As summer transitions into fall, senior residents across the country will begin to think in terms of the light at the end of the tunnel — residency graduation and first “real” jobs as physicians and surgeons. Toward that end, many will pass through a series of interviews while attempting to seek out the best fit for themselves as members of the podiatric community and the medical community at large. Some will enter into practices as associates, others will buy-in as partners or will elect to start out on their own and build a practice from the ground up, and still others may elect to pursue additional education and training in the form of fellowships. Regardless of the path that you choose to follow, there will come a time when you find yourself in an interview, either with a potential employer, partner, or bank officer, determining whether or not to provide you a start-up loan.
 It is said that “Fate favors the prepared” and nowhere is this more true than when facing an interview. It is important to research and prepare much like you would do when faced with a new surgical procedure or technique so that you can be at your very best when it matters most. Interviewing is a skill, just like suturing or maintaining your position while performing an osteotomy, and each of us can improve with practice.
Listed below are a series of starting points to help hone your interview “skills:”
1: Right Place, Right Time
Confirm the time and venue for your interview 24 hours beforehand, and don't leave your journey to chance. Make sure you have up-to-date timetables for public transport or if you're traveling by car, leave time for parking and other hold-ups. Arriving early is always better than arriving late.
2: Dress Sharp and Smile
You are selling yourself as a physician and surgeon – look the part. You'll be judged on your attitude as well as your appearance, so greet your interviewer with a firm handshake, make eye contact and flash them a winning smile.
3: Fact Find, Feel Fine
Prior to your interview, research the job opportunity and practice or group that you are interviewing with. If possible, talk with others who may have worked with those individuals in the past. Research your interviewers, if you know who they will be, to better prepare yourself for the free-form discussion portion of the interview –remember, they are interviewing with YOU as well – you want to make sure that they’re what YOU’RE looking for.
4: Anticipate questions, Prepare Answers
Interview questions normally fall into four categories: You as a person; your work history, skills and experience; the company; the job. Through these questions, the interviewer is looking for an insight into your personality. Put yourself in their shoes. What would you ask? Brainstorm your answers with a friend, and practice, so that you’ll feel comfortable answering when the heat is on. Be ready to discuss challenging cases or patient situations –they may want to know how you have dealt with challenging situations in the past.
5: Don't be Coy, Sell Your Skills
Consider your skills, strengths, achievements, and the areas where there's room for improvement. If you have spent time considering what you have to offer, you'll feel more comfortable presenting these strengths to your prospective employer.
6: Be Prepared, They May Want More
Have extra copies of your CV available (you never know when your interview with one person may transition to an interview with many – this actually happened to me!). Be able to expand on the elements contained in your CV. However, make sure the additions to your answers add value. Don't be long winded for the sake of it.
7: Need to Present? Practice What You're Preaching
If you're asked to make a presentation, keep the content short and simple. If you have been asked to present for 15 minutes, make sure you have not completed it in five, or that you're still talking after half an hour. If you do not have a great deal of experience presenting to groups, practice ahead of time until you can deliver your talk with minimal anxiety.
8: Ask Them Questions, Consider Their Answers
There comes a point in every interview when you'll be asked: 'Have you got any questions?' The worst answer you can give is no. Not having questions means you’re not interested. Think hard about what aspects of the job are important to you, and ask the pertinent questions.
9: Take Notes, Get Noticed
Don't be afraid to take notes. Not only does this look professional, but jotting down your interviewer's answers could come in useful as a reminder of important points if you're called to a second interview.
10: Exit Gracefully, and Then Follow up with a Thank You.
Leave the interview in a polite and assured fashion, meet the interviewer's eye, give them a firm handshake and smile. If you are interested in the job, follow up with a thank-you letter. This shows you're enthusiastic and organized and may set you apart from other applicants in the interviewer's mind.
These interview tips are just ten of many, and I am certain that each of you have your own tips and suggestions that you’ve learned from your previous interview experiences. Remember that every interview will be different, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll learn something from each one. Throughout your career you will have the opportunity to interview for a great many opportunities – Learn good habits now!
All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.
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