WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN INTERVIEWING FOR A NEW JOB?

Interviewing is a critical step in the job-hunting process. Prospective employers look for candidates to ask them questions just as much as they like to ask them. It shows that you are interested in the position and have thoughtful questions prepared about what future employment might be like with them. Here are some important questions to get you started:

• How do you schedule new patients?
• On average, what is a typical day like? How busy does the practice get?
• How many dermatologists are practicing in the area?
• Are there specialists available in the office? Mohs Surgeon or Dermpath? If hiring for either – how many cases?
• How is the practice broken up (e.g., medical, surgery, cosmetics)?
• How supportive are the current physicians and support staff in terms of optimizing quality patient care efficiently?
• What cosmetics and devices do you currently have?
• Would I be an independent contractor (1099) or an employee (W2)?
• What is the restrictive covenant? How far is it and what locations?
• If I’m looking for part-time now, would there be an opportunity to switch to full-time later if desired?
• Is there a minimum number of hours required to get benefits?
• How many employees do you currently have? How many are part-time and how many full-time?
• What are an associate’s responsibilities (e.g., take calls, order cosmetic supplies)?
• Does an associate have to have affiliation with hospital including doing consult months for hospital?
• Is this an office-based position only or would I be expected to visit nursing homes?
• What are the patient demographics within the practice’s location?
• Where are specimens sent for testing? Do I have a choice as to where my pathology goes?
• How do you get referrals?
• Are there restrictions from outside jobs?
• What is your payer mix (cash vs. insurance vs. Medicare)?
• Is the expansion of your practice to additional locations on your future agenda?
• Why are you seeking a new employee at this time?
• Is there an opportunity for partnerships? If so, what are the terms?
• What types of insurance do you have (e.g., disability group/individual, life, health, malpractice)?
• Do you contribute to any expenses, such as cell phone, CME, society dues, etc.?
• What are associates entitled to when it comes to benefits, vacation days, and control over his/her schedule?
• Are products sold within the practice? Would I have an opportunity to receive a commission from them?
• Who are the administrative authorities when it comes to payroll, preauthorizations, insurance, prescriptions, and creditability?
• How many nurses and/or medical assistants will I have?
• How many rooms will I receive?
• What is the turnover rate for medical assistants?
• What types of patients do you receive and what are they interested in?
• Are there any drastic cultural and/or language barriers between the doctors and patients? If so, are translators needed for assistance?
• How long is the patient wait time on average?
• How many patients do you see and how many do you expect me to see?
• What insurance plans are accepted? Can you break them down by percent?
• How are profits split? What percent goes to overhead and what percent goes to practice?
• What are some recent changes within the practice? Are any of them negative?
• Have you hired dermatologists in the past that have left the practice? If so, where did they go?
• How long is the commitment/contract?
• Does this practice have any additional locations?
• How do privileges change with seniority?
• Do you own other practice entities (e.g., medspa, real estate, surgery entity) in which I might have the potential to participate?
• What is the longest duration a physician has stayed with your practice?
• Would it be possible to speak with that physician?
• What kind of call schedule do your physicians have?
• Is an associate paid for patient hours only or also for time completing tasks (e.g., charts, phone calls, etc.)?
• Do you use paper or electronic charts? If EMR, which one?
• How do you deal with compensation for licensure, DEA, malpractice, society memberships, CME, IPAs?
• On average, what range of services will I provide within the week (e.g., cosmetic vs. laser vs. clinical derm)?
• Are there incentive bonus opportunities?
• Do you contribute to malpractice premiums?
• Can I expect to shadow you for a short period of time and learn from you?

** These questions are in no particular order.