Interviewing Tips

The Telephone Interview

The initial contact between the Physician and the Hiring facility is extremely important. The interview process usually begins with a telephone conversation between the applicant and a person responsible for making hiring decisions for the facility. The telephone interview should be scheduled at a time when neither party will be interrupted. This time of introduction gives the person representing the facility the opportunity to discuss specifically what the job entails and while the physician relays his/her specific requirements, each determines whether to continue further discussions.

The Site Visit

If mutual interest exists, a site visit is arranged. Interview expenses including airfare, car rental, food and lodging are usually covered by the hiring facility. The physician may choose to make arrangements him/herself and receive a reimbursement check from the facility. Either way, payment details should be worked out before any arrangements are made. During the site visit the physician will interview with the administrative and/or clinical personnel, meet the other physicians and staff, tour the facilities and the community.

Preparing For Site Visit

Your prospective employer will be giving much time and attention planning for your site visit. You should also spend adequate time preparing. Following are suggestions for making the most out of your site visit.

• Decide if your spouse or significant other will be traveling with you. If yes, determine whether it is appropriate to spend the interview time together, apart or some of each.
• Involve your spouse and/or significant person(s) in your life in the search process. Determine together where you want to practice and what is important to you in finding the right practice.
• Review the itinerary in advance so you will be mentally prepared for your daily events.
• After you have looked over your itinerary, alert the employer to any additional people you want to meet or things you want to see.
• Find out the practice's reputation in the community.

Questions To Ask

Before you venture to your first on-site interview, create a thorough list of questions to ask. Typically, location and practice details are going to be the primary considerations; therefore it may be useful to divide your questions into categories.

The Practice

• What kind of practice is it?
• Are there academic affiliations?
• How many Radiologists on Staff? Their Training and Interests?
• How many Fellowship Trained Radiologists are there and what are they trained in, what areas?
• Where will I be working? Do I have to go to other locations, and if so, where are they?
• Are their any Out Patient Imaging Centers and if so, where are they located? Do I get to see them?
• What kind of Equipment Do you have? How old is it?
• Do you have Teleradiology Coverage? If so, how is that structured and who does it?
• What is the Volume of Work that I will be Expected to Do?
• How many cases will I be reading per day? What kind of studies do you do On-site versus refer out?
• Any kinds of Services and Studies that you do not do or that are not adequately covered?
• What Modalities do you expect me to do and any special procedures that are expected?
• What is the age, size, and condition of the office?
• What can you tell me about the support staff?
• Who manages the office on a day-to-day basis?
• How many nights and weekends would I be on call?
• Are the cross covering physicians compatible?
• Do all the Radiologists in the Group get along? Any major problems in the Group?
• Is there a genuine need for another Radiologist? Why are you recruiting for another Physician? How many Radiologists do you need or are you expecting to hire in the next year? Can the Practice absorb them?
• Who are your Primary Referring Physicians?
• What is the Payor Mix like?
• What is Reimbursement like?
• What is the Malpractice Climate like in this community?
• Are there adequate Radiologist Specialists in the area to cover the caseload
• If I'm a Fellowship Trained Radiologist with Specialty Training and Expertise, will I be doing mostly work in my Subspecialty area, can the practice support it?,
• How long does it take to get licensed in this state?
• What are the ages of my partners? How many partners in the Group?
• Do all the Radiologists in the Group get along? Any major problems in the Group?
• What are their work styles?
• Is there a group philosophy?
• Is this a Partnership Track Position?
• How many years to partner?
• What is the income potential?
• How long would it take me to get there?
• What are the buy-in arrangements?
• When would I get an equity position?
• How much would it cost? How would I pay?

The Location

• What is the size of the community?
• What are the local economic conditions and rates of unemployment and inflation?
• Is the area attracting new business?
• What are the demographics?
• Is the local population increasing or decreasing?
• Is there a medical school in the area?
• Where will I be conducting my research and CME?
• What can you tell me about the climate?
• Is the area prone to any natural disasters?
• Are there cultural amenities for my family to enjoy?
• How do the schools rank compared to the rest of the state? Nation?
• Are private schools available? Colleges? Universities?
• Is there public transportation available?
• What kind of health-care services are available locally?
• Do the local churches or temples fill my needs?
• What is the average cost of the type and size of house I am looking for?

The Offer

At the end of the site visit, one of four things will happen.

1. An official offer will be made (see Negotiation Strategies).
2. All of the staff who met with the candidate will determine whether an official offer should be made.
3. A second site visit will be scheduled. Expect to take your spouse/ significant other on this visit.
4. The client will proceed interviewing alternative candidates.

Generally this stage of the interviewing process goes slow, so be patient. If the position is the ideal one for you and you are very interested in it, make it known to all parties concerned.

The Physician Recruiter

How do you determine whether to utilize the services of a recruiting agency? When contacted by a physician recruiter, determine professionalism and recruiting expertise by asking the following questions:

• What is the firm's background?
• How many years in business?
• What is the Physician recruiter's background?
• How long has he/she been involved in Physician recruiting and how successful has he/she been?
• How long has he/she been with this employer?
• Does the firm work on a contingency or retained basis?
• Does the firm do Locum Tenens placements?
• What kind of physician opportunities does the firm represent?

During the initial conversation with the recruiter, expect to disclose professional information including medical experience, educational background, certification and state licensure, as well personal information such as salary expectations and relocation preferences. Be as specific as possible about WHERE you wish to practice, WHAT you're looking for in a position, and if you have any absolute needs for yourself, spouse or children. Also indicate if there are any special circumstances that the recruiter must know about your candidacy.

Once you have thoroughly questioned the recruiter and he/she has interviewed you, you need to trust your instincts. Keep in mind that a recruiter's main focus is to make that "perfect match" for the physician and the client represented. The key is to always have open communication at all times during the interview process.

A Good Physician Recruiter can help you tremendously and save you much time, effort and energy in finding an excellent opportunity. They have a lot of information that they can share with you and guide you along.

Interviewing Tips

When preparing for a site visit with a prospective employer, keep the following things in mind. They will assist you to be mentally prepared for the interview.

• Get a Good Night's Sleep - This will help you be focused and prepared to interview.
• Be Prepared - Find out everything you can about your prospective place of employment. Ask a lot of questions, take notes, do your homework.
• Dress for Success – Professional Business Attire, Suit, Tie, the works!
• Be Punctual – Be on Time or Even Early.
• Make a Good Initial Impression - Smile, firm solid handshake, handshake, maintain good eye contact, address the interviewer by name. No foul or unprofessional language, crude comments or cheap jokes.
• Be courteous -Do not talk negatively about previous employers. Also, hold your questions until an appropriate time.
• Be Confident about yourself, your training and what you have to offer.
• Give specific examples – Point Out and make it clear to the important decision makers what makes you the best candidate for the job.
• "Close The Sale" so to speak - At the end of the interview, clearly indicate your level of interest in the position.
• Follow-Up - Send a thank you note the next day. Follow-up by phone after one week if you have not already heard from the recruiting agency or the employer.

As previously mentioned, this stage of the interviewing process goes slow.

For additional tips on perfecting the interview process, visit www.job-interview.net

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