An invitation for an onsite interview typically suggests that your resume caught the attention of a hiring manager or recruiter. While reaching this step is cause for celebration, it is important that you take the necessary steps to prepare for your onsite interview.
The healthcare industry can be incredibly competitive, so putting effort into preparation and proper conduct will go a long way. Many practices use a physician recruiting firm during the interview and hiring process to help identify the best candidates; take these healthcare interview tips into consideration to prepare and make an impression.
Work With A Healthcare Recruiter
Working with a recruiter can give you an advantage during the interview process. Ask them to help obtain specific information about the opportunity in advance. Recruiters can help coach and customize the preparation for your interview so that you are equipped to
Preparing for A Site Visit
There are several steps you can take to prepare for the onsite interview process.
Do Your Research
Prior to your onsite interview, you will want to learn as much as possible about the company and the opportunity. Many companies have a website where they lay out their core values.
As you are conducting your research, be sure to understand the position’s responsibilities and how it fits into the organization. Take careful notes of any questions that arise during your review so that you can address them during the interview process. This will show employers that you have a genuine interest in the role and the practice.
Dress Professionally
An onsite interview means you should strive to dress professionally; this does not mean that you need to wear a three-piece suit, but you will want to dress in clothes that show you are serious about the position. For an onsite interview in the healthcare field, dressing neatly is a good way to demonstrate your professionalism.
While there are no hard and fast rules concerning onsite interview attire, it is best to err on the side of being more conservative.
Don’t Be Late
Being late is inexcusable. You need to allow plenty of time for your trip so there are no excuses. If you know traffic conditions will impact your travel time, factor that into the equation and alter your schedule accordingly.
When possible, you should arrive sufficiently early to ensure you are in the right place. As a rule of thumb, you should strive to arrive 30 minutes ahead of time; doing this will give you time to account for any unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic, and allow you to mentall prepare for the interview.
Showing up earlier than you are expected also demonstrates your ability to manage your time well. If you walk into your interview 15 minutes early, you will show how serious you are about this opportunity, which makes a great impression.
Make a Good First Impression
When you arrive for your site visit, there may be several candidates interviewing on the same day. Competition is inevitable in the healthcare industry, and while it is important to do sufficient research about the position and the facility beforehand, you should also strive to stand out by making a good first impression.
Avoid Distractions
When onsite, you should turn off your cell phone and avoid checking your email until after your interview is finished. Appearing distracted during an interview or facility tour can lead to a negative perception of you as a candidate.
Be Polite
During your interview, it is essential that you prioritize good communication. That means making eye contact, smiling when appropriate, maintaining good posture and body language, and staying calm and professional. Making an effort to be polite, well-spoken, and direct shows that you are poised and confident in yourself and your abilities.
Ask Good Questions
Asking questions shows that you are interested in learning about the position and will also help you determine if this opportunity is a good fit. It’s important to come prepared with smart questions to ask, such as:
- How does this position fit into the company’s overall strategy?
- What are some of the day to day tasks I would be expected to complete?
- How does this role support peers and work with other departments?
- What are your expectations for performance in this role, both initially and over the long-term?
You can also ask specific questions referencing the job description or the facility to demonstrate your preparedness and interest.
Take Advantage of Downtime
When onsite for an interview, you may have downtime between interviews. Take advantage of these periods by exploring the facility (after receiving permission to do so) and networking with fellow candidates as well as employees you encounter. These are potentially valuable contacts that can help move your career forward, even if you do not receive or accept a job offer from this facility.
Going the extra mile by following up after an onsite interview will reflect positively on you and make your interview more memorable. Even if you are not offered this role, healthcare recruiters will be more likely to consider you for future roles if you make an effort to follow-up.
Onsite Physician Interview Tips
Going to an onsite interview as a physician can be both stressful and exciting. Physicians should take the time to prepare for their interview in the following ways to ensure they are properly equipped and informed.
Know What You Want
Do not go into an interview without being clear on what you are looking for in both a practice opportunity and a team environment. Having this clarity will allow you to be able to ask informed questions to determine if the role is right for you.
Learn About the Practice or Hospital
Prior to your onsite interview, do some research about the practice/hospital itself. Doing so will give you an idea of what to expect during your visit and allow you to ask more targeted questions during your interview. For example, if the facility has recently remodeled their emergency department, you could inquire about this process to demonstrate your interest and knowledge.
Prepare In Advance
Having the necessary materials ready can help you move through the interview process as efficiently as possible. What this means is you should gather your resume and any printed material, such as cover letters or work samples, well in advance. By doing this, you will save time when it comes to meeting with hiring managers or physician recruiting firms; you will also prove your dedication and organization skills.
Sell Yourself
While you should be prepared to answer questions regarding your curriculum vitae and qualifications, an onsite physician interview is not solely about your experience. Your interviewer will want to get a sense of your personality and how it will complement their existing team dynamic.
Recruiters and hiring managers will likely ask questions that encourage you to provide more specific examples of how your skills or experiences could benefit their practice, and taking advantage of these opportunities can help you prove your value and experience.
Study Common Questions
Typically, interviewers will ask you some of the same questions. For example, they may want to know why you are interested in joining their practice/hospital and how you handle difficult situations.
Questions for onsite physician interviews may include:
- What are your greatest strengths?
- How do you stay informed about current events in the healthcare industry?
- What do you hope to accomplish here?
- How do you collaborate with other physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals?
- How do you discuss difficult or unpleasant topics with patients and their families?
- What are your methods for building rapport with your patients?
- Can you describe your experience working with electronic medical records?
- What value do you feel your experience and skills can add to our practice?
While this is not an exhaustive list of what you could be asked during an onsite physician interview, considering these examples can help you prepare for how you might respond to similar questions.
Get More Onsite Interview Tips From Pinnacle Health Group
Physician recruitment firms are often responsible for hiring qualified candidates in hospitals and independent practices.
By considering what recruiting firms look for ahead of an onsite interview, prospective physicians and other healthcare professionals can ensure they meet requirements, make a lasting impression, and demonstrate their commitment and expertise to interviewers.