How to Land Your First Physician Pathologist Job
If you are like many nearing the end of their training and schooling, finding your first physician pathologist job can seem like a daunting task. Especially when job hunting takes time, and there are many steps in the process.
The good news is that there are 743 pathologist-related job openings at this time. This total represents the highest recorded number in 20 years. According to Pathology Outlines in October 2022, the top openings are in no subspecialty, followed by hematopathology, cytopathology, breast, and GI/liver.
For more advice, read about Tips for Nailing Your CV and Cover letter, which are also essential for standing out from other applicants.
Planning for the Interview
Good planning is the best way to get ahead of potential interview pitfalls. Today, organizations are conducting most initial interviews virtually. After assembling a list of the top candidates, companies may then invite them for in-person interviews.
To ensure you make a lasting impression, consider the following tips which can help you stand out:
- Dress to impress
- Give a firm handshake (if you are meeting in person!)
- Make eye contact and be yourself
- Think about your tone of voice, pace, and body language
- Make the entire interview count
- Expect to be tested with a slide test
- If you want the job, tell them
- Send a thank you email immediately after the interview
Also, researching the company and preparing a list of questions to ask during your interview shows that you are interested in the position and the company.
Just as important as the list of things you should do is the list of things not to do during an interview. Some of the top ones include:
- Don’t be late
- Don’t talk about religion or politics
- Don’t assume you have the job
- Don’t say, “I just need a job.”
- Don’t over-indulge at a social gathering
Likewise, don’t give a dollar amount if asked about your financial expectations. By doing so, you can back yourself into a corner. Instead, ask, “How are individuals at my level of expertise being compensated? My expectation is to be compensated accordingly.”
Preparing for Typical Interview Questions
One of the most critical steps in landing your new physician pathologist job is thoroughly preparing for potential interview questions. Preparation can help you feel more in control and enables you to appear calm and collected. These are qualities employers always look for in the perfect candidate.
Try practicing answers to the following interview questions typically asked of physician pathologists:
- Tell me a little about yourself.
- What was the best/worst experience in your residency and/or fellowship training?
- What attracts you to this opportunity and our setting?
- What special skills/experiences do you bring to the job that others may not?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why should we hire you?
- What other positions are you considering?
Also, prepare for behavioral-based interview questions. Employers’ questions in this category focus on how you act in certain situations. Your responses give interviewers a good sense of how you’ll perform if hired. An example of a behavior-based question is: “Tell me about your most difficult case and how you handled it.”
Be on the Lookout for Red Flags
During job interviews, you assess your potential employer and boss as much as they evaluate you. It’s one of the reasons why having a core set of questions to ask during the interview is vital. Their answers can help identify potential red flags, which may indicate more significant issues with your potential boss, the team you will work with, and the company overall.
The following are some top red flags for physician pathologist jobs:
- High employee turnover
- Unwilling to discuss financial stability
- Contract clauses, including non-compete, indemnification, and payback
- Lawsuits/malpractice
- Inequities in call coverage
- Political issues and inconsistencies
By staying alert to potential red flags, you can weed out suboptimal employment options and mitigate the chances of making a wrong decision.
Work With a Recruiter
Are you worried about landing your physician pathologist job? Recruiters – like Santè Consulting – are an invaluable source of information about relevant job openings. We can also provide candidates with career guidance to help them get noticed by hiring managers. Because we have an extensive network, we help speed up the hiring process and inform job candidates about fair market compensation and benefits.
Whether you are searching for your first physician pathologist job or are ready to make a career change in this specialty, Santè Consulting is here to help. Contact us today. All consultations are confidential. Our services are paid for by the hiring entity, not by you as the candidate.