• Make sure you have your formal itinerary at least 48 hours before your departure, so you have ample time to review. Make sure your itinerary lists everything you will need to do and see in order to make a decision on the position. You want to avoid the extra time and cost of a second visit, if possible. Itinerary should include: travel/lodging info including confirmation numbers, directions to and from hotel, directions to meeting place, appropriate interview/meeting/dinner attire requirements, start time of interview, agenda of meetings and list of attendees, community and hospital tours, lunch/dinner schedules, etc.
• All other Decision Makers should accompany you on the visit, but they should not take part in the formal interview or negotiations.
• Relax and be yourself.
• Be on time.
• Dress and act professionally. Don’t discuss “inappropriate” things. Don’t have more than one drink with dinner.
• Turn off your cell phone and pager for the duration of the interview, unless professionally necessary.
• Be confident but not arrogant.
• Show interest in their position by asking questions about their opening such as:
  1. What is the overhead?
  2. What type of support does the office have(i.e. staff, ancillaries, etc.)?
  3. How do they market for patients?
  4. Why are they adding a physician at this time?
  5. How long has the practice been open?
  6. How many patients a day do the physicians see?
• Sample questions to be prepared to answer:
  1. Why do you want to join this practice?
  2. Why should we hire you?
  3. Why did you choose to become a physician?
  4. Why did you choose your specialty?
  5. How would your supervisor describe you?
  6. How has your residency training prepared you?
  7. What are your salary requirements?
  8. What is your ideal number of patients to see a day?
  9. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  10. Why are you interested in this location?
• Allow the client to initiate the discussion of a potential offer.
• Be clear with the client regarding your interest in their position. If you want the job, tell them before you leave.
• Make sure to thank the person/people responsible for coordinating your itinerary. Specifically mention anything unique such as gift baskets, souvenirs, etc.
• Provide letters of recommendation to the client early in the process. Have a thank you note prepared so you can address and mail it before you leave the area. Call the client/physicians before and after the interview to thank them for the interview.
• Start licensure, credentialing, application, references and background checks immediately, if you want the position.
• Following the interview the client may tell you to take your time and that there is no pressure. Although they may be sincere in this statement, your taking your time could jeopardize your getting a job offer. The client will continue interviewing until they have a physician express their desire to accept their position. So while you may be taking your time, the client isn’t, they’re continuing with their urgent process to find a physician.

DON’Ts

• Be late.
• Show disinterest in the location, interviewer, or position.
• Be disrespectful to support staff.