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How to identify growth potential in medical job candidates

Published on: Jul 12, 2018
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Identifying growth potential during the hiring process is a key way to reduce the rate of employee turnover. Here are a few ways to determine growth potential early in the screening process.



Ask about their career goals

Physician recruiters should take the time to ask candidates about their long-term career goals to determine if the current position is a stepping stone to something bigger or if candidates intend on staying in one place for a while.

Asking about what candidates want for their future will help to better understand what they want from the job in question. If candidates seem to only care about salary, it could indicate that they will jump ship at the first sign of a better opportunity. On the other hand, candidates who want to grow in a position may talk about what they want to learn and experience in the new position.

The recruiting experts at Morgan Hunter recommended asking job candidates about their passions, as they relate to their profession. For example, do prospective employees enjoy reading about the latest discoveries in medical journals, or do they struggle to name their most read medical information source when questioned? These kinds of insights will help you pick out the candidates with the most potential for growth.

Learn about each candidate's career goal to determine growth potential. Learn about each candidate's career goal to determine growth potential.


Learn more about their professional experiences

If you want to predict how candidates will perform in a new position, look for indicators in their past work experience. Ask about specific scenarios in which candidates had to take on extra responsibilities or leadership roles. How did they handle the pressure? How they did they work with others to achieve a desired outcome?

By explaining the thought processes behind their actions, candidates show how they will likely react to similar situations in the future. This tactic can be applied to graduating residents as well as experienced physicians. Just make sure you follow up with each individual's references to corroborate their answers.



Understand what drove them to medicine

Employees with high growth potential are passionate about their chosen field. They're not just in medicine for the paycheck, they want to help others and bring real value to their prospective employer organization.

During your screening calls, take some time to ask questions about what inspired candidates to choose the medical field. Enthusiastic candidates will talk about the aspects of the job that appeal to them most and provide concrete examples of how they leverage their motivations to perform to the best of their abilities.

Screening for qualified talent begins with the initial job listing. To learn more about how to craft effective medical job posts, visit our resource center today.

Identifying growth potential during the hiring process is a key way to reduce the rate of employee turnover.