Your interview does not begin when the anesthesia medical director starts asking you questions in their office. It began with the phone screening and continues with how you corresponded leading up to the onsite interview and you walking through the door.
Future employers are constantly evaluating you even if it’s subconsciously. Avoid these 7 anesthesia interviewing mistakes.
1. Arriving Late
On time starts. You hear all about them in the ORs. This should be an obvious one but
do not show up late to your anesthesia job interview. Plan to get there ahead of time to account for any
delays.
2. Not Dressing the Part
This will be the first time the anesthesia medical director will see you and you only get one chance to make a first impression. Don’t do it in jeans or yoga pants. You may laugh, but it has happened. If you do not know what to wear discuss it with your anesthesia recruiter or take a look at our guide.
3. Failure to Connect
We do not mean on a deeper level, but when you first meet someone make sure to shake hands firmly and make eye contact. Failure to do so is not a good sign and questions your confidence.
4. Not Being Prepared
You prepare for every case with trying to learn as much about the patient and procedure so things go smoothly. Why wouldn’t you do the same with an anesthesia job interview? Showing up to an interview and not knowing more than the name of the anesthesia group is not a good sign. Research online and reach out to people who know about the group.
5. Not Asking Questions
At some point you will be asked if you have any questions, and if you do not, you are in trouble. It shows a lack of interest in the job or the anesthesia group or lack of preparation. Prepare questions ahead of time so you are ready.
6. Poor Body Language
During the interview slouching in your chair, arms folded across your chest or not making eye contact when speaking or being spoken to are all bad signs. It may come off as not being engaged during the interview. Sit up straight with your hands in your lap and make eye contact.
7. Speaking Poorly of Former Employers or Colleagues
Anesthesia is a small world and you never know who the person across from you knows. Also, it shows a lack of respect for the people you have worked with in the past and can make the anesthesia medical director question how you will work with the providers in their group.
