“WELL IF YOU LOOK AT MY RESUME”

Interviewing is building and forging a solid relationship with a prospective manager and / or recruiter. Most of the time, an offer is extended because the manager flat out likes the candidate. Interpersonal dynamics, good communication skills and the ability to “hit it off’ with the hiring manager can often lead to an offer- even if your background is not exactly spot on.

With this in mind, let me warn you of something you should NEVER do on an interview. If a hiring manager asks you a question, do not answer, “Well, if you look at my resume… etc.” Recently I had a candidate interview for a solid surgery position in Minnesota. Both the manager and candidate were ex- collegiate basketball players. So after 15-20 minutes of basketball talk, both settled in for the interview. The manager started asking questions about my candidate’s experience and each time he answered, “Well, if you look at my resume…” After the third time, the manager said, “Hey I do not want to look at your resume, I want you to TELL ME!”

I get the same thing when I interview candidates. It is a big turn off. The information you have put on your resume should be ingrained in your head, and you should be able to answer the question thoroughly, confidently, and knowingly.

Medical managers are not hiring resumes- they are hiring candidates who possess excellent communication skills. So maintain the momentum that you have carried into the interview, and answer the question directly. The hiring manager will have plenty of time to review your resume later.