The Successful Job Search:
From Preparation to
Closing the Deal
Session 2: Interviewing Tips
Developed by:
Presented by:
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:
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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?
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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
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3 Elements of Your Response (SBO):
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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:
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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:
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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