There are some common practices on the recruiting and hiring side that physicians who are job searching often aren’t aware of, especially if it is their first job search. Of course, there are nuances to standard job search preparation tasks, such as updating your CV, but there are other lesser-known tips that can give you the edge when engaging in a search. We’ve asked our senior recruiters their top points you should keep in mind as you begin your practice search:

1. Practices will Google you. They want to get an idea of who you are and how well you’ll fit their organization. They also want to make sure there are no red flags in your history that might cause problems down the line. If you have had issues in the past, let your recruiter know, so they can inform the organizations you are interested in pursuing. It’s always better to be upfront and strategize than to try to hide potential issues. 

2. Medical employers are interested in hiring physicians who want to be in their area. It takes a lot of time, energy, and money to bring on a new physician, and organizations don’t want to extend a contract offer if there’s a high chance the physician won’t be invested in becoming part of the organization and the community. When you are searching, it’s always helpful to highlight the ties you have to the area, so the hiring team feels confident you’re interested in the community and the practice. 

3. Physician employers will talk to people who aren’t on your list of references. They’ll use their network to talk to physicians who have worked with you in the past as well as the physicians you list as references to get an idea of who you are as a colleague. Starting in your residency, always exhibit professionalism, so you can leave a positive impression on the people who comprise your network. 
4. Employers will judge you on how you present yourself. This is a job interview– all the advice commonly given about how to dress and how to conduct yourself applies in a site visit as well. Wear formal business attire, be courteous, and send a thank you note after the interview to ensure you leave a positive impression.

Find more physician job search tips and other helpful information including jobs tailored to your search preferences, by signing up for job alerts. Customized career counseling can also give you a competitive edge to help you find the perfect physician job! Connect directly with a physician recruiter in your specialty to learn more.