Interviewing
Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 9:18 pm
One of the most stressful things surrounding the job search as a traveler can be the interview. Add to that the typical traveler interviews over the phone for position, so you've got to be in top notch phone form when that call comes in. Here are a few tips that I've put together after having had probably a hundred interviews over the years, both in person and over the phone. Please feel free to leave your own tips, dispute my ideas, and brainstorm on ways to improve!
1. Prepare yourself. Be in a quiet place with low risk for interruption before starting an interview. If on a cell phone, try to be someplace with good reception.
2. Speak slowly, clearly, and confidently. Listen to the question and answer what is being asked. I typically listen to the interviewer tell about the facility and even take notes on a scrap piece of paper, and then do my talking/question asking when they are finished.
3. Ask questions that are important to you specifically, such as scheduling, patient demographics, patient contact time, and responsibilities when appropriate. Write them down first so you don’t forget. You don't want to wait until your first day to find out you're working weekends if that is not your plan.
4. Look for red flags! Make sure you ask enough questions to see the whole picture during an interview. Here are a few items to check:
o How are physical therapist assistants utilized? Are they adequately supervised? Are patients automatically put onto PTA schedules or does the PT choose?
o Are physical therapy aides working within accepted/legal parameters? Are they supervised?
o How long are patient appointments?
o What are the productivity requirements?
o Who provides the codes for billing? Is the PT responsible for dealing with insurance companies and billing?
o How are ethical issues managed? Are there any indicators that insurer requirements are not being met?
o Is the practice owned by physicians (POPTS)?
o Does the facility make evidence based practice a priority?
5. Don't forget to highlight your skills and tell the interviewer your experience level, don't be shy! They might be interviewing several candidates and you want to stand out. Reading a resume isn't the same as speaking with someone in person.
6. At the end of the interview, be sure to thank the interviewer. Exchange contact information if appropriate to ask any questions that may pop up after you hang up.
1. Prepare yourself. Be in a quiet place with low risk for interruption before starting an interview. If on a cell phone, try to be someplace with good reception.
2. Speak slowly, clearly, and confidently. Listen to the question and answer what is being asked. I typically listen to the interviewer tell about the facility and even take notes on a scrap piece of paper, and then do my talking/question asking when they are finished.
3. Ask questions that are important to you specifically, such as scheduling, patient demographics, patient contact time, and responsibilities when appropriate. Write them down first so you don’t forget. You don't want to wait until your first day to find out you're working weekends if that is not your plan.
4. Look for red flags! Make sure you ask enough questions to see the whole picture during an interview. Here are a few items to check:
o How are physical therapist assistants utilized? Are they adequately supervised? Are patients automatically put onto PTA schedules or does the PT choose?
o Are physical therapy aides working within accepted/legal parameters? Are they supervised?
o How long are patient appointments?
o What are the productivity requirements?
o Who provides the codes for billing? Is the PT responsible for dealing with insurance companies and billing?
o How are ethical issues managed? Are there any indicators that insurer requirements are not being met?
o Is the practice owned by physicians (POPTS)?
o Does the facility make evidence based practice a priority?
5. Don't forget to highlight your skills and tell the interviewer your experience level, don't be shy! They might be interviewing several candidates and you want to stand out. Reading a resume isn't the same as speaking with someone in person.
6. At the end of the interview, be sure to thank the interviewer. Exchange contact information if appropriate to ask any questions that may pop up after you hang up.