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Hundreds of new Ophthalmologists will enter the market this summer and it’s likely that you already know the general traits and skills your job candidate competitors are going to tout on their resumes. “I’m patient-oriented, a fast learner, quality-focused, detailed in my work…” Sound familiar?

When you are on the hunt for a new position, it’s important to stand out from the sea of candidates. Lucky for you, when it comes to truly standing out, ETS Vision experts have you covered!

To truly stand out:

• Ask questions!
• Focus on becoming a better communicator. Are you conveying confidence? If folks on the other end of your interview are noticeably distracted, it’s a good indicator that you need to work on your ability to engage someone in conversation.
• Tell a story about yourself that is interesting, but also describes who you really are.
• Practice interviewing with classmates or friends who will give you honest feedback.
• Focus on recent success and future goals. Avoid dwelling on the negativity of past experiences.
• Highlight additional training beyond what is typical. Extra classes, seminars or wet labs that you have participated in can help prove your worth.
• Speak specifically to your surgical skillset and the surgical tools you have experience with. Examples include a femto-second laser for cataract removal or micro invasive glaucoma surgeries.  
• Research the practice you will be interviewing with and prepare question based on what you learn.
• Don’t just talk about it; show what you can do with a strong CV that highlights your skillset and experience.
• Note your ability and/or experience with building a referral network.
• Ask for the job. Many candidates never actually acknowledge their interest in the job.

How to not stand out:

• Don’t act disinterested or unimpressed because you think it will make you appear more in demand. Our recruiters have encountered doctors who show no interest, only to be shocked when they never received an offer.
• Do not highlight irrelevant experience. For example, if the practice you are applying to does not participate in clinical trials, there’s really no need to push your research experience.
• No tagalongs. Don’t bring your spouse or significant other to the interview unless specifically invited by the employer. It happens more than you think and most of the time it will damage your chances of landing the job.
• Dress to impress! Don’t show up in disheveled scrubs, even if your interview is after a shift.
• Don’t be shy. Engage with the staff. If you don’t think staff members influence the hiring decision, you are wrong. Often, they are the main influencers.

ETS Vision recruiters are witness to the best and worst interviews. We’re constantly digesting responses from employers and candidates, which provides relevant, timely feedback regarding the skills and attributes that need to be highlighted. Take advantage of the opportunity to use our recruiters as a resource or even a coach. It’s in your best interest, so don’t shy away from asking for our feedback and advice. We’re here to help! Recruiters build strong relationships with practices built on trust and mutual respect, and having our recruiters support can yield results during the interview process.