Four Qualities that Physician Recruiters Look for in a Quality Candidate
by Megan Landgraf, Physician Recruiter at Woodland Healthcare, Woodland, CA
Have you become disillusioned by your specialty? Are you looking to run away from your current job situation? These are NOT qualities hospitals and medical groups are looking for when hiring a new physician.
When interviewing a candidate, I judge how well they will fit our organization by focusing on a few key characteristics.
Good Bedside Manner
Patients want a physician who can listen, understand, and acknowledge their concerns with genuine interest. When counseling patients and their families, it’s critical to actively listen and show compassion. In today’s multicultural community, physicians also need to be empathetic to different cultures and their views on coping with illness.
Interpersonal Relationships
Physician recruiters seek to hire a physician who is going to be a good fit in their organization. Are you a team player? Motivated? Willing to be a leader? Keep in mind that when you arrive for an interview, how you act toward staff and others is noted. Rude behavior reflects poorly on you.
Professional Enthusiasm
Employers look for a candidate who is passionate about his or her work. If you truly enjoy what you do, there’s a spark in your eyes when you talk about your profession. Sometimes it’s the little things we notice that speak volumes. Your attitude and actions reflect your passion; they leave a lasting impression on physicians, staff and patients.
Commitment to the Community
You may be asked why you are leaving your current position in the big city to come to a small town. Hospitals, groups, and communities need stability in medical staff. We want to make sure you plan to stay in the community. Recruiting is expensive and time-consuming, so we want be assured that you’re not just looking to sample five communities in three years. If your CV shows that you have hopped from job to job, it doesn’t provide us with a sense of ease. It makes us wonder, “Is Dr. XYZ going to leave after 6 months?”
Even with top credentials, physicians are less likely to succeed without good bedside manner, interpersonal relationship skills, professional enthusiasm and commitment to the community. Do you have all of the above? Emphasize them in your cover letter, CV and especially during the interview process.