5 Tips For NPs and PAs To Have Successful Phone Interviews

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In the healthcare industry, phone job interviews are a common way to get an early read on how you might fit in within a company. Did you know that a good PA or NP phone job interview increases your likelihood of moving on to an in-person interview? Several healthcare employers are opting for phone interviews to screen nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), especially those who live at a distance. In recent times, phone interviews have played a critical role in determining if an applicant for an NP or PA role moves to the next stage of the hiring process. Considering its importance in landing a role as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, in this article, we discuss 5 tips for NPs and PAs to have successful phone interviews:

#1 Research the employer

Always do your research. Learn about the hospital or clinic as well as the PA or NP role you're being considered for. Find out about the policies, history, and current services of the hospital by going through their website. Also, carefully review the role of your interviewer within the organization, as knowing their area of expertise can help increase your comfort level during the interview. Social media platforms such as LinkedIn can help you research your employer and interviewer.

#2 Introduce yourself confidently

It is important to sound confident during the interview because you will be talking to an organization over the phone about what you do. The hiring manager might want to ask you open-ended questions like:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you looking for a job change?
• What do you understand about our organization and the role that you have applied for?
• How can you help the organization?

There is a high chance that the people you will be talking to won't be able to see your body language or facial expressions. They can only go by what you say. You must put yourself in a position where they pick up your energy and understand who you are.

#3 Ask intelligent questions

During the phone interview, ask a few general questions about the nurse practitioner or physician assistant role. Doing so will demonstrate your interest in the job and let the healthcare recruiter know that you have done your research. More importantly, avoid asking questions that can be easily answered based on the information contained in the website or the job posting.

#4 Ensure basic phone etiquette

This might seem obvious, but maintaining etiquette during the call can make the interview feel like a smooth sail. Here are some points to remember:

• Make sure that you take the interview in a quiet environment with minimal distractions.
• Avoiding, eating, chewing, or drinking during the interview.
• Dress up professionally and smile through the call, even if the recruiter can't see you.
• Don't rush the conversation. Speak slowly and wait for the recruiter to respond to you.
• Keep a pen, paper, and calendar handy. The recruiter may want to know when you'd be available next.

#5 Close the conversation

Before signing off, make sure you express your interest in the role and let them know that you look forward to meeting in person. You could also ask them about the next steps of the hiring process and when they are likely to revert to you. Regardless of the final result of the interview, express your appreciation and send them a thank you email for considering you for the opportunity.

Though the phone interview may not seem all that significant as an in-person interview, remember that it is still the most critical stage that can help nurse practitioners and physician assistants win a ticket to in-person interviews. Therefore, you must take it seriously and prepare well in advance to make a good first impression.  And these interview tips for NPs and PAs can help you get a headstart for your next interview.

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