The physician job search includes many stages. The initial phone interview can often be overlooked, but knowing how to navigate it can help you make a good first impression and move on to the next step of the interview process.
You may have emailed back and forth with a recruiter or exchanged a few messages, and now it’s time to discuss the opening, organization and your qualifications in greater detail.
You want to express interest and promote yourself, but similar to dating, you don’t want to come on too strong. Also, like dating, you always want to be the best version of yourself. It may feel like the pressure’s on, but there are ways to prepare and put your mind at ease so you can be yourself and get the second date.
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Know the purpose of the initial interview
As you’ve prepared for your interview process, you may have thought about what you want in a practice, what questions you’ll ask in an in-person interview and what you want in a contract. But have you given thought to how you’ll conduct yourself in an initial, less formal phone interview?
This preliminary conversation serves as a stepping stone for the rest of the interview process. It allows the employer to assess your qualifications, personality and communication skills before deciding whether to move forward with an in-person or virtual interview. This will be their first impression of you.
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Do your research
To make a strong impression during the initial phone interview, it is essential to thoroughly research the organization and the position for which you are applying. Learn the organization’s mission, values and goals. If they align with yours, it will be that much easier to talk about your interest in the organization and what attracted you to it.
Familiarize yourself with the requirements and responsibilities of the role. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine excitement about the position.
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Prepare responses
You won’t be able to anticipate every question you’ll be asked, but preparing thoughtful responses to common physician interview questions will help you effectively articulate your thoughts. Look into some possible topics and questions you might be asked and think of how you would answer them.
You don’t want your answers to sound scripted, but if you focus on sharing your clinical expertise, problem-solving and communication skills and passion in an authentic and natural way, you will win over your interviewer. Loosely rehearse your responses, paying attention to tone, clarity and confidence.
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Share experience and skills
During the initial phone interview, it is crucial to highlight your unique achievements and experiences as a physician. Emphasize your clinical skills, research contributions, leadership roles, and any other relevant accomplishments. Providing specific examples of how you have made a positive impact will demonstrate your value as a candidate.
The recruiter will know about your training and experience from your CV, so share information that might make you more relatable or show how your knowledge and skills make you the best fit for the opening.
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Be professional
Find a quiet and distraction-free location for your phone interview. Minimize background noise and make sure you are in a spot with a good connection, so your phone doesn’t cut out or drop calls.
Use your best manners and be just as interested in the recruiter and what they have to say about the positive attributes of the organization and position as they are in you and your experience. In this initial phone interview, they are going to be more focused on who you are as a person than who you are on paper. Being polite, personable, charismatic and professional will get you far in this initial screening.
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Listen – Really listen
Active listening is imperative during the initial phone interview. Pay attention to the questions and comments made by the interviewer. This will help you remain engaged and lets the recruiter know you are concentrating on what they’re saying. Take brief notes to help you remember key points. Being an active listener shows good communication skills and also demonstrates your interest in the position.
Following these steps will allow you to put your best foot forward in the initial phone interview and hopefully be invited for a follow-up in-person or virtual interview.
For more interview tips and information on the physician job search, visit Magazine.PracticeLink.com.
June 8, 2023
