Interviewing 101
Medical professionals tend to view interviewing differently than do mainstream business candidates, and, although there are differences, it is basically the same ... it is a business meeting between a prospective employer and a prospective employee. It is not a formality. It is a business meeting that could change your life.
An interview has one basic goal - to build value in yourself, to gather information, and to get to the next step. You should approach all interviews in a positive manner and remain positive during and after the interview. You do not have to decide whether or not you want the job before or during the interview. You can always say no later after you think things over. Careful planning and attention to detail are essential to making a good impression, and convincing the employer that you are the right person for the job.
Although many of the following items may seem like basic common sense, our experience is that a high percentage of candidates are eliminated by lacking the proper grasp of the situation they are in, and therefore performing poorly.
By far, the most common mistake and reason for rejection is to enter the interview focused on yourself - your salary requirements, your other offers, and basically asking what the employer can do for you. This is opposed to a proper strategy of building value in yourself by presenting to the employer what you will bring to the practice.
Here is a summary, based on our years of experience:
SIX GOOD WAYS TO GET YOURSELF ELIMINATED
1. Focus on what the practice can do for you.
2. Be the first one to mention compensation.
3. Forget that you are at a business meeting.
4. Fail to dress appropriately for a business meeting.
5. Discuss your personal problems.
6. Discuss religion, talk about your faith.
HERE ARE SOME DO'S AND DON'TS
DO
1. Research the practice if possible (at least see if they have a website).
2. Dress for success. Bottom line.... appearance counts. This is a business meeting. Our experience tells us that a business suit is the best way to go.
3. Practice your answers to difficult questions.
4. Be on time.
5. Mirror the handshake(s) of your interviewer(s). If the interviewer has a firm handshake, return it in kind. If theirs is weak, don't overpower them with yours. Generally, people don't like either wet noodles or vice grips.
6. Be energetic and enthusiastic.
7. Sell yourself. Give the employer a reason to get excited about you.
8. Ask good questions.
9. Get across your agenda. Talk about your strong points even if you are not asked about them directly. Plan how to make an opportunity to present your strong points.
10. Be as flexible as possible when talking about your availability to start the position.
11. Send a thank you letter to each person with whom you met.
DON'T
1. Don't focus on what the practice can do for you, but rather what you can do for the practice.
2. Don't wear cologne or perfume (you don't want the interviewer to be allergic to you).
3. Don't smoke immediately before the interview.
4. Don't wear trendy or casual clothing.
5. Don't assume that the interview is merely a formality. Always sell yourself.
6. Don't talk about dissatisfaction with the practice of dentistry/medicine.
7. Don't complain about your current or past employers. Express your reasons for leaving as a positive statement of what you are looking for, not a negative statement of what you want to get away from.
8. Don't interrupt the interviewer.
9. Don't talk too much or too little. The best interviews are always a two-way conversation between you and the interviewer.
10. Don't talk about money until the employer raises the issue.
11. Don't use foul language.
12. Don't discuss inappropriate personal matters. Remember, this is a business meeting. Although an employer wants to get to know you personally to determine if you will work well together, they do not want to know about your current personal problems.
13. Don't discuss controversial subjects. Don't brings up politics, religion, abortion, gay marriage, etc... If your interviewer does, don't offer your views and change the subject fast.
GUIDE TO DINING AND DRINKING
One of the most difficult things you may have to do in an interview setting is go with your interviewer(s) to a restaurant for lunch or dinner. While this may be a wonderful opportunity to visit a great restaurant and to meet with your interviewer(s) in a more social setting, meals are fraught with potential pitfalls for even the most eloquent interviewees. Remember, your potential employer is watching everything you do and is observing how you might handle yourself in other situations.. Here are some tips:
1. Never order an alcoholic beverage during a lunch - even if your interviewer does.
2. If your interviewer orders an alcoholic beverage at a dinner meeting, you may also, but never drink so much that you are intoxicated - even if your interviewer does.
3 Don't comment on the prices on the menu - even if the lobster does cost $50.
4 Try not to be the first person to order and, when you do order, make your order similar to that of your host. In other words, if your host orders only an entree, don't be tempted to order an appetizer, a salad, an entree, dessert and coffee. In addition to the fact that your interviewer may believe your order is inappropriate, remember that you have to continue to carry on a conversation while you are eating all that food.
5. Order something easy to eat.
6. Don't be difficult with the waiter or waitress. If there is a minor problem, ignore it. If there is a problem that needs to be addressed, do so as graciously and inconspicuously as possible.
7. Don't hit on the waiter or waitress!
8. Remember to say thank you to your host.
Handled properly, interviewing can be an enjoyable, interesting and informative experience. Using these guidelines and spending time to prepare for each interview will put you miles ahead of other candidates and give you the best chance of receiving an offer for the position you really want.
