I got a call back from an optometry clinic near me and I have an interview this Monday with an optometrist to shadow her and I’m just curious how what I should be saying/doing? Do I need to market myself somehow? I have no experience at all and only an interest in the field, how do I get that across? Any suggestions? I’m scared I’ve never done an interview like this before!
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So exciting!
Show up on time. Ask questions when you hear a term you don’t understand. Answer questions when asked- “Yes, I understand the need to be discreet with patient medical records” and “Yes, I will follow instructions and ask for clarification if I don’t understand”.
Wear clean clothes, shake hands with eye contact, and you’ll do great!!!
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You can get that across by being honest! It’s ok to say that you do not have any experience in the field and would like to learn more. That is why you are shadowing!
Look professional (no jeans etc unless you were told otherwise) and follow the advice given above.
Good luck…and enjoy the experience!
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All great advice!
I’d add, shadow more than one. There are multiple practice modalities.
For 21 years I was a high volume (50 patients a day) medical optometrist in the busiest ophthalmology practice in the region. I got burned out and pivoted to an optical based, boutique practice 9 years ago. This month, I’m retiring.
There are LOTS of different practice styles. Find as many as you can and visit them.
I’m very honored that quite a few of my patients are now optometrists themselves.
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Congratulations on your retirement!
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I am a medical mentor. Just as stated show up a bit ahead of time. Wear clean clothes and look Professional. Just answer the questions honestly. Your NOT being tested. You will get questions like "Why do you want to be an Optometrist etc. Questions will be basic. It’s not a job interview. Your just shadowing.
So, no questions in front of patients. Save them for later. They will probably ask if you have any at some point. Eyes open/ mouth shut is how some describe it. Most people that do mentoring want to do it and enjoy teaching. Be intellectual curious. No one expects you to know anything. If your there a full day bring lunch /snacks to keep your blood sugar up.
When your mentoring is over a nice thank you note hand written or typed is always a nice touch.
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I’m in healthcare and interview a lot of students. Based on what I’ve seen:
- Be polite to the front office staff. You will be working with them as well, and they will also be forming an impression of you.
- While waiting for the doctor, stay off of your phone. Look, listen and take in what is happening in the office.
- Don’t bring a backpack, coffee or water bottle to the interview.
- Dress professionally. Make sure your clothes are clean and not wrinkled. Make sure your shoes are clean. If you have tattoos, cover them. If you have facial piercings, remove them. You may want to ask what you would be expected to wear while shadowing.
- Bring a copy of your resume and your driver’s license. They may ask for you to fill out an application. Have names and addresses of references just in case. Be prepared to write a short statement about why you are interested in shadowing in the office.
- Know your schedule and what days and hours you can shadow. If you are dependent on others (or public transportation) to get to the office, figure out schedules and timing before your interview. Do you have any conflicts (ex. finals, family events, etc.) when you can’t work?
- When you leave, shake the doctor’s hand and thank them for their time.
- Follow up with an email thanking the doctor for their time and reiterate that you appreciate the opportunity.
Based on what you have written in previous posts:
- Stay positive
- Talk about you and not your twin
- Stay positive
Good luck! Make sure you come back and share how the interview went.
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@acidghost how did your interview go?
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went well, I’m going to shadow her this Friday it’s only one day though
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