Rocky Mountain Medical Search |
Preparing for the On-site InterviewCongratulations! You have your on-site interview scheduled. Don’t go without preparing first. The primary challenges involved in the interview process are presenting yourself in a favorable manner and gathering detailed data about the opportunity.Although there are many factors of an on-site interview that are out of your control, one critical factor that you do control is the way you choose to present yourself. Preparing in advance for this presentation should include both mental and physical prep. During the interview you will be judged by your physical qualities but to a greater degree the interviewers will be analyzing your general competency, intelligence and overall personality style. In order to present yourself in the best light it is important to prepare by first reviewing probable questions you will be asked. In addition to organizing your response to these questions, review your strengths, review the major themes in your life, consider your major accomplishments, and think of the passions you would like to share. Finally, think over the career options and choices you want to pursue. Questioning today will likely follow behavioral patterns. Large healthcare employers often ask questions such as “When was the last time you went over the top for a patient?” or “Tell me about a recent conflict you had with a patient (or supervisor, or colleague) and tell me how you resolved it?” They may present a scenario with a disgruntled family member, or a missed diagnosis resulting in pending legal action, and ask for your reaction. It would be helpful to prepare for these kinds of questions before the interview. How you answer these questions will give the interviewers an idea of your management style, your ability to resolve conflict and stress and your general outlook on life. Another key aspect of preparing for an interview is gathering pertinent information. Gathering data in advance will give you an advantage in the interview situation. Your understanding of the recruiting organization can help guide the questions you may have and how you ask them. If the recruiting organization offers a website you can learn much by reviewing it. The employer’s mission statement, ownership status, affiliations, and other factors reveal a small portrait of the corporate setting. In addition to gathering information it is critical to evaluate and scrutinize the data. While evaluating it is important to focus on the strength and stability of the opportunity. Consider both the organization’s strengths and weaknesses within the work environment (facilities, colleagues, support staff, management). Judge what factors matter most to you and how well the opportunity matches those criteria. Ask yourself what their position in the marketplace is, future growth, competition, participation in managed care panels, and their overall financial strength. Are the physicians enjoying their work? Is general morale high or mediocre? Can you see yourself working with these physicians? Can you see yourself working with the administration? In addition to considering the organization’s characteristics it is important to establish what criteria matters most to you in regards to the community setting. Does this community match your requirements for size, cultural opportunities, schools, proximity to family or to an airport. Can your religious/spiritual needs be met in this community? Will you be comfortable living there? Can you see yourself as part of that community? Will your spouse be happy there? Can he or she find work? Can your children find the activities they enjoy? The day of the interview, remember to dress conservatively. Men should wear shirt, tie and jacket, and women should wear suits or a simple and conservative dress. Wear little or no jewelry. Remember to check your shoes to be sure they are clean and polished. Arrive early and observe the waiting room and staff members. You can learn a lot about a practice by watching the person who answers the phone and greets the patients. Also bring a notebook to take notes on any significant information that may be shared during the interview or questions that you may want to follow up on. Carry several copies of your CV with you, someone you meet with may not have seen it. You may wish to include a disposable camera in your bag, sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words!. Finally, at the end of the day, bring closure to the interview through asking what the next step is and expressing your current interest. If you want this job, let them know. And very important, within a few days, send a well written thank you note to all people you met with, including the principals of the practice and the administration of the hospital. If you really want to make a hit, send a thank you note to the support staff, thanking them for helping make the interview go smoothly. This speaks well of your good manners, and introduces your name again in a positive light after the interview is over. Good Luck! |
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