you' cards. While I encourage you to shoot a brief email thanking your interviewers for their time and reiterating your interest in the position, handwritten 'thank-you' notes are still a must. No one does it anymore-it'll make you stand out, and besides; it's the right thing to do. One should be thankful for opportunities to explore quality positions. Show it!
- If time permits, ask for a tour of the facility to get a feel for the culture and some of the people with whom you might work. Smile and be friendly to anyone and everyone you encounter on your tour. You never know who you'll bump into or pass in the hall. Shine-make them wonder who you are.
- Close the interview by expressing your thanks and restating your interest in the position. It's okay to ask for the job! Just not more than once and definitely not like an overzealous stalker. View my video on closing the interview for tips on how to properly conclude your meeting.
Now that you’re more prepared, it's time to line up interviews. That's where I come in. When you're ready to move forward, contact me for physician openings in your targeted geographic location. For approved physician candidates*, my professional marketing editors offer complimentary expert CV review & revision. My practice recruits a variety of specialties and works with companies, hospitals, and health systems all across the country.
Now that you've got the prescription, it's up to you to fill the order. Go get 'em, Tiger!
All the best,
Heather J. Ali
President
Heather Ali & Associates
Phone: (800) 991-6288
Fax: (888) 399-8474
Email: hali@heatherali.com
Web: www.heatherali.com
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