Dentist- Tips for a Successful Skype Interview

The best associate dentist for your office may be practicing out of area right now. This is a common obstacle in all healthcare recruiting but it is now easier than ever to connect with that talent pool. Video or Skype interviews have begun to replace or supplement in-person interviews.  The technology reduces travel and other expenses associated with conducting interviews in person.  The following are some tips to help both the interviewer and the candidate make the best first impression.

1. Be familiar with the technology you are using—download the program ahead of time, and do a test run with a friend.  Skype is one of the more common software programs being used, but as with any technology, it’ll be much better to work out the technical kinks on the front end before starting the interview.
2. Make sure you look into the camera.—if you are looking at the screen, you are not making direct eye contact with the person with whom you are communicating.  This can be just as damaging for a video interview as it would be if you were sitting across a table from someone.
3. Be mindful of your background and lighting—put yourself in an area with little to no background noise, and be mindful of potential interruptions.  Also be aware of what the person will see behind you.  It is best to avoid stark white walls and busy backgrounds.  Test the lighting in the area where you will interview ahead of time to make sure it is flattering. 
4. Adjust the camera ahead of time—you want the camera to show your head, shoulders, and hands.  You need to be able to communicate fully, so this includes being able to transmit and receive nonverbal cues.
5. Dress for success—dress for a video interview the same way you would if you were meeting the person at the office.  Dark colors with a touch of color are the safest and look best on camera.
6. Username—the same rule that applies to email addresses applies for video interviews.  Make sure your username and profile picture are professional.
7. Have a script—having notes in front of you can prevent awkward silences and keep the conversation on track.

These are just a few of many tips available on the web for successful interviews. 

Check out the following websites for more information about nailing your next video interview:

For Job Seekers:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-47541444/ace-your-skype-job-interview-14-smart-tips/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahsweeney/2011/08/15/4-tips-for-skype-interview-success/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ming-chen/7-deadly-skype-interview-_b_1274107.html?view=print&comm_ref=false

For Interviewers:

http://www.inc.com/guides/201103/4-tips-for-conducting-a-job-interview-using-skype.html

http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/webconference-how-tos/a/How-To-Use-Video-And-Web-Conferencing-For-A-Job-Interview.htm

Contributed by Morgan Pace, Senior Regional Account Executive/Dental Recruiter.  To Contact Morgan, call 540-491-9102, or email at mpace@etsdental.com.

The Associate Dentist Job Interview – Questions to Ask Your Next Associate

Most dental practices are small businesses where the difference between adding a great associate and a bad one can mean a huge swing in revenue. This is why interviewing is so important to the process. Not only is this your time to impress the potential associate with the quality of your opportunity, but this is when you are most likely to uncover red flags and issues that will affect the success of the hire.

This blog is broken into two parts. In our previous blog, we covered what you can and cannot lawfully ask a job candidate (link- http://dentalrecruiterblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-associate-dentist-job-interview.html). In this section you will find a list of sample questions that you may wish to consider asking as you interview a potential associate. You will likely have other questions that are more particular to your own office but our hope is that this will serve as a good starting point.

Work History

• Where have you worked?

• How long have you been in each position?

• Why did you switch jobs?

• Describe the general environments in which you have worked

• In which insurances did you participate?

Goals/Motivations

• What motivates you?

• What attracted you to my position?

• Why are you looking for another position?

• In what way do you hope to develop over the next 1-3 years? 5-10?

• Are you interested in eventual partnership or ownership? How soon?

• What are your income expectations?

• What do you like the most about the position with my practice? Least?

Clinical Philosophy

• How would you describe your practice philosophy?

• In what areas do you have interest in further training?

• Are you comfortable working with amalgams?

• Do you have an opinion on [amalgams, sedation, implant dentistry, influence of insurance companies on dentistry, benefits of group practices, future of clinical care, etc.]

• How do you present treatment plans? What is your success rate?

Competencies and skills

• What would your current boss say that you do well? In what areas would he/she say that you needed to improve?

• What was your average production at that office?

• What are your clinical strengths? Are you comfortable with [molar RCT, surgical extractions, implant placement, seeing children, full mouth reconstruction, etc.]

• What do you prefer to refer out?

• What CE courses have you taken recently?

• What journals do you read?

Uncovering future issues

• Will you need to relocate for this position? If so, who else will be affected by your move? Are there factors that would make either area more appealing? Will you need to sell a house?

• What is an acceptable commute time for you?

• How often have you been late over the last year?

• What kind of notice period do you have to give?

• Do you have a restrictive covenant that would keep you out of this area?

• Are you right handed or left handed?

• Are you familiar with the equipment used in this office?

• What days are you available to work?

• Will you be able to provide references from other dentists or specialists? Former employers?

• Are you willing to undergo a background check and drug test?

• What resources do you need in order to be successful?
• Now that we have spoken are you interested in pursuing this position further?

Sorting the best from the rest

• If you have ever been in an office with a light schedule, what did you do with your free time? What did you do to help fill the schedule?

• What do you use to measure your success?

• Which of your strengths and achievements do you feel best distinguishes you from other candidates with whom I may speak?

Contributed by Morgan Pace, Senior Dentist Recruiter for ETS Dental, www.etsdental.com | mpace@etsdental.com | 540-591-9102