If you make the decision during the course of your interview that you’re interested in the opportunity your best course of action is to make a declarative statement. “I’m very interested in this opportunity and I’d like to move forward. Do you have any questions or concerns that I can address for you? What’s the next step and when should it occur?” Notice that you have not accepted the unacceptable or left yourself without recourse for the standard questions that arise during the course of the contract process. What you have done is express your legitimate interest and human nature being what it is if you like them, they will like you all the more in return. You want to make sure that before you leave the interview you know what their plan is so you’re not left waiting around wondering if they are going to get back to you or not!
Lost Opportunity & Career Choice
The follies which a man regrets most in his life, are those which he didn’t commit when he had the opportunity. —Helen Rowland (1922/2007 p. 119)
People regret outcomes that could have been changed in the past but can no longer be changed and for which people experience low psychological closure
Regret is a common and distressing emotional experience that has long-term consequences for health and well-being (Landman, 1987; Lecci, Okun, & Karoly, 1994; Wrosch, Bauer, & Scheier, 2005).
Making decisions based on who “guarantees” the most or gives you the “best deal” may be short sighted in the context of time. Fulfilling in the short term but with long term consequences. Not eating that desert or not accepting that bigger “guarantee” may provide you the benefit of long-term success because you did it yourself!
Location or Job?
There are two primary considerations when you are looking at opportunities. Where is the job and what is the job. Notice where is the job comes first and what is the job comes second. But will you be happy living where you want to live if the job is not fulfilling. You have spent most of your life developing a skill and expertise. If the job you accept is frustrating & unfulfilling will you truly be happy? The majority of physicians leave their job because of practice consideration not geographic considerations. Consider compromising more on the geography to avoid becoming one of the 30%-40% who change jobs in the first 5 years.
How to Burn a Bridge
We recently had a physician who replied to an opportunity in their ideal location. It looked like a perfect fit. When we followed up with the group about why they weren’t interested they said the head of the group was introduced to her by the program director the previous year. A meeting was set, and she never showed up or followed up to apologize for missing the meeting. Well, she did say she was sorry a year latter when he texted her after receiving the CV from us asking why she didn’t show up. Make sure to never be too busy for basic professional acumen, in the small world of medical professionals as it’s taken as a sign of how you treat others i.e. patients and staff!
How Your Attorney Bills Affects Your Contract
Obviously, you need a healthcare attorney to either prepare an offer or review the employment contract you’re considering. But beware the attorneys who want to bill you by the word or hour and then want to “negotiate” the agreement. A standard contract preparation or review typically cost less than $1,000.00 for a flat fee billing. We recently dealt with a candidate who was using an attorney who billed by the hour to be their negotiator. Both parties “were in agreement” but after $3,500 of negotiations on “hereto” “therefore” and other semantic changes the employer decided he no longer wanted someone who kept asking for more changes. Ask for a synopsis of what needs to be clarified or negotiated. The best approach is the discuss directly with the group to make sure you understand it and to see how they handle the business side of medicine. You can always return to council for additional advice as needed.
Prepare Before You Job Shop
Just like buying a house, know where you want to live and what features are important or just on the wish list. Saying I’m “open to anywhere for the right job” does not convey what you really want, what is important and will send you off to places that are a waste of your time. You and your spouse should independently write down the most important criteria and then compare notes before you get on an airplane.
New Job Considerations
Review your current employment or partnership agreement. What are your notification timelines and your fiduciary obligations for ownership in ASC’s, MOB’s? How will your departure impact current partners regarding contracts the group is obligated to? Also contact your malpractice carrier and get a quote on tail coverage, it can be substantial but can often be negotiated into a new package. If you are divorced but have custody of children verify if you’re allowed to take them out to state or out of reach of your ex.
Husband & Wife Dual Physician Careers
Your and your spouse are both physicians. The future is so bright you need to wear shades.
You both have that ideal job of course in that ideal location in mind. Unfortunately, the reality is you or your spouse are going to be disappointed if you both go off on independent searches to find your ideal job and assume then your spouse will find an “acceptable” opportunity in the same area.
Deciding whose job is primary will save time, and frustration down the road.
Good Interviewing Protocol
When a potential employer takes time out of their busy schedule to interview you, don’t forget a “thank you” follow up to let them know if you are interested or if the job is not a fit for you! We hear stories all the time from clients who are continually amazed by the poor etiquette exhibited by candidates they interview, often at great expense. We recently were told a typical story from a client who accommodated a candidates request for a Sunday meeting and who also had their Administrator and Accountant in attendance. Not only was there no “Thank You” provided by a simple email or text, but repeated inquiry’s to them were completely ignored. The bridge was burned and at some point down the road paths will cross and stories will be told. A simple thanks for your time is the best way to keep your options and reputation intact!
Happy Thanksgiving!
We have a lot to be thankful for this year. We live in the greatest country in the world that affords us more opportunity than anywhere else.
Lets all be thankful for what we have and to help those who could use a helping hand.