myDermRecruiter has compiled a list of typical Physician or Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner interview questions that you may run into during an interview and how-to best answer questions you may be asked. Try to keep your answers brief but complete. Review the following before your interview:
Dermatology Interview Questions and Answers
2. “Why are you interested in this position?”
This is a question that you as a physician will very likely be asked the second you sit in front of an interviewer. We find that most practice managers or physician owners want to hear about your training experience, your background (is it from well-recognized, reputable places?), your career goals (hopefully they are in line with the position that you are interviewing for) and any personal reasons for you wanting to interview there. Talk about why the location is attractive to you, or why you find the opportunity attractive. Also, you may want to share some personal information about your family, kids, hobbies, etc, if you are comfortable doing so. Try to convey your message in a few brief sentences.
3. “Why did you go into medicine?”
NO one wants to hear that you went into medicine to “make the big bucks”. Positioning yourself as a money-hungry physician is a mistake. Be honest about why you went into medicine, but ensure that your answer is based on emotional reasons, not just practical reasons. (Ex. “I want to help people and provide the best medical care that I can. I fell in love with Dermatology the second I was exposed to it and knew that’s what I wanted to do.”)
4. “How do you react under pressure?”
It’s important to emphasize your ability to remain calm, precise and courteous under pressure. No on wants to hire a provider who blows up with staff and patients when things get hectic.
5. “Describe your experience and skills.”
Some employers are going to be impressed by educational institutions with names that they recognize on your CV or resume. However, people hire people they like, and feel confident about based on their interview, period. This is your opportunity to let them know how well trained you are, and what types of dermatology training and experience you have had to this point. But more importantly what you have loved the most during your training or experience, what procedures and cosmetic procedures you are awesome at, etc. How equipped do you feel to take on the job you are interviewing for? That’s the question they are really asking.
6. “What are your goals and objectives?”
Think of this question in terms of the position you are interviewing for. You want to phrase your goals and objectives to be in alignment with the position for which you are interviewing. For example, you could say “I want to build a busy, highly reputable practice, where I can provide consistent quality care for my patients and be part of a successful team.”
7. “What kind of salary are you looking for?”
If you are working with us, we have already let the company know what your preferred compensation range is, as well as what the company is willing to offer in at least a range. However, you may be asked directly in the interview. You may want to say, “I feel I’m an excellent candidate and I just want to be made a fair, yet competitive offer.” This avoids you having to come up with a dollar range which may be low balling yourself or seem way too high to the employer. Always default to, “I am happy to entertain any competitive offers.” Then allow us to assist you with actual negotiation of dollars.
8. “What are your strengths?”
This is another opportunity to highlight abilities that the interviewer will see as strengths including work ethic, honesty, compassion, solid training and the ability to work well with others. It’s also a time to share what you are passionate about when it comes to patient care.
9. “What are your weaknesses?”
Similar to the question above, try and answer this in a way that suggests weaknesses to you may not seem to be negatives by the employer. If you convey that sometimes you can be a bit of a perfectionist, a workaholic or an overachiever, that may not seem necessarily negative to an employer. Keep this short and sweet, but definitely have an answer ready.
10. “What other practices are you investigating?”
Be honest with your answer to this question, but don’t review specific names of groups you are interviewing. “I’m looking at a few other practices locally, and a few back in Texas where I am from originally, but I’m extremely interested in this area.” Let them know, you definitely are interviewing at several places but the fact that you took the time to meet with them in person, should show them you are serious about their opportunity.