It’s graduation season, and that includes the students of the 23 schools of optometry. While some will open cold or pursue the corporate route, others will vie for positions within private practices. With the latter in mind, we asked O.D. private practice owners the top three characteristics they look for in a hire (See “Tips on Acing the Interview,” courtesy of those interviewed for this piece, p.54.):

Justin Bazan, O.D., of Park Slope Eye, in Brooklyn, NY, says the job candidate must (1) align with the practice’s culture, (2) be reliable and (3) be eager to continue learning.

“I want to know whether the job candidate represents the essence of the office,” he says, elaborating on his first required characteristic. “I have them read our reviews and then ask what ways they resonate with them.”

Alan Glazier, O.D., of Shady Grove Eye & Vision Care, in Rockville, MD, says he looks for someone who (1) has empathy, (2) is a self-starter and (3) has personal and professional ambition.

“It’s important to me that the job candidate wants to continually learn, improve themselves, the business and their status within the business,” he says of the third characteristic, “because if the practice isn’t continuing to grow, it’s a dying practice. To continue growing, every branch has to be healthy and grow with and parallel to the business.”

April Jasper, O.D., owner of Advanced Eyecare Specialists, in West Palm Beach, Fla., and chief optometric editor of Optometric Management, lists (1) “EQ” (emotional quotient), (2) pride in appearance and (3) team player mentality as her top three hiring characteristics.

“Don’t get me wrong; I need associates who are good doctors, meaning good clinicians, but honestly, there are a lot of those,” she explains. “I hire O.D.s who are good at understanding and dealing with people. I want an associate who understands that success is determined by net promoter score, when all else is the same.” OM

TIPS ON ACING THE INTERVIEW

 

 

Secure a dinner meeting.

 

Never speak ill about anything or anyone.

 

Make eye contact.

 

Demonstrate an interest in specialty care.

 

Don’t answer questions with “ums” or “ahs.”

 

Show knowledge about the doctor and the practice.

 

Ask compelling questions.

 

 

 

Also in Leading Off

• Tips for Filling the Appointment Book
• Educate Patients: O.D.s Can Treat Allergy
• CEO Challenge: Humanize Your Practice
• Lessons from the Practice: Never Stop Learning
• Also Notable