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An interview serves two major purposes:
To allow prospective employers the opportunity to discover if your training, skills, and personality make you the best candidate for the position they are filling. For help with this, take a look at our article Top Interview Questions to Expect.
To enable you to uncover enough information about the position to decide if it is right for you. Another article, Ask Questions as Interviewee Too gives you suggestions of questions to ask.
Both of these processes occur at the same time. So while you are trying to decide if the job is right for you, the prospective employer is quickly deciding if you are right for the job. Therefore, every interview should be treated as your most important interview.
The Basics
The following are some basic guidelines and recommendations for physicians designed to help turn an interview into an offer:
First impressions sell
Dress in business attire. Men: Conservative suit, pressed shirt (preferably white), tie, and shined shoes. Women: Conservative dress, suit, or pant suit and blouse, hose and shined dress shoes (no sandals).
Take your spouse/significant other
Set up an itinerary so that while you interview they can visit local schools, speak with real estate agents, or whatever else will address their special needs and concerns. Their input can be obtained immediately, avoiding a second trip to the area. If an offer is extended, you will be able to respond quickly and decisively.
Schedule time for the interview. At least a day and a half should be scheduled; two full days, if possible.