Interview Process

Interviewing for a professional opportunity is an important process. You should first assess a practice’s general characteristics.  Once you have decided these characteristics suit you, then work out the details. Use these areas of questioning to help decide if this practice is right for you, and if you are right for this practice.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself:

• Location– Does the location meet your family’s needs/desires?
• Practice Characteristics-  What is the working relationship like between doctors and staff?
• Quality of Care– How does the practice improve patient outcomes?
• Office Management-How frequently does the office measure patient cycle time and flow?
• Practice Stability– What kind of reserves or financial backing does the practice have?
• Work Expectations– How many Patients will you see each day?

About interviewing
The interview should be about you and the practice deciding if you would be a good fit.  The potential employer/partner will be assessing your personality type and clinical skill levels to see if you are an ideal candidate.  You should also make observations during the interview of things you like and dislike about the potential partnership.

Before the first interview
Decide where you want to practice, the type of practice you are looking for, and so on—identify the ideal practice characteristics before you send out your résumé. Your cover letter should be concise, engaging, and persuasive. Communicate why your background and interests have led you to apply for the position and why you would be a good fit. Limit the cover letter to one page and have a friend or colleague proofread it for spelling and grammatical errors. Your résumé or CV should highlight your accomplishments and skills. For examples of résumés and CVs, consult online sources, such as the National Institutes of Health.

At the interview
Always be well rested, prompt and well dressed for an interview.  Try to relax and be yourself.  Be professional and try to establish a rapport with your interviewers.  Show that you possess good people skills, make eye contact and smile. Listen carefully to the questions and be as responsive as possible in your answers. Give concise examples from your work or life to back up what you say.

Questions you might be asked:

• Why do you think you are a good fit for this practice?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• Describe a few difficult patient interactions and how you dealt with those situations.
• Describe how you respond to work pressures.
• Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years? How does working in our practice fit with your professional goals?
• What do you like most about your specialty?
• What are your interests outside of practicing medicine?
• Tell me something about yourself that is not on your résumé/CV.