As you make your way through the job search process, one of your last and most important stops is the onsite interview. This is a chance for the hospital or provider group to see if you are a good fit for them and your chance to do the same.
Use these 6 tips for a successful onsite interview:
1. Communicate with your recruiter.
Before walking into your onsite interview, you will have a set itinerary for the day. Review these details beforehand and prepare for the time you will spend at the facility. If there are any specific details you are interested in seeing or discussing further, you should communicate these well in advance so that arrangements can be made.
2. Dress professionally.
As the first in-person meeting, you want to make sure you are looking your best. Not only will your professional clothing present better, but it sometimes will add an extra boost of confidence. As the saying goes, “look good, feel good.” Business attire is appropriate – slacks, sports jacket and tie for men. Dresses/skirts or business suit for ladies.
3. Be on time.
Time is valuable in the healthcare industry. Make travel plans in advance and prepare for any traffic or other delays as much as possible. We always advise showing up at least 15 to 20 minutes early. This will give you a chance to get settled and take one more look over your schedule and prepare for the day.
4. Do your research and ask questions.
Take ownership of your visit and walk into your interview well-prepared. You should have a basic understanding of the facility, hospital and/or health system and the community. While doing your research, if you see anything about the facility worth addressing or have any questions, this is the perfect opportunity to ask.
Facility and community research are not the only important points to hit ahead of time. Try to learn a little something about each of the people you will be interviewing with. This will be your first insight into how well you connect with some of the leadership team members.
Going into your interview, you should know the basics of the job expectations, compensation structure, etc., if you have connected well with your recruiter. The onsite interview is your chance to probe further at each of the topics and get an overall feel for the working environment.
5. Ask for contact information of other providers for more insight.
While you will be meeting several members of the leadership team during your interview process, it never hurts to talk to those who are not leadership. This gives you the opportunity to see how others feel about the working environment and how happy they are in their current positions.
6. Send follow-up emails.
Sometimes the most important thing you will do comes after the interview. Follow-up with each person you met while interviewing. Even if you are not interested in the facility, it’s important to maintain a good relationship and use this as a chance to build your network, not burn a bridge. Sending a simple thank you email or letter will make a great impact and show your respect for everyone’s time. This is also your chance to provide constructive feedback if you have any. Whether the feedback is positive or negative, it is always appreciated.
In a perfect world, the site visit should be the finishing touch to your process – not the beginning. A candidate that knows nothing about the hospital, community or what they are really wanting is not a candidate that is destined to impress the leadership of that organization. This is a chance to get all of your questions answered and truly gauge your interest in the position. It is important to remember a hefty compensation package does not always mean it is the right fit.
Check out our blog post “Looking Beyond the Salary,” to guide you through the questions you shouldn’t shy away from in an interview. For even more information, download our Ultimate Physician Interview Guide.
