We asked eight respectable healthcare directors about the most frequently asked interview questions when conducting a job interview for physicians. Tips (and red flags) included.
You’ve completed medical school and internships, created an impressive CV and cover letter, and considered the next great employers to which you want to contribute your medical talents. It’s time to apply and be ready for the interview!
You should be aware that hiring managers place a high value on job interviews when deciding whether or not to hire you. As a result, they will ask difficult follow-up questions and make observations to ensure that the person they interview is capable based on the candidate’s credentials and possesses the complete package of good personalities for the position specified in the job description.
We’ve gathered some valuable insights from a number of seasoned HR managers and hospital directors, particularly on things you should never say.
What you’ll get in this article:
- What are some of the most common interview questions for a job as a doctor, and what are some of the worst answers to those questions?
- What are some of the red flags you’ve noticed in job candidates during interviews?
- But why do such characteristics indicate red flags?
- To that end, what is the single most crucial soft skill for a physician to exhibit during a job interview?
- What proportion of your advertised offer are you generally willing to negotiate?
What are some of the most common interview questions for a job as a doctor, and what are some of the worst answers to those questions?
From the most straightforward to the most challenging topics, there will always be answers that you pray never escape your mind before it’s too late.
“Why would you like to join this organization?”
The worst answer is: To help the organization.
While you should be honest and genuine in responding to such queries, you will need a naive response to advance. You can instead give a more detailed answer about the institution’s vision, mission, and job description. Then, you can explain your career goals and what you can bring to the position if you get the job.
“Are you willing to make personal sacrifices for patients?”
The worst answer is: Brag about your previous hospital accomplishments as a result of your long-hour dedication.
In response to this question, you should demonstrate humility and an altruistic perspective of the healthcare sector rather than your ego. Do not interpret this question as a request for the labor hours you can endure per week. The interviewer indeed anticipates hearing about your compassion and acts of service.
“Why do you want to be a doctor?”
The worst answer is: To achieve reputation and fame.
Pursuing a career in medicine is an arduous endeavor. Misusing it seems like a waste. To become the best healthcare practitioner you can be, you must examine your motivations before it’s too late. Some words to hold onto: protect people, provide patients with agency, and play a vital part in society.
Why would you switch jobs if your prior employer was so good?
The worst answer is: I’m not too fond of clinic politics.
It is never proper to disparage a former employer during a job interview; doing so is unprofessional, emotionally immature, sends out a poor vibe, and may signal unresolved difficulties that will arise in your new work. It would be best if you instead used this chance to convey your desire to progress and obtain greater responsibility from this new organization, based on the job description.
What is your area of competence and area of interest in this field?
The worst answer is: There is no specific area of interest or field of preference.
Healthcare is a highly competitive field full of mission-driven professionals. Your job path would not gain from clinging to your comfort zone and the status quo. Be optimistic and demonstrate positive enthusiasm toward this new position. A productive organization would only recruit a motivated applicant.
“What is your objective? Where do you hope to be within the next three years?”
The worst answer is: I put in much effort.
Nope. Putting in much effort is not enough. It would be best if you had a clear picture of where you want your career to go. The employer wants to determine if your ambitions coincide with their mission; this way, they will have an indicator of your long-term progress in their organization.
“Can you describe your daily work schedule?”
The worst answer is: In a typical fashion.
A qualified medical professional demonstrates self-control and exhibits sound practices. Describe them when asked this question, and emphasize your willingness to learn and go above and beyond to give your patients the best possible treatment.
“Please describe yourself.”
The worst answer is: Boasting.
Your achievements are listed in detail on your CV; restating them during the interview will not impress the interviewer. They’re curious about the person behind the resume. Make the most of this opening to talk about what makes you unique as a healthcare provider, including your values, motivations, and experiences.
What are some of the red flags you’ve noticed in job candidates during interviews?
Most employers would choose a candidate with average skills and a positive attitude over a snooty but skilled doctor. Skills may always be taught, but attitude is how you locate the ideal people for your organization. A dedicated, patient-centered practitioner is always a better option.
Here are some red flags that you should avoid when answering a medical job interview:
- There is no clear explanation for why the candidate is studying medicine.
- The candidate appears unconcerned and has no clear vision or plan for the future.
- Shows a pompous and money-oriented mindset.
But why do such characteristics indicate red flags?
In the eyes of patients, doctors’ personalities constitute a hospital’s brand. If done well, the hospital business can result in lifelong patients who will trust their money as an investment in their health for the next 60-80 years. A patient will not return to a hospital with substandard doctors who are unconcerned about the patient’s well-being or appear to be ineffective in their work with patients.
To that end, what is the single most crucial soft skill for a physician to exhibit during a job interview?
High-quality soft skills will help you stand out in the medical field. You may strengthen your brand and secure the longevity of your business by adopting a set of positive attitudes and excellent habits that will help you better serve the patients and develop a strong relationship with them. Don’t forget to bring these qualities to your next physician job interview:
- Intuition and attentiveness
- Salesmanship
- Very patient and polite when dealing with others
- Know what they want and how to get it
- Communication skill
- Sincere actions
- Empathy
- Exhibiting a constructive mindset
What proportion of your advertised offer are you generally willing to negotiate?
The conversation concludes with an offer, which will hopefully seal the deal. When a future employer recognizes your potential, they are willing to accept your counteroffer as long as it falls within their budgetary constraints. When there are numerous qualified candidates for a position, it is also vital for them to compare your counteroffer.
Here is a general estimate of how much you should counteroffer for your salary in the physician job interview:
- 10% to 20% are most likely to be accepted.
- 21% to 30% are possibly yes, possibly no.
- >30% only if you’re very confident about your chances.
Expressing your intention correctly at an interview will require a little practice, just as how you’ve trained hard and long to achieve your medical talents. Make sure you avoid the red flags and try to compose the answers for these typical questions so you’ll arrive better equipped for the next physician job interview!
Are you a healthcare professional looking for a new role in the healthcare industry? Here at Doctor Jobs Today, we provide the most reliable and well-curated vacancies from the best medical institutions in the Philippines. You can also access various recommendations and guidelines to help you stay on track. Get your CV ready and find your future career in Doctor Jobs Today, now!
About Doctor Jobs Today
Doctor Jobs Today is the first job-seeking platform in Southeast Asia dedicated to serving the job-searching needs of healthcare professionals. We have created a space to connect employers and medical job seekers seamlessly. As part of the healthcare community, we aim to cater to medical doctors for their vacancy inquiries better than traditional job portals. With Docquity, you will only get job options that are relevant to you, sourced from the prestigious healthcare institutions in the country, because we are just as picky as you are!
Doctor Jobs Today has all the suitable vacancies you’re dreamed about: a higher general practitioner salary, a better-equipped hospital for your specialization, or even a career shift from patient care.
About Docquity
If your educational and professional experience has not been sufficient to make your CV pop, expanding the network to other healthcare professionals to practice peer-to-peer learning might be the answer. One way to do it is by joining a social platform for healthcare professionals, such as Docquity.
Docquity is an AI-based state-of-the-art private & secure continual learning network of verified doctors, bringing you real-time knowledge from thousands of doctors worldwide. Today, Docquity has over 300,000 doctors spread across six countries in Asia.
Meet experts and trusted peers across Asia where you can safely discuss clinical cases, get up-to-date insights from webinars and research journals, and earn CME/CPD credits through certified courses. All with the ease of a mobile app available on Android & iOS platforms!
