Healthcare Staffing Solutions, Inc.  954-752-9897

Interviewing Tips

For most practice opportunities interviewing is more of an art than a science. It is essential that you are well prepared prior to speaking with a representative from a physician group or hospital-based practice. One of the benefits of working with us - we will prepare you for each interview. There are two types of interviews:

►  Phone Interview - The goal of the phone interview is for the client to invite you in for an on-site interview. HSSI will provide additional information about the client/area and will arrange the time for the phone interview.

► On-site Interview - This is your opportunity to meet the members of the group, hospital administrators and support staff. Visit/evaluate practice and hospital facilities.

The most important aspect for a successful phone and on-site interview is your enthusiasm about the practice opportunity and the community.

Phone Interview Preparation

► Have access to your CV.

► Have access to your schedule.

► Have a list of 2-4 "big picture" questions - such as:
• How long has the practice been in existence?
• What is the group's overall philosophy?
• What is your service area?

►  Have 2-4 specific questions - such as:
• Why are you recruiting?
• What are you looking for in an ideal candidate?
• What is the typical work week?
• Who refers into the practice?

► Conduct the phone interview in a quiet place.

► Do not take notes during the phone interview, but rather make notes after the call. Focus on what the client is asking you and answer each question in a brief, thorough manner.

► Do not ask about the financial package.

► State your interest in the position.

► Define what the next step will be. When you finish with the phone interview, contact your consultant and update him or her of your level of interest in the opportunity.

Now that you have successfully made it through the phone interview, the next step is the on-site interview. Like the phone interview, the most important aspect during this step is your enthusiasm for the opportunity.


On-Site Interview
As you interview, the only goal of the on-site visit is to secure a contract offer. Premier opportunities will have multiple candidates applying for the position.

► The Day of the Interview:
• Arrive 10-15 minutes before the interview. Do not be late for your first appointment.
• Be confident, make good eye contact and smile.
• Bring a copy of your CV.
• Dress in conservative business attire.
• Assume everyone that you meet with, including the receptionist or realtor will be providing their evaluation of you to the decision-makers.

► During the interview, be prepared with a list of questions such as:
• Why are you recruiting?
• Could you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
• How many new patients does the practice see in a week?
• How many patients does the practice see in a week?
• What is a typical day like for the physicians in the practice?
• How long have you been with the group/hospital?
• Are there Saturday office hours?
• How does the call schedule work?
• Who refers into the practice?
• Is the group/hospital growing?

Do not ask questions about compensation. This should be directed by the practice or hospital. We will know the starting offer and what the potential is after two years. We will coach you on the appropriate response for this question. The next step is to be prepared for the questions that will be asked of you.

► Know your CV and be ready to explain each detail from your choice of medical school to residency/fellowship to any research and extracurricular activities that may be listed.

• Are you board certified? If no, when do you plan to be board certified?
• Why are you seeking a new opportunity at this time?
• Describe a typical work week including call schedule.In your specialty do you have a focus or something you would like to do?
• What are you seeking in a practice?
• What is an ideal call schedule for you?
• What would other physicians say about you?
• What would nursing staff say about you?
• What compensation are you seeking?
• Do you have any ties to the area? NOTE: This is a very important question because the more ties you have to the area, the better your chance of receiving an offer.

► As you finish the interview, it is important to ask the practice or hospital, what is the next step. If you are strongly interested in the practice opportunity, LET THEM KNOW before you conclude the interview. At the conclusion of your interview, you can expect to be evaluated on:

• Perceived interest/excitement about the opportunity.
• Are you a long term fit for the practice?
• Do you have a strong work ethic?
• Are you board certified?
• Do you have a clean malpractice history?
• Will you be able to start in a timely manner?

We are your personal consultant during this process and will do everything we can to help you secure your ideal opportunity.