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CV Writing Tips

ecoleman@brittmedical.com (Erin Coleman) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:23:14 GMT

Making your CV stand out

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Physician Phone Interview Etiquette

sbritt@brittmedical.com (Spencer Britt) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:11:33 GMT

How to shine during a phone interview

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Virtual Interview Tips

5c2becab@Shazamme.com (Shazamme System User) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:05:35 GMT

How to present yourself during a virtual interview

The interview has become a new world, for now, with the pandemic, and both prospective employers and physician candidates are adjusting

By Bonnie Darves , a Seattle-based freelance health care writer

Physicians and other health care professionals know well that functioning — and practicing medicine — in a pandemic is a very different and much altered experience from a year ago. Even though physicians and residents are often providing care in fraught and challenging environments, when it comes to looking for a new practice opportunity, they’re not likely to find themselves at the point of care but rather in their living rooms. Interviews have gone virtual in a big way as the risks and logistics of the traditional site interview have prompted employers and even candidates to forgo site visits.

What this means is that both parties are having to adjust. Employers are increasingly vetting candidates without ever shaking hands or watching physicians interact in live group settings. Physicians are trying to figure out how to put their best face forward over video platforms such as Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting, or Cisco Webex, to name a few, and how to make the most of what can be an awkward exchange.

The good news, for physicians, is that this is a new and evolving experience for all involved. As such, it’s important to keep in mind that many people, including employers and senior physicians on the call, might find the video virtual interview challenging. It’s not a technology-proficiency test, after all. However, on the technology front, physicians who find themselves in job-search mode during the coronavirus pandemic should do their best to prepare themselves, their environment, and their computers or devices for a successful meeting. The means “attending” the session as professionally as possible and ensuring that extraneous factors or technology don’t get in the way of a productive conversation.

Some of the prerequisites for virtual interviews are no different than they would be for a formal site-visit interview. First and foremost, look the part and dress professionally. It might feel awkward to don a suit or, for women, other formal business attire, but that’s a must. Physicians should be well dressed, well groomed, and reasonably refreshed when going to a video interview. In other words, treat the experience as if it were a formal site interview that you traveled to and prepared for in advance. Leave the casual demeanor behind, or at least in the other room.

It’s key to know exactly who will be on the video call and what their roles are, so that candidates can read bios and prepare accordingly. It’s also appropriate to ask about the length of the interview and to request an agenda, if one will be prepared.

Following are some of the most important considerations in preparing for a video interview:

Prepare and “professionalize” the immediate environment. For starters, the room should be well and brightly lit and the background clean and free of clutter. That means ensuring that there isn’t an unsightly stove or a television or even a stack of books or laundered T-shirts in view. As a background, a blank wall, an unembellished window, or a background cabinet with a non-distracting tasteful décor item all work well. Alternatively, many video platforms enable use of green-screen effects, which replace the actual background with a digital or virtual background. A word of caution is in order here: Candidates whose home environments are unsuitable and who want to use a background should opt for something clean and simple, not a potentially distracting image of a tropical beach, an old-growth forest, or a fake wine cellar. Finally, make sure that the lighting in the room is unobtrusive and doesn’t interfere or produce visible glare.

Do a trial run and then take the time to record a hypothetical session with a friend or family member. In advance of a virtual interview, candidates should receive specific instructions on the technology that will be used, as well as a link for getting into the session. For those who haven’t used the technology that will host the meeting, it’s important to get a trial subscription and ensure they’re familiar with the way it works and any features that might be used. Many physicians in primary care and internal medicine subspecialties have already had their trial by fire conducting patient virtual visits, but for others, video-meeting platforms might be new turf.

Get rid of noise and potential distractions. The interview setting should be quiet and calm. That means ensuring that background noises, including pets and family members, aren’t a factor. Ideally, opt for a completely quiet room — and house or apartment — if possible, and close windows to minimize street noise. Even minor background sounds, such as someone starting a washing machine two rooms away, can be bothersome enough to be overheard or, worse, distract the interviewee. Of course, it goes without saying that cell phones should be silenced and that all computer notifications that might chime during the session are turned off.

Ensure optimal body and face positioning. Even virtual-meeting veterans have likely found out the hard way that having the face positioned too far up or down, and the computer screen below eye level, can affect the experience. The interviewee’s head should be looking straight ahead, not down toward a keyboard, which could be very distracting to the interviewer(s). If a candidate is hunched over, for example, that will be visible to interviewers.

Having the computer or device properly elevated before the interview begins is key, so that the physician doesn’t need to make adjustments during the session. And once the session is underway, it’s important to maintain focus by not moving the head too much or looking off to the side. Even if that feels somewhat stiff, it won’t come across that way to the interviewer. It’s OK to use some body language, when appropriate, but that should be kept to a minimum because there’s not a large room to “absorb” it. Finally, physicians who aren’t sure how best to position their devices should ask for help from someone with virtual-meeting experience before the interview. In any event, the interviewee and the equipment should be positioned to enable natural-seeming eye contact between all parties.

Get the technology in order. First and foremost, ensure that the Internet connection is solid, and that the computer or device is fully charged and updated, so that it’s not likely to interject with an “update-needed” message. It’s also a good idea to close out any applications and websites that might be running in the background, not only because of potential distraction but also to ensure that the call loads efficiently.

Second, although computers and devices have built-in speakers and some have microphones, the quality of that audio experience can vary considerably. Physicians who expect to attend multiple video interviews or a period of a few months should consider purchasing and installing high-quality USB audio technology. One of the frequent complaints that business people make these days about video meetings that involve potentially multiple attendees is that poor-quality audio from an attendee’s computer is distracting.

The same goes for the video quality. Most laptops have an integrated web camera, but some might not, and older desktop computers likely don’t have one. If the video quality on the computer is poor, it might be worthwhile to purchase a good-quality web camera. Then, ensure that it’s optimally positioned — ideally above the screen, and look at the camera, not the screen, while speaking.

Finally, if the physician candidate might be asked to share a document or other item onscreen, preparing in advance is crucially important. Spending a fretful minute or two trying to get the requested item in view can be nerve-wracking for the physician and possibly annoying for the interviewer.

Some aspects of interviews haven’t changed

After physicians have prepared their environments and equipment to support a successful interview, they should remember that even with the pandemic, the expectation is that the proceedings will be business focused. Just because there’s not a conference room in the mix, it doesn’t mean that casual behavior is okay. It isn’t. The session likely will be conducted formally and highly professionally. As such, interviewees should avoid chitchat or lengthy discussion about the pandemic unless the interviewer raises the topic and seeks their perspective.

One thing to watch for in the video interview is that people sometimes talk over each other more than they might in a room, when they’re anxious to make a point. That’s never okay in a face-to-face meeting, and it’s potentially more distracting (and apparent) within the confines of a video session. Because there is sometimes a brief lag after someone speaks, depending on the technology in use, it’s advisable to wait an extra second or two before speaking.

As with any interview, candidates should ask questions at the end of the interview — about culture, team makeup, and roles and responsibilities — and during proceedings if it’s appropriate. Those questions should be prepared ahead of time. Candidate should also spend extra time researching the organization and reviewing any information that’s available online about both the practice and the community. Without the benefit of a facility walkthrough, the physician candidate might need to elicit important information about the actual working environment, available equipment, and other factors that would affect daily practice. It also helps to keep the names of interview participants handy in any virtual roundtable interview involving more than three participants.

As with any type of interview, timely follow-up is important. Candidates should send an email thank-you note to key interviewers and any recruiter or staff member(s) who arranged the session, ideally within 24 hours. If the candidate is highly interested in the position, it’s appropriate to express that in the thank-you note and to inquire about possible next steps.

*From https://resources.nejmcareercenter.org/article/preparing-for-the-virtual-physician-job-interview/

Interview Prep & Tips

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 22:29:08 GMT

How to Conduct Yourself Before, During and After the Interview

By Robert Kuramoto, MD, Assistant Medical Director, Christie Clinic, Champaign, Illinois

Your impressive, well-organized curriculum vitae (CV) and intelligent cover letter got your foot in the door. Or, perhaps it was through a networking contact. In any case, you’ve made it to the interview process. Now what?

While you may be excited, and maybe even a bit anxious over an impending interview, it is critical that you be prepared to take your appointment for employment seriously. The following is designed to help you during the interview process — including how to prepare beforehand, how to conduct yourself in the actual interview and what appropriate follow-up steps should be taken after your visit.

Research the Practice or Hospital

Research on the place where you potentially will be working is imperative. Never walk into an interview without doing your homework. Find out as much as possible about the hospital or practice. The Internet is a valuable tool in researching any practice or firm, however, most hospitals and practices will send you a packet of information prior to your interview. Call and request one if you don’t receive anything. And, of course, there’s always the tried and true method of asking someone who already works there.

How can you answer the inevitable “What can you offer us?” if you don’t know exactly what it is they do and how they do it? Find out how the organization is structured and if they have affiliations with other hospitals and health systems and medical schools. What is the ratio of primary care physicians to specialists on staff? Be ready to put your research to work for you. You need to show how your skills match existing programs, but also should be able to illustrate how your skill set and expertise might add something their current program is lacking.

Be Ready to Discuss Your Professional Goals and Personal Interests

Interviewers don’t want to listen to a complete rundown on your credentials. That’s what your CV is for. However, if you are particularly proud of something you accomplished, or had the opportunity to work with some extraordinary people in your field, you may want to mention that briefly as one of your major achievements or career highlights. Don’t assume that the interviewer is completely familiar with your CV. Often the interviewer is not the same person who initially received your resume, be prepared to summarize key points.

Interviewers want to know what kind of person you are — what you care about, what your interests are. In many cases, the people interviewing you are potential co-workers, and they want to know what it will be like to work with you. In discussing non-business issues, stay away from religion and politics — no need to offend anyone. Talking about things you care about — your daughter’s soccer team, your work in a local clinic for the needy, your passion for fly fishing — is always a safe bet..

Be Ready to Sell Yourself

Without being pompous, be prepared to sell your qualifications, expertise, and strengths. Also be prepared to answer any questions that may arise regarding your CV, particularly any gaps in training or job history, switch of residency programs or questions about where you attended medical school. Depending on your answers, some of these could be red flags to interviewers. However, often times there are perfectly legitimate — even admirable — explanations. For example, one young resident had a year-long gap between medical school and residency because he took that year to attend theological school in hopes of being better prepared to serve his patients.

Remember when selling yourself, that there’s a fine line between being confident and obnoxious — don’t cross it. As the owner of a practice or the head of a department, your interviewer is looking for someone who will be a positive reflection of his or her office. Often interviewers will even ask themselves, “Would I want this person treating my friends, family or even my children? "

Act Like This Is the Only Interview That Matters

Playing hard to get has no place in an interview setting. This doesn’t mean you should hint at an offer in the first five minutes, but it does mean you should act enthusiastic and genuinely interested in the position. Few things will turn an interviewer off more than a feeling that you are not at all interested in this job and that you are wasting his or her time. Interviewers are not likely to hire someone they believe is not enthused about their practice. People want to hire people who want the job. Never go into an interview confident that you already have the job — that attitude almost always results in a non-offer.

Prepare a Comprehensive List of Questions

One of the best ways to appear enthusiastic about the opening is to ask questions. Many recruitment specialists say the questions you ask (rather than the answers you give) are the key to a good interview. Before you go into an interview, write down a list of everything you need to know in order to make a decision about a job. Of course, you’ll want to know about the practice but don’t forget to ask about the community and quality of life in the area as well. Find out about employment opportunities for your spouse, schools in the area, and religious institutions. Often, practices will arrange tours of local schools, churches, synagogues, and other places of worship, as well as higher education institutions if you inquire prior to the interview.

Speak Positively about Your Experiences and Don’t Disparage Former Employers

It doesn’t matter how bad they were to you, do not, under any circumstances, speak ill of former employers or managers in an interview. It will make you — not them — look bad.

Review Your Travel Itinerary to Ensure Punctuality

This may sound like a no-brainer, but hospitals and strange towns can be confusing places. If you are driving to the interview, check out the address and parking availability prior to your interview. Or, if air travel or trains are a part of your itinerary, confirm your travel arrangements with the recruiter’s coordinator and make sure you allow extra time for unexpected travel delays or traffic.

Dress Professionally

Even if you’re interviewing with a small-town practice that has a fairly casual atmosphere, dress for success. No matter what the size or location of the practice or hospital, this is a place of business. Present yourself as if you understand that.

Bring Your Spouse, if Invited

If you are married, a spouse can be an important part of the interview mix. Your first job after residency often entails a move. Employers know that a spouse can play a key role in the decision-making process and often will help in finding employment, schools, etc. Just a note: if your spouse tends to dominate conversations, be sure to talk with him or her prior to the interview. Remind your spouse that this is your interview and that you need to do the majority of the talking.

Don’t Avoid the Subject of Money, But Don’t Dwell on it Either

In a first interview, it’s perfectly acceptable to inquire about money, although it is often recommended that you reserve this discussion for the end of your session. This is not the time for hard-core negotiation, but here are some questions deemed appropriate for your first meeting.

What is the salary range?
I have a guaranteed salary for the first two years, but what is my future earning potential once I go off the guarantee?
What might I be at risk for in the future?

These questions should give you an indication of whether the compensation for the job falls within your acceptable range. You can delve deeper into the money topic in subsequent meetings with questions such as:

What are the benefits and perks?
What are the patient demographics?
What will my responsibilities be beyond patient care?
How will my performance be measured and rewarded?

Schedule Strategically

Don’t put off scheduling the interview. It looks like you’re not interested and sends a bad message before you even have a chance to visit. Try to avoid Monday appointments, as they are often too hectic for everyone involved. Late afternoon interviews may also not be the best time, as people tend to be more fatigued toward the end of the day, and you will want to make sure you have the interviewer’s full attention.

Send a Thank-You Note after the Interview

In a world full of e-mail and faxes, the handwritten thank-you note is in danger of becoming a lost art. Never underestimate the power of a brief, handwritten note. It shows you care enough about the position and the interviewer(s) to send a personalized thank you. Take the time to get the correct titles and spellings of the names of people you met — attention to detail will be noticed. Also, let it be known you are available to provide any additional information required or to answer any questions that may not have come up during your visit.

The bottom line is this: every new job is an important step in your career. Take your job search seriously. Never take any job for granted or discount an opportunity before you’ve fully explored it. At any interview, be sure to act as though the open position is the job for you. You never know, it just might be.

*From https://resources.nejmcareercenter.org/article/interviewing-skills-for-job-seeking-physicians/