Preparing for a Site Visit as a Job Seeker

Key steps in finding a new practice opportunity

  • Must be approached in a professional, business-like manner
  • Sets the stage for everything that comes afterword.
  • An opportunity to demonstrate your level of professionalism

Preparations prior to visit

  • Visit should follow one or more telephone conversations with the employer and other key contacts.
  • Visit may be preceded by discussions with Hospital CEO, Practice owner or manager, Hospital recruiter, Medical Director staff physicians.
  • Avoid detailed discussions of compensation and benefits prior to visit.
  • Never withhold negative or derogatory information during these conversations in hope of discussing it during the visit or concealing it. No surprises!

A few basic rules

  • Make sure you have everyone’s contact numbers, flight numbers and times, rental car reservation number, hotel reservation number and a copy of the itinerary
    • Avoid looking disorganized or as if you do things “on the fly”
  • Be punctual. This is “Interviewing 101.” If you are driving, give yourself lots of time. If you have a flight delay, call to keep everyone in the loop and reschedule the initial meeting time if necessary.
    • Always be aware of the perception you are creating; are you a professional, a good communicator, a problem solver or a bumbler that needs a lot of hand holding?
  • “First impressions count” isn’t just a cliché.
  • Wear appropriate business attire
    • Business attire is the best choice. Make sure it fits and isn’t twenty years old. Wear comfortable shoes, you may be doing a lot of walking.
    • No paint splattered jeans (it’s been done). No worn out sweats (it’s been done)

Arrive Prepared

  • Investigate employer via the internet and any relevant websites
  • Research the community via the internet. Check the community’s Chamber of Commerce website. Also check the State’s and community’s websites.
  • Have a list of questions, points for clarification
    • Reinforces perception of organization
    • Key points not overlooked

Keep in mind

  • While you are evaluating a potential employer, you are being evaluated
    • Drinking to excess, arguing with a spouse or partner or displays of temper will send up red flags for the employer
  • Don’t start your visit with questions about compensation and vacation time. You’ll come across as a mercenary or too focused on time off

Tips

  • Keep notes regarding the people you speak with; their names, contact information and position held for follow up
  • Withhold judgment until the conclusion of the visit. Don’t let a negative experience early in the visit set the tone for an otherwise positive experience.
  • Don’t judge the position based on the hotel you stayed in, a frustrating flight delay or a negative experience during the real estate tour. Separate the fundamentals of the position from unrelated factors

Concluding the visit

  • If the visit was positive and you are interested in the position, make sure the employer understands how you can make a positive contribution to their organization.
  • If you are unsure about your interest level, make no commitment, but don’t close a door you may want to pass through later.
  • If you definitely want the position, ask for an offer! Reticence can be construed as disinterest.

Post visit

  • Stay in communication, especially if you are interested in the opportunity. “Dropping off the radar,” for whatever reason, will be construed as a lack of interest
  • Honor any commitments you made regarding supplying paperwork, references or expense receipts.
  • Sending a formal thank you (not an email) for the hospitality shown during the visit is a sign of professionalism.
  • If you choose not to pursue the opportunity, let the employer know and provide them with constructive feedback. They may be unaware of factors that are undermining their recruitment efforts.