Hooray! Your APP job application has made it through the first round of screening, and a potential employer has invited you to interview. The interview is critical to the APP job search process. It allows clinicians and healthcare organizations to evaluate each other and decide if there is a potential match. While the high demand for nurse practitioners and physician assistants gives them an advantage in the APP job market, they must still adhere to basic interview protocols and aim to impress potential employers if they want to win the offer over other candidates for the job.
As Regional Vice President of Recruitment for Jackson Physician Search, I often help nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other advanced practice providers prepare for interviews. Most already know the basic dos and don’ts of job interviews. Dress professionally, arrive early (to allow for traffic or other delays), and treat everyone with respect. I primarily coach them through the logistics and help them consider what questions to ask about the things most important to them.
The interview is the time for all parties to take a deeper dive into the clinical specifics of the opportunity and further clarify the role and responsibilities. My goal is to help them navigate conversations with potential employers in a way that will 1) inspire job offers and 2) help them decide if they want to accept those offers. Both goals require adequate preparation, so keep reading for three things to consider before your next APP job interview.
1. Types of APP Interviews
The APP recruitment process involves a series of interviews. It’s important to recognize which stage of the process you are in. While interview prep primarily focuses on the formal, on-site interview, every interaction with a representative of the employer is essentially an interview in that it is a chance for the employer to evaluate you and for you to learn something about them.
The first point of contact is generally a screening call with a recruiter seeking high-level information about you to learn if your interests and experience align with the opportunity. They will want to discover what you look for in a practice opportunity and ask about basic criteria such as your certifications, licensure, and experience with relevant conditions or procedures. If the interviewer determines that you meet the criteria, there will typically be a follow-up call and/or virtual interview with a hiring manager or someone else from the organization.
With these subsequent calls, you will begin to learn about the organization. Be curious and ask questions about its mission and culture when appropriate (but leave questions about compensation and special schedule requests for later in the process). If these interactions go well, the organization will likely invite you to an in-person interview.
2. APP Interview Logistics
Whether the interview is via phone, Zoom, or in person, ensure you have detailed information about the date, time, location, and who you will be meeting with. Ask questions to be certain you understand the details.
When it comes to scheduling, try to be flexible and share several potential windows of availability. The APP hiring process may involve administrators who can be challenging to schedule time with. Still, the organization shouldn’t leave you in limbo, so it’s okay to follow up if you don’t hear back in a reasonable time. However, always remain professional and friendly throughout your communication.
3. APP Interview Questions
The formal, on-site interview typically involves conversations with various stakeholders, either one by one or as a panel. Expect more in-depth interview questions about your clinical proficiency, technical knowledge, and temperament. You may be asked to cite examples regarding how you handled specific situations and complications. Know your strengths and be able to articulate them in a way that demonstrates your technical skills.
Prepare answers and examples in response to the following prompts:
- What aspects of your last job did you most enjoy? What did you find challenging?
- What types of cases are you most comfortable with?
- Describe a time you disagreed with a physician’s treatment plan. How did you handle it?
- How do you manage job stress? Provide an example.
- How do you ensure patient safety?
- How do you contribute to a positive work environment?
- How does this job fit into your long-term career goals?
Of course, the questions you ask your interviewers are just as important as your answers. Know which issues matter most to you and focus on those areas when given an opportunity to ask questions. Be sure to research the organization ahead of time. The company’s website and LinkedIn page offer invaluable information and should be the starting place for your research. The clinical work is usually similar, no matter where an APP is employed. It’s the organizational culture, the people, and the community that makes the difference. Ask thoughtful questions to learn more about these areas. Doing so also shows the hiring team that you’ve prepared for the interview and done your due diligence.
If you like what you see and hear, go ahead and express your feelings of alignment with your interviewer. On the other hand, if you have concerns, it’s okay to respectfully express this too. Give the interviewer a chance to address any red flags you have identified.
Be Prepared
The APP interview process is a chance for representatives of the hiring organization and job seekers to get to know each other and determine whether they are a good match. To increase your chances of interview success, you should know which stage of the process you are in, understand the logistics, and prepare thoughtful answers to the expected questions. Most importantly, you should be able to articulate what is most important to you in your next job and use the on-site interview to determine whether the opportunity meets your needs.
If you are a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other advanced practice provider seeking new employment, the recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search is eager to assist. Our dedicated recruiters have the experience and nationwide network to help you find the opportunity that best fits your personal and professional needs. Reach out today to tell us what you are looking for, or search APP jobs online now.
About Tonya Hamlin
With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Tonya Hamlin has a relentless passion for connecting physicians and advanced practice providers with health systems and medical groups. Prior to joining Jackson Physician Search, Tonya served as a physician recruiter for an integrated delivery system. Her unique vantage point allows her to identify the best candidates and offer valuable market insights to her clients, ensuring strategic decisions that drive results. As Regional Vice President of Recruiting for Jackson Physician Search’s Dallas Division, she excels in understanding the distinct needs of each client and delivering customized recruitment strategies.
