Whenever you are preparing for a job interview—healthcare job interviews included—it is important to come with any questions you have for the employer. That way, when the employer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”, you will be ready and prepared with an appropriate response. Too many job candidates neglect the opportunity to ask the employer questions, but taking that opportunity shows you are prepared and truly interested in the position. In addition, it helps you determine whether or not a position is a good fit for you.
So what questions are best to ask at an interview for a healthcare position? Here are some excellent questions that you should consider asking your potential healthcare employer at the interview.
What is your practice philosophy?
If it isn’t displayed on the organization’s website, ask for some information about the organization’s history and philosophy.
What is a typical day of work like?
This is an excellent question for just about any job interview, but especially for a physician job interview. Practice settings vary greatly, after all, and you want to know that you will thrive in this new setting. Ask what a typical day in this particular practice setting is like.
What are the physician expectations in this practice setting?
Similarly, you should be sure to ask about what will be expected of you as a physician. Ask about average patient volume, time allotted per patient, call schedule, practice hours, productivity requirements, etc.
What technologies do you use?
Practice settings can differ greatly technologically, as well. You may be used to working with older healthcare technology, for example, but you are currently interviewing at a practice that uses highly advanced technology. Ask the interviewer about the technology they use.
What tools and resources will I have at my disposal?
On a related note, ask about what support and tools are available to assist physicians for routine tasks.
New questions
Be sure to ask any new questions that arise during the course of the interview. If your interviewer says something early on during the interview that prompts a question in your mind, make a mental note of that question and ask it when appropriate. Asking these types of questions will show the employer that you were truly engaged throughout the course of the interview.
Other questions
These, of course, are not the only questions you should consider asking. Here are some additional questions that you may want to ask as appropriate:
- How would you describe the culture of this organization?
- What is the orientation process like for new physicians?
- How much autonomy is allowed?
- What are the opportunities for growth here?
- What are the teaching (or learning) opportunities here?