A physician job search, executed correctly, is often times a very similar experience to dating. There is always an initial introduction (How did you two meet?), interviews (remember those first dates?), and hopefully a satisfying long term relationship at the end (a perfect match). Let’s take this analogy a few steps further and look at the job search experience through a romantic lens.
Initial Introductions: The initial introduction of a physician job seeker and a prospective employer is comparable to two strangers with a romantic attraction between them. Both parties might be interested, but one party may be more so than the other. It’s important not to come on too strong at the beginning; employers that start off by extolling their compensation might come off as boastful or overcompensating, while job seekers who ask about pay at this stage might appear to be only interested in one thing. Quality relationships don’t often start by going all the way on the first date! If both parties are truly interested in a long-term relationship, then this stage of the relationship should be about getting to know each other and determining the level of mutual interest.
Interviewing: Interviewing is the dating stage of the physician job search. This is when the couple learns more about their mutual compatibility and determines if the relations is truly built to last. Just like real romantic/dating relationships, the period of time required for this stage will vary from couple to couple. Inexperienced individuals would do well to interview/date more than one person in order to see what’s out there and learn about what is attractive or unattractive to them. It’s also very important for both parties to be themselves and really get to know the other in order to build a solid foundation for a healthy relationship. Sometimes the relationship will fall apart at this stage, but better now than after you’ve become legally bound together!
Contract Offer: This is the marriage proposal of the job-search-as-romance analogy we are using. Just like a real romantic relationship, it’s okay for either party to express their interest in taking the next step, but you will probably want to feel reasonably confident that the other party feels the same as you! Obviously the job seeker can’t offer a contract, but he or she can make a proposal by simply stating, “I’ve learned enough that I know that I’d like to spend the rest of my life (career) with you, and if you feel the same way, then I’m ready to review a contract whenever you are.” At this stage it’s also okay to ask about the compensation without giving off the impression that you’re only in this relationship for one thing (and if this happened earlier by mutual consent, we don’t judge)!
Acceptance: After signing the contract, the relationship has now been consummated! It will be best for everyone involved if this relationship stands the test of time, so don’t forget to keep working at it just like you would with a real romantic relationship. We wish you unending happiness with your new partner!
