Top 10 Ways to be a Great Physician Candidate
by Pat Borrowdale, Project Manager, Pediatric Health Associates
As a healthcare recruiter, I have had the privilege of talking with many physicians over the years. While most physicians are good candidates, here’s what make a GREAT candidate!
- HONESTY! It is important to tell the recruiter exactly what you are looking for. If you prefer working in the NICU, then don’t apply for general peds.
- APPLY FOR POSITIONS THAT YOU QUALIFY FOR! If the job ad says you must be a U.S. citizen, it is a requirement, not a suggestion.
- TAKE YOUR BOARDS! Board certification influences a patient’s choice of physicians.
- TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT! Staff members of all levels deserve to be treated well. Take an interest when being introduced.
- DON’T BE A JOB HOPPER! Changing practices several times may give recruiters the impression that you are an unhappy camper no matter where you work.
- DO YOUR HOMEWORK! If a practice has a website, check it out. Their mission statement will most likely be there along with their hours, locations and other physicians in the practice. If you do not agree with the mission, then it isn’t the place for you.
- KNOW THE DETAILS OF YOUR MALPRACTICE INSURANCE IN ADVANCE! It is important to know who is currently paying for your malpractice, what coverage is provided, and tail issues if applicable in your state. Tail coverage is the malpractice insurance premium required to cover you at your current practice. Some practices cover tail insurance and others do not. This will give you a better assessment of a job offer.
- MONEY ISN’T EVERYTHING! Yes, we all think we are worth more than we get paid. Compare benefits, quality of life and work environment. Sometimes it’s a trade off of money for work-life balance.
- DON’T GO OVER THE RECRUITER’S HEAD! The practice has entrusted the recruiter to know what the office is seeking in a candidate. Demanding to talk with the head doc generally means your CV won’t even make it to the bottom of the list!
- ASK QUESTIONS! Not asking questions is perceived as not having an interest in getting to know the practice.
Remember, it’s not just a job, it’s your career.
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