5 Tips to Nail Your Dream [Clinical] Job Interview
/#1 Treat it as an opportunity to get to know each other
Relax! Treat this is an opportunity to connect with another like minded individual; you’re both totally passionate about healthcare and changing lives! You’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you – that’s how you’ll decide if it’s a good fit. So take a deep breath and save the monotonous details for the future conversations you should have when you negotiate the specifics of your contract.
#2 Do your homework
Knowledge is power! The more you know about the clinic, the more you can tailor the conversation to match your strengths with what they’re looking for. If you’re not sure where to start, try answering the following questions:
What demographic does the clinic serve? What demographic(s) is their marketing directed to? What services are most popular? How would your services fit in with those currently offered?
What other practitioners are working there? What are their respective niches and how could you differ from what is currently offered? How long have others been working there? (The longer practitioners stick around, the more likely they’re happy and supported.)
#3 Recognize your value
The most confident practitioners are the ones who realize an interview isn’t a high pressure exam, but an opportunity to highlight your strengths and unique value. Frame those strengths from the perspective of the clinic. You should have 3-4 pre-determined messages to highlight your unique value (e.g., I’m great at treating paediatric patients because I’m cheerful). You’ll want to try and work these into the conversation as organically as possible. If you’re struggling, write down 3 things you’re known for in your niche or 3 accomplishments you’re most proud of and build out your messaging from there.
#4 Bring collateral
Collateral: It’s what fancy marketing types call things like flyers, business cards and brochures.
Having a physical representation of what you’re describing can take your interview from average to over the top successful. The proof is in the [chia seed] pudding, as they say.
Bring polished, ready-to-use representations of your work.Here’s a couple examples to get you going:
Print (or bring on an iPad) a brief slideshow you put together that you’d use to educate and recruit moms at a mom-and-me fitness class on the topic of postpartum health.
Print a few sample flyers you would bring with you to a presentation at a modelling agency on the benefits of cosmetic acupuncture and tips for keeping skin healthy and glowing.
#5 Ask the right questions
Asking questions isn’t strictly for your benefit. It sends the message that you’re interested and want to grow as part of a team, not simply concerned with your success individually. Ensure your questions show you share core values with the clinic, respect their mission, and desire similar outcomes. For example, you could ask the interviewer:
What’s next for you and the clinic?
Can you tell me about the culture here?
Can you tell me what a typical day at the clinic looks like?
Remember that practice makes perfect. You may not be able to incorporate all 5 into the first interview, so keep trying! We recommend going to at least 4 interviews before deciding on a primary clinic; you get to practise your interview skills and make positive connections with others in the industry – a win-win! Once you’ve nailed the interview and decided on the best clinic for you, you can put all your effort into negotiating the contract and compensation of your dreams!