ACING the INTERVIEW

By Lyn Walsh and Wayne Ganong

Sometimes you only get one shot at an opportunity. An interview with a practice could be your one shot at finding your perfect career fit. Here are some tips to help you make that interview a success.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Define who you are. Take time to list what’s important to you. What are your priorities, your needs, your wants? What makes you happy? How do you want to practice ophthalmology? What are your goals, personally and professionally? Be honest, and be realistic.

Do your homework. Where is this practice located? Does the area offer what you want professionally AND personally? Are there recreation options nearby? Housing? Cultural events? Social outlets? Review the practice website. Research the doctors in that practice. Are these people you want to be associated with?

Talk to your spouse and family. What do they need to be happy? Can your spouse find employment in the area? How is the education system? Is it a safe area? If your spouse and family are not happy, the opportunity will ultimately fail.

Prep your CV. Is the information updated, complete, and applicable? Is the format easy to read? Triple-check for spelling and grammar errors! Prepare a list of professional references. Print it on good resume paper and have extra copies with you during the interview. Carry them in a nice binder, along with a notepad and pen for making notes during your meetings.

Prep for interview questions. Anticipate questions you may be asked, and practice your answers out loud. Compile a list of questions you want to ask during the interview.

Look the part. Your appearance speaks volumes, so look like the professional you are. Get a haircut. Shave. Wear a clean, professional outfit that fits you well (suit for men, suit/dress for women). Shine your shoes. Brush your teeth. Do not chew gum.

Be on time. Tardiness is rude, and will not reflect favorably on you.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Meet & greet with confidence. Greet everyone with a firm handshake. Smile and maintain eye contact. Have a good attitude. Reserve opinions on sports, religion, and politics. Humor is OK, but only in good taste. Avoid any distracting or annoying habits, such as foot tapping or knuckle popping.

Notice the office chemistry. Do you like the office? Do people seem to enjoy their work? Does the office “personality” fit your style?

Speak up. Answer questions directly and honestly. Maintain good eye contact. Use tasteful humor, if appropriate. If you need a minute to gather your thoughts before answering, say so. Make notes, as you won’t remember everything later.

Get the scoop. Make note of the name & job title of everyone you meet. Make sure you have the information you need before you leave.

Do you understand:

• The philosophy of the practice & your role
• Current ownership & management structure
• Why they are seeking a new physician
• Where will your patients come from
• Compensation formulas & earning expectations
• Practice locations & where you will be working
• Co-ownership opportunities
• Starting date
• Timeline for the practice’s selection process
  

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Say thank you. Send a printed or handwritten note of thanks to each person you interviewed with. It tells the practice you have a sense of courtesy and etiquette, and it provides an opportunity to reiterate your interest. You can send an email, but follow-up with hardcopy.

Think about it. Give serious thought to your opportunity. Does it fit your personal & professional goals? Would you & your family be happy there?

The interview is a critical part of finding the right practice for your career. By following these tips and staying true to yourself and your goals, you can find the right fit.

For more information and tips for finding the right practice, log onto the Future Focus website and click on “The Interview Process”.

* * * *

Lyn Walsh and Wayne Ganong are Eye Care Business Advisors with Allergan, Inc. They can be reached at walsh_lyn@allergan.com and ganong_wayne@allergan.com.

This is a small sample of the resources available through the Future Focus® website, which also offers extensive coverage of contracting norms and negotiation, considerations for fellowship opportunities, detailed instructions for determining the viability of a solo practice, and many more tools. Current members can sign in through the link below. If you’re not a member, you can use that same link to register, allowing you full access to this invaluable information at no cost. Good luck! And let Future Focus® help you make the decision that’s best for you!