The Keys to Successful Emergency Medicine Physician Interviewing | Face-to-Face Interviewing

Last month EMrecruits discussed the importance of On-Site Interview Planning by suggesting the best ways to prepare to ensure success.  Now we take a look at the next step in our 7-Step Guide to Successful Interviewing: Face-to-Face Interviewing.  

This is the time to learn as much about the opportunity as possible while simultaneously allowing key decision makers to learn about you.

Interview skills are an important part of implementing a career plan in a highly competitive marketplace and at this point in the process you are prepared. Role playing can help if you have difficulty opening up about yourself.

Utilize the fundamental rules of interviewing we suggest below, as well as common sense, during your face to face meeting. Remember to make sure you turn off your cell phone when you arrive.

1.  Stress Accomplishments

Your interviewer will want to know what distinguishes you from the competition. When asked about your accomplishments, be prepared. Develop a list of accomplishments, naming the most important first. Don't be modest or arrogant but take credit for your achievements!

2.  Use Examples - Tell a Story

Answer questions directly and concisely but vary the length of your responses. A two-hour interview devoid of examples and imagery is too theoretical. Use examples and imagery rather than lecturing to expand on points and issues. For example, cite diagnostic situations you have encountered and the resolutions you implemented to improve the patient care, the practice environment, etc.

3.  Let the Interviewer Talk - An Interview is 50/50

Be courteous to the interviewer and allow him/her take the lead - especially early in the meeting. Ask and answer questions - you want them to be interested in you while you learn about them – it should be a two-way conversation.

4.  Ask both Tangible and In-tangible Questions

Investigate the opportunity in-depth before your visit and be ready to ask thoughtful questions about the practice environment and organizational issues. Interviewers are impressed with candidates who show knowledge and interest in the position and organization.

5.  It Is Important to be You, but don’t get too comfortable

Be flexible by showing there is more than one way to handle a given situation. Avoid controversial topics, such as politics, religion and issues that generate strong emotional reactions. If you are pressed for answers on a subject on which you may disagree with the interviewer, be honest, but not argumentative.

It is the one who interviews best who receives the job, not the most qualified. You may be competing with people whose qualifications and accomplishments are very similar to yours.

Next Time - Questions to Ask: Interviews Are Not One Sided