Complete your interviews
KNOCK ’EM DEAD ON YOUR SITE VISIT
Your interview will typically be conducted through one or two on-site visits, lasting one to two days. Remember that you are going on a fact-finding mission. Much of your time on the interview will be spent being entertained, but there is a bigger purpose to your trip. The hospital or group is taking the time to see if you will be a fit for their practice. You should be doing the same. Make sure you get all of your questions answered. No one expects you to accept a job before you leave your interview, but your goal should be to figure out if you want the job by the time you leave. Having that goal will motivate you to ask more detailed questions.
You should gauge your own level of interest in the opportunity without considering money. Of course money will affect your final decision in a job offer, but it is a very good idea to know how you really feel about a particular opportunity without even considering the money factor. You can always say “no” if the compensation is unacceptable.
Taking a job solely because of an attractive compensation package is most assuredly the reason that many physicians stay in their first job fewer than two years. They failed to decide if they would be happy both working there and living in the community.
During a typical interview, you’ll meet with lots of physicians and hospital executives. Be on time, look sharp and make eye contact in a professional and friendly way. Stay away from alcohol, even on the plane before arriving for the interview. Relax, be yourself and ask questions. The more you are interested in them, the more likely they are to be interested in you.
EVEN IF YOU DON’T THINK YOU WANT THE JOB, DO YOUR BEST ON THE INTERVIEW
You can always turn down an offer later if it turns out not to work, but you can’t turn down an offer you don’t get. It’d be a shame to write off an interview due to misinformation about the position – then later discover that you really did want the job.
Your disinterest may have been so apparent that the employer never even considered making you an offer. But it is not unusual for a candidate’s circumstances to change in unexpected ways, such as an opportunity falling through. It is best to have options, so don’t burn any bridges. After your interview, send out thank-you notes, calls or emails to everyone who met with you. Remember, your goal is to get the job offer. If you don’t receive an offer, politely ask for feedback to help you with your future interviews.
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