Interviews are a Two-Way Street

As an interviewee, you may feel like the focus of conversations, but the recruiting process is just as much about getting to know your future business partners.

Researching, interviewing for, and selecting a new position can be a daunting process, especially when it requires relocation of one’s family and livelihood. Though Zoom meetings and emails may make you feel like you’re in the hot seat, it’s important to remember that you are also interviewing future business partners for compatibility.

The process of joining a new practice can take up to 12 months, which provides ample opportunity for all parties to get to know one another, online and in person. You should expect to meet practice representatives from the leadership team as well as from the local clinic, all of whom will provide an important peek into the company culture.

Ask around.

The allergy community is a small one, and it’s likely that you know someone who knows someone in the practice you’re researching. Talk to co-fellows and colleagues for references on the individual physicians as well as the company’s reputation.

Meet the leadership team.

Since company culture begins at the top, meeting senior leaders such as the CEO or operations team will let you know who sets the tone in the local clinics. Take note of transparency (or lack of) in these discussions.

Speak directly with physicians in the practice.

Getting to know the physicians you’ll be practicing with is paramount in accepting any position. Talk with them, both in the clinic and in a social setting, if possible, about their practice philosophy and style. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they like and dislike about the practice.

Spend time with the practice manager.

The practice manager will be able to provide operational details such as schedule, market data, and technology used. You can also get into the proverbial financial weeds to discuss historical overhead, reimbursements, and other business data.

Job shadow.

It’s important to spend some time within the walls of the practice, especially during clinic hours. Whether it’s a half or full day, observe how the office functions when there is a full schedule. Pay close attention to how the team interacts with patients and with each other.

Learn more about the community.

If you are moving to a new city or state, the physicians and team in the local practice are good resources to learn about neighborhoods, commute, schools, and recreation in the area. They may even be able to provide recommendations for realtors and relocation experts with whom they’ve worked personally. Even if the practice feels like a good fit, one key to career longevity is making sure you land in a community that clicks.

Ask questions.

It can take a while for a new practice to ramp up, and success is hastened by setting realistic expectations. A robust onboarding can also put providers in the best position to hit the ground running. Be sure to ask any questions, big or small that will make you comfortable in your decision-making.

• What EMR is used?
• What does the technology training program look like?
• How many patients will you see in a day?
• How much time do physicians spend on tasks outside of clinic hours?
• Will you be required to supervise advanced practice providers?
• Are weekends or evenings required?

Financial matters aside, joining a like-minded team just may be the most important factor in professional fulfillment.