1. SET OBJECTIVES WHEN YOU INTERVIEW: The purpose of your interview is to get an offer! If you like the opportunity and have come to the conclusion that the organization represents a situation for which you could work, ASK FOR AN OFFER! Remember, you do not have a decision to make, unless an offer is extended.
2. GET ORGANIZED! MAKE A LIST OF QUESTIONS: Write an outline or a list of questions that you need addressed, prior to accepting an offer. In that way, you will be able to raise those questions upfront. It also shows preparation, interest, and intent.
3. QUALIFY QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU ANSWER THEM: When asked a question by a prospective employer, determine the intent of that question prior to responding.
Employer: "Doctor, are you comfortable with doing Spine work?"
YOU: " Why do you ask? Is spine work an integral part of this position?"
4. DO SOME HOMEWORK: Prior to your interview, you may wish to explore the background of those individuals with whom you are meeting. If they are physicians, that information may be readily available. If they are a corporation, information would be available via the State in which they are incorporated. The Company may have a web-site, or collateral material that may be available, as well.
5. DRESS FOR YOUR INTERVIEW: When going to an interview, it is recommended that you dress "one step above' what would be considered your working attire. Simply stated, you do not want to under-dress, but, then, you do not want to over-dress. A conservative suit or dress, pant suit, or sport/jacket tie combination is typically expected. A specific agenda provided by the employer may also provide clues as to how to dress. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment. Obtain any necessary directions prior to your travel date. Also, insure that you have the employer's telephone number handy in case you are delayed for any reason.
6. LEAVE PETS AND KIDS ELSEWHERE: It is typically not appropriate to bring your children or pets on a formal interview. While it seems obvious, you would be surprised at how many times it occurs! Unless specifically invited by the employer, you should try to make alternative arrangements.
7. SPOUSE ON AN INTERVIEW: The spouse should go to the location to check out housing, schools, community, churchs, job opportunities, overall feel, etc.
8. DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF: You may very well be one of a number of candidates interviewing for the same position. You therefore need to stand-out from the pack! Speak in terms of what makes you different from others within your medical specialty. You should also present yourself in terms of what you believe you can contribute to an organization. Talk in terms of why you want the job and what you can contribute to be successful.
9. AVOID MONEY DISCUSSIONS: Discussions about money are usually awkward. It is advisable to avoid such discussions. You may opt for these responses, should a question about income expectations arise:
" I am sure that if I am right for this position, that you would make a fair and competitive offer."
" I am currently earning $XXX,XXXX per year and would certainly expect an income potential at least consistent and most likely an improvement over that."
Remember, if you are seeking more money than what may be offered, you will need to demonstrate that you are worth it, in terms of what you can contribute to the Organization.
Discussions about salary, bonus, etc. should be balanced with what you believe you can provide to the Organization, rather than what your personal needs may be. Afterall, it is not a prospective employer's responsibility to be responsive to your personal needs (debts, expenses, materiel wants, etc.) or financial situation.
"I need more money so I can pay off my student loans" is not your prospective employer's problem, afterall.
10. DON'T FORGET BENEFITS: In evaluating an offer, do not look strictly at income. Quantify benefits, as well, in order to properly assess or compare the total package. For example, some States, such as Florida, do not have State Income taxes. Therefore any offer from Florida, when compared to other options, could be as much a 5-7% higher in terms of actual take-home pay! And how about insurance, PLI, moving expenses, equity plans, etc. Examine not only what the offering means in the short-term, but also in the long-term. A lessor offer could turn out to be significantly more substantial if you were "to look down the road a bit!"
11. ASK ABOUT THE NEXT STEP: If an offer is not extended immediately at the interview, and you continue to be interested in pursuing the situation, ask the employer what to expect as a next step.
12. SELL YOURSELF: When you are at an interview, you should be selling yourself. The Employer is attempting to sell you on his/her organization, and you are attempting to sell the employer on yourself and your abilities. Don't be complacent. Aggressively seek out the position. If you want the position, demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position.
Ask the Employer what they are looking for in a candidate for this position. This should give you a good road map on how to respond concernng what you have to offer. Respond to the issues that the employer is seeking to address in terms of how you can contribute. Use past accomplishments to demonstrate your abilities.
13. ALL JOBS ARE NOT FOR YOU: Keep in mind that you will interview for positions in which you are not interested. You will also interview for positions that are not interested in you. Do not count on, or hold out for positions that do not make you an offer. If an offer is delayed, it is most likely that they are considering other candidates.
14. INFORMATION GATHER ON YOUR VISIT: If you are visiting a new community, be sure to gather as much information as possible about housing, schools, recreation, social and cultural attractions, religious offerings, etc. Many banks offer moving kits that contain much of this information; real estate agencies also have packets with similar materials. Visit the Chamber of Commerce. You should also plan to spend time in the area, in addition to your formal interview schedule. This will afford you the opportunity to experience the area and to better understand the community.
15. BRING YOUR CV AND CREDENTIALS: Bring a clean copy of your Curriculum Vitae with you to the interview. You may also want to bring other credentials with you in case you become involved in completing applications for privileges, etc. This would include Medicare/Medicaid numbers, DEA numbers, License verification and so forth. This will help expedite any processing and as well as project a very positive image of organization and thoroughness.
16. BRING REFERENCES: Whenever you apply for a new position, the employer will invariably request references. Bring a list of at least four (4) individuals that can serve as references for you. It is best to provide professional references (faculty, peers, associates). If you would appreciate confidentiality with regard to contacting your references, be sure to indicate such. You may also provide references to contacted only contingent upon an offer.
17. RESOLVE PERSONAL/FAMILY ISSUES PRIOR TO INTERVIEWING: Often issues that relate to moving, selling a house, transferring children out of school, etc. prohibit the consideration of a new position in another community. It is best to resolve these issues prior to interviewing with a prospective employer. Talk over the possibility of moving with your family and/or significant other prior to interviewing.
18. CONSULT WITH YOUR PRESENT EMPLOYER/ASSOCIATE: Prior to leaving an Organization, you should consult with your current employer/associate to discuss those issues, if any , that are causing you to consider options. Speak in terms of what you like and dislike about your current situation and what you would like to see changed and how. You can then measure the response in light of all options, including remaining with your current Organization.
19. SEND AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: After your interview, it is advisable to send a letter thanking your host. If you want the position, you should indicate such.
20. ASK FOR THE JOB: If you want the position, ask for it. And you want to ask for it in writing! Contracts are the usual conveyance of an offer. A letter of intent, should not a contract be available, is also an alternative. In any event, you do not have an offer, unless it is in writing.
RESOURCES FOR RELOCATORS:
See how far your salary will go:
homefair.com
Check out various neighborhoods:
homefair.com
Research school ratings:
schooldatadirect.org
Investigate home prices:
zillow.com
domania.com
Find out what it cost to move:
relocation.com/library/moving_calculator.html
Evaluate quality of life:
money.cnn.com/best/bplive
