Career Planning
|
Preparing for Your Interview
Outline Your Questions
Refer to all the information provided thus far in introductory calls, phone interviews, email correspondence, and any preparatory material you’ve received.
Use this information along with your research to identify any gaps in information and details you may be missing. Identify what items you would like to explore further by sending an email, requesting a quick phone call, or preparing a specific question for your onsite interview.
Refer to all the information provided thus far in introductory calls, phone interviews, email correspondence, and any preparatory material you’ve received.
Use this information along with your research to identify any gaps in information and details you may be missing. Identify what items you would like to explore further by sending an email, requesting a quick phone call, or preparing a specific question for your onsite interview.
Attention to detail at this point will ensure a more efficient and productive site visit and will also showcase your diligent and thoughtful preparation.
This can give a strong impression on your competency, professionalism, and seriousness about the selection process. Those who make the hiring decisions definitely notice which candidates seem most serious about the position.
Review Your Goals, Preferences, and Needs
One of most important aspects of the job search is your clear understanding of what you are looking for in your ideal position.
This will help you select the practice best suited for your professional needs, personal priorities, and short- and long-term career objectives.
Hopefully by this stage you have completed the following assessments. If so, refer back to them prior to your site visit. If not, be sure to do so now.
Once you have completed this work, you will be able to assess the practice against your needs and ensure the best match possible.
It can be challenging to keep the nuances and specifics of different practices organized, especially if you have several on your evaluation list.
Here is a worksheet to help:
Organize Your Interview Questions
By now you should have your list of deal makers/breakers, a good understanding of the practice and hospital, and a list of any areas needing further exploration.
You’ve given thought to the questions your interviewers are likely to ask you. It’s now time to prepare your list of interview questions for the practice.
Interview days can be a whirlwind. If it is well structured, you should be meeting lots of different people who will give you a well-rounded impression of the practice.
Be prepared to answer the same question multiple times. It can sometimes be difficult to get all of your questions worked in to the mix, so it pays to be organized.
Some Helpful Tips
If at all possible, be sure to get a copy of your interview itinerary as far in advance as possible. You’ll want to organize your list of questions based on the people and disciplines that you are meeting with. Be efficient.
For example, you may not want to spend a lot of time talking with the Medical Director about how C-sections and the delivery room are covered if you will also be meeting with the resuscitation team later in the day.
You certainly want to get different perspectives, i.e. you want to hear about relationships between providers and nursing staff from both providers and nurses. But try to focus detailed questions toward those most in a position to give accurate, concise answers.
As you move through the interview, be sure to focus your questions on learning about your ability to perform the job and be professionally and personally satisfied first.
Save the discussions about comp, benefits, and perqs until last. Hopefully they will have been brought up for you by then, but if not, then it is appropriate to ask when that discussion typically takes place.
Refer to the following references as you draft questions you need to ask:
At the end of the interview, be sure to review your deal makers and deal breakers one last time. Clarify any remaining questions on that list.
On your way home, perhaps while waiting at the airport, be sure to take notes on your planning worksheet to capture as many answers you received to your questions as possible. Especially if you have multiple interviews, it will be difficult to keep things straight.
As soon as possible after your interview, be sure to send a thank you note to as many people as possible whom you met with. Yes, email is fine for this, and in many cases preferable these days.
Absolutely don’t forget the secretaries, admins, or “handlers” who guided you through your day(s). Don’t underestimate the sway they have in your candidacy.
