Developed by: Presented by:

The Successful Job Search:From Preparation to

Closing the Deal

Session 2: Interviewing Tips

Presenter may insert organization name and/or logo here – logo must be proportionate to ASPR Logo

Acknowledgements

• ASPR would like to acknowledge and thank the following organizations that contributed to the development of this presentation:

• Baystate Health• Bright Health Physicians of PIH• Cleveland Clinic Foundation• Dean Clinic• The Nebraska Medical Center• Upstate New York Physician Recruiters

What Do I need to Know?

• Timelines – When Do I Start Looking? • Self-Assessment – What Do I Want?• In-House v. Out-House• Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter• And The Search Begins! • The Interview – Tips and Expectations• Compensation and Benefits (Session 3)

• Contracts and Negotiation (Session 3)

The Phone Interview

• Pre-schedule a time convenient for you when you will have no distractions (on-call nights are not a good idea)

• Set aside adequate time

• If you are unable to make the call or foresee distractions – request to reschedule

• Use a phone line with a good connection

The Phone Interview

• The phone interview could make or break an invitation for an on-site interview

• Be PREPARED!− Prepare a list of questions− Check out the practice and community websites− Get names of key decision makers

• Communicate honestly

• Remember…they can’t see your face− Be enthusiastic and sincere− Be aware of the tone of your voice

The Phone Interview

Questions to Anticipate:• Why are you pursuing this opportunity?

− Type of Practice you are looking for− Type of Community you want− Lifestyle needs

•Questions regarding malpractice history, license suspensions or restrictions, etc.

•When would you be available to start?

•Discuss any visa related issues

•Behavioral Interviewing is being used more frequently – prepare for these questions

The Phone Interview

Questions to Ask:• Organization structure, Partnership, Call,

Benefits, Malpractice, etc.

• Why are they recruiting? Growth? Retirement? Replacement? If a replacement, try to find out why

• Physicians – who are they? Training, duration in organization, group personality dynamics, etc.

• Community/Lifestyle/Personal Needs

The Phone Interview

• Salary should not be your first question – ask later on at an appropriate time

• Ask for an information packet on the organization and community

• Ask what the next step is – often you will have another phone call prior to being invited to interview

Evaluate

• Decide if this is a job you’d consider accepting before taking the time to interview – you only have so much time to devote to interviews – use it wisely

• Pre-employment (or pre-interview) credentialing paperwork may be required

• Be sure to complete whatever paperwork is requested ASAP!

Preparing for the Interview (Site Visit)

Preparing for the Interview (Site Visit)

• Continue to do your homework

• Consider special concerns you would like addressed while visiting the community:− Schools− Cultural activities− Religious activities− Sports/Leisure activities− Spouse’s career− Other…

• Share these with your in-house recruiter!

Interview Tips

• Bring your spouse or significant other

• Be prepared and READ all materials that have been forwarded to you

• Dress and behave professionally

• Bring copies of your CV

• Be punctual

• Turn your cell phone OFF

Interview Tips

• Make eye contact

• Smile!

• Use a firm handshake

• Remain positive throughout the visit (even if you’ve answered the same question 5 times)

• Be yourself – we want to know who you are!

Interview Tips

• Behavior-based Interviewing is prevalent:− Premise---Past behavior is the best predictor of

future behavior− Sharing specific ‘true stories’− Helps determine fit with the organization’s culture

• Example Questions:− Tell me about a time…− Describe for me…− Give me an example of a specific

• 3 Elements of Your Response (SBO):− Describe a specific past Situation you’ve

encountered− Relay your Behavior related to the situation− What were the Outcomes?

Interview Tips • Understand the expectations of the practice:

− Clinical− Cultural (mission, vision, values and how you’ll fit)− Productivity (how structured)− Path to Partnership (time and buy-in/buy-out details)− Call (ratio & format)

• Other topics to address:− Practice and Administrative Structure / Governance− Market setting, competition, group reputation, − Patient and payer mix− Mentoring− Marketing the new practice− Support staff, office, equipment, technology, etc.− Scheduling − Referral patterns and specialist support

Interview Tips

• Assess the Community: is this a place you and your family could be comfortable living?− Tour the area with a realtor to assess the housing

market − Visit schools or daycares− Visit grocery stores, restaurants, shops − Evaluate the cultural and recreational opportunities

available –• attend a concert or event while on your visit• visit the local gym, dance studio, • go on a hike, play golf, ski, etc.• check out the local craft store

Post-Interview

• Promptly send Thank You notes to all involved with your interview

− Hand written notes go a long way!− At a minimum, send an email

• Follow-up with any questions you have

• Be responsive to additional requests for information

• If NOT interested; be honest right away

• If you ARE interested, begin to make a list of your negotiation points

Next Session

• Understanding and Negotiating Contracts• Compensation• Benefits• Malpractice Insurance• Offer Process• Contract Terms• Negotiation• Closing the Deal