1. Remember the goal of your interview is to get a job offer whether you want the job or not. DON'T BE NERVOUS!  It is all downhill now.  You are a valuable commodity to this prospective community and practice.


2. Arrive at your best on time, never be late, and if you are married, bring your spouse, if at all possible. Most groups are all the more impressed knowing that both the physician candidate and spouse are both interested in the job and the community. 


3. Resist the temptation to dress too informally. The dress code at almost all hospitals is a shirt and tie. You should assume that your competition for the job will be wearing a tie, be well groomed and present themselves in a professional manner during the interview or dinner. Keep in mind that in most cases you are being interviewed as a potential medical group business partner, one of the most intimate personal and financial relationships you will ever have.


4. Be prepared. Get as much info from your recruiter as you can. Know something about the hospital and as much about the group as you can. You will be able to research some of this information on web sites via the Internet. Also, be prepared to discuss your professional interests and goals, but also remember that having personal interests outside of work presents a picture of a well rounded person.


5. It is extremely important to offer a firm handshake, to tell your full name upon meeting / greeting anyone that you interview with. This means if there are 4 people in the room, go up to each one individually extend your hand, state your name, let them know it is nice to meet them, and let them feel your countenance with a smile.


6. It is advisable to take notes during and immediately following visits. Don't forget to have an agenda with Questions for them. Keep your responses as specific and direct as possible. (See Suggested Interview Questions on the Web under the Candidates Tab)


7. Don't spend all of your time on clinical discussions. Personality and work style match are critical components in making a long-term relationship work with your future partners. Ask your future partners what personal and work style values they are looking for in a physician. Ask them how they make decisions. Ask them about the office staff and how they get along with one another and the physicians. You should also talk about how you work and interact with physician colleagues and how you get along with hospital nursing staff. Most practices are interested in knowing that you value collaboration and cooperation with consultants and that you value the nursing staff's role in patient care.


8. Accentuate positive things about your self, STRESS your STRENGTHS, never lead anyone down a path of where you have made mistakes or your failures. Always go back to the positives.


9. Don't be shy to ask "What are you looking for and what can i do for you"? Make certain that you obtain the details and requirements of the job. You will want to know what the group's expectations are regarding work schedules, evening call, week end call, raises, bonuses and qualifications to become a partner. Your expectation should be that any verbal offer or commitments made during the interview or over the phone need to be confirmed in a "letter of intent" or contract that your legal advisor should review.


10. Be yourself. If something comes up with which you are not comfortable (e.g., taking night call on Wednesdays, the time you coach your child's sporting event or have a family obligation), then let the group know. Also, if at the end of the interview you are very interested in the position, it's O.K. to say so. Tell the group you are very interested in the job and why you would be a good member of the group. You would be surprised how many candidates never let the group know of their interest in the job, leaving the group with the impression there is little reason in going to the next step. Good luck.

Ten Tips for Physician Job Interviews written and ©2008-2009 Steve Cannon