Here are some common examples of things that end your chances of moving forward in the interview process with a Dental Practice.
1. Not showing a spark
of excitement and interest. You
have to do more than say things. A great
attitude and personality will get you everywhere. Monotone and uninterested will end it before
it even starts. Everyone is saying they
have great patient rapport, strong communication, and that all their patients
love them. Skills can be taught,
personality and attitude cannot.
2. Trying to negotiate
compensation during the phone interview. While many dental companies, groups, and practices may have set
compensation models, I assure you that if you are really worth it, they will be
willing to negotiate the package.
However, they will not and cannot do this without first meeting you in
person and thoroughly understanding you and how you may fit into the
organization.
3. Leading with a list
of 20 questions regarding the practices history, current staff tenure,
compensation model, if they will pay for interview travel, copy of fee
schedule, etc. The point of the phone interview is threefold: Make basic
introductions, share a summary of the practice opportunity, and communicate why
you should be interviewed in person.
Phone interviews lead to face to face interviews. Face to face interviews are where all the
details are shared with you.
4. Complaining about the
poor ethics or criminal acts of your current/previous employer(s). We have all had poor experiences at some
point in our careers. However, you have
to craft a professional response as to why those previous employers were not
right for you. I recently interviewed a
general dentist who stated ethical concerns he had with his past 3
employers. It is hard to believe that he
won’t use that reason for the next. We
start to think the problem is the doctor and not the practice.
5. Making your current
economic situation the practice’s problem.
Interview for the job. Help the
practice owner understand why you are the best dentist for the practice by
focusing on your skills and how you will benefit the practice. Don’t tell the owner you need a job because
you need money. That does not show
long-term commitment. It just shows you
need a paycheck to get by right now.
Written by Carl
Guthrie, Search Consultant for the Western U.S.
Carl can be contacted at cguthrie@etsdental.com, 540-491-9104.
