- Be ENTHUIASTIC! Showing enthusiasm and energy at an interview is very important. It is quite common that the most qualified individual will not to be offered the job because they do not covey the enthusiasm, excitement, or sense of urgency that a group is looking for. Leave the interview conveying strong desire, energy, and enthusiasm to work for that group.
- BE INTERESTED in them! Research the interviewing group, read recent news releases about the group and prepare questions to ask the interviewer about themselves and their company. Be sure to ask specific questions about the duties and expectations of the position. Write down 3-7 questions that will help you decide if this is the right opportunity for you.
Here is good example of an opening question to ask:
“Thank you very much for meeting with me today. I am somewhat familiar with your health system and your great reputation. I’ve had a chance to look at your website and have read about your latest achievements (be specific) in the Wall Street Journal. Can you tell me a little more about how that’s progressing….
And/or
“What are the current goals that the group is focused on, and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?”
And/or
“What are the most important things you’d like to see someone accomplish in the first 1 year on the job?”
And/or
“How would you describe the work environment here—is the work typically collaborative or more independent?”
And/or
“What types of skills is the team missing that you’re looking to fill with a new hire?”
- Be an effective communicator. Be thorough in your answers, but word them concisely. 1-2 minute answers are ideal!. Stay on topic with relevant conversation. Maintain eye-contact with the interviewer.
- Be confident. Determine the 3 most important assets that you bring to an organization above and beyond your colleagues (WRITE these down before the interview so you don’t forgot them and be prepared to give specific examples of how you have exemplified these 3). Examples may include creativity, work ethic, decision making, related to patients, working in a team, etc. What are the 3 things that you want the hiring manager to know about you that separates you from your peers?
- Be patient. DO NOT bring up or ask about salary, PTO, or other benefits until you are offered the position. We will happily consult you on those aspects of the position. However, it is highly recommend to say this at the end of the interview:
“Mr. Smith, I want to thank you for taking time to meet with me today. I want you to know that I am very interested and excited about this opportunity. In your opinion, do my skills meet the requirements that you are looking for?” If the answer is yes, you can ask what is the next step in the process.
Or
“I like what I have heard today and am very interested in moving forward. I understand you are looking for someone in this role who has (A,B, and C) and as we’ve discussed, I have (specific experience with A, B, and C). Before I leave, are there any more questions about my background or qualifications that I can answer or clarify for you to better assess my fit within your team?
- Use good judgment. NEVER speak ill of past or current employers or coworkers. When they ask: “Why you are looking for a new position?” This is an opportunity to SELL yourself. Reflect on what this new role requires and contrast what your current position doesn’t have that this new role does have. Never state that you are looking for more money.
- Listen well. Lack of focus and attention is apparent to any prospective employer. Plus, this is all information you need in order to make the best decision for your career.
- Say “thank you!” Shake hands and thank the interviewer for the opportunity. A follow-up thank you note also helps to reinforce your interest in the position.
Do and Don’t
- Do show up 5-15 minutes before your interview, not 20 minutes or 3 minutes early
- Don’t chew mint gum or a breath mint before entering the building
- Don’t take your cell phone into the interview
- Do print directions to the interview, as well as the person’s phone number in case you run late, 2 copies of your resume, a notebook/notepad with a pen
- A navy, black or dark grey suit is appropriate for most positions. Make sure all make-up, nail polish and accessories are subtle. Avoid perfumes/cologne.
…………………………….
Obviously, there are so many factors to consider before accepting a position….
- RVU and bonus packages. Some RVU or bonus packages are $3-20k on top of base and some are 50-$300k on top of base salary
- Tax free state? (AK,TX,FL,NH,SD,WY,WA,TN,NV) This can save $14-50k/yr in taxes
- Is the commute shorter? If so, how much gas money and time will you save with the new route?
- Finally, be sure to consult a cost of living calculator such as the one at https://www.bestplaces.net/col/ . $200k per year in Chicago, IL can decrease to $153,116 per year in Mount Vernon, IL to maintain the same standard of living.
- What the call schedule and is there compensation for it?
- What’s the volume of patients you will be required to see per day ?
- What portion will your employer contribute to your medical insurance premium? Carefully evaluate the quality of the new medical plan.
- What percentage will your employer contribute to your retirement fund or pension? 5% of your salary?
- Does the PTO include the vacation time, sick time, holidays, extended sick bank, CME time (and money), and family leave time that you want?
- Does this position schedule you in shifts that are better for you and your family?
Biggest factors:
- Is it a better clinical fit or a setting you would rather work in? Is this a good career step? Is this a good challenge for you?
- Does this company cultivate a culture, philosophy, and stability that benefits its employees?
Often it is better to sacrifice a little money to be in a better work environment.