Landing a locum tenens position can open the door to exciting career opportunities, fresh experiences, and the chance to make a difference in patients’ lives.
But before you can begin, you need to get past the gatekeeper by nailing the job interview. It’s your moment to highlight your clinical skills, show how well you adapt to new environments, and demonstrate your value to a healthcare team.
The interview process can feel intimidating for physicians and APPs—whether a physician, CRNA, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. The good news? With the proper preparation, clear communication, and a confident mindset, you can turn this daunting challenge into an opportunity to shine.
We’ve created this guide to help you feel prepared and self-assured as you approach your locum tenens interviews. Here, you’ll find practical tips and strategies to help you stand out as a candidate and advance your career.
You’ve got the skills—now it’s time to showcase them.
Table of Contents
Preparing for the Interview
It’s not just about answering questions but showcasing your skills, values, and interest in the locum tenens role. Taking time to prepare demonstrates your professionalism and commitment, setting the tone for a positive interaction. Here’s how to position yourself for success and confidently connect with your potential hospital practice partner.
Prepare Key Documents for Your Interview
Before stepping into a locum tenens interview, ensure you have these essential documents updated, organized, and ready to share:
- Updated CV in Month/Year Format: A current CV with clear month/year formatting is crucial. This provides a complete, accurate timeline of your career progression and highlights your qualifications.
- Peer and Supervisor Referrals: Gather professional references from peers, supervisors, or chiefs of staff. Preparing these recommendations in advance demonstrates your credibility and commitment.
- Compiled Case Logs: If your specialty requires case logs, ensure they are neatly compiled. These records provide concrete examples of your clinical expertise and experience.
- Malpractice Case Summaries: List malpractice cases with brief descriptions and outcomes if you’ve faced them. Transparency is key—employers value candidates who proactively address these topics.
Research the Healthcare Employer
Start by understanding the facility’s mission, values, and community demographics. Researching your potential hospital practice partner demonstrates genuine interest and helps you tailor your answers to align with their goals. Review the employer’s website, social media profiles, and any recent news about the organization.
Articulate Your Clinical Expertise
Prepare a concise summary of your clinical experience, specialties, and skills corresponding to the role. Highlight specific achievements, such as managing high patient volumes, mastering specialized procedures, or working in diverse healthcare settings. Practice communicating these points so you can share them confidently during the interview.
Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviewers appreciate candidates who are curious and engaged. Being proactive with questions demonstrates professionalism and thoroughness. Your questions clarify job responsibilities and signal your commitment to finding the right fit.
Consider asking:
- Why is this position available? This helps you understand the context of the staffing need, such as a permanent vacancy or temporary coverage.
- What are the team dynamics? Inquire about team structure, collaboration expectations, and leadership support.
- What training or orientation is provided? For short-term assignments, ensure there’s a clear plan to onboard you quickly and effectively.
- What challenges does the facility face? Understanding the challenges helps you assess whether your skills can contribute to resolving them.
- What metrics measure success? This shows you’re results-driven and eager to meet the facility’s standards.
Understanding the Role and Expectations
Gaining clarity on the responsibilities and expectations of a position is essential to assessing whether it’s the right fit for you. This approach not only helps you prepare for the challenges of the job but also ensures transparency between you and your potential hospital practice partner. You can confidently evaluate whether the opportunity supports your professional goals and practice style by addressing key details upfront.
Clarify the Scope of Work
Ask detailed questions about:
- Patient volume and daily caseload expectations
- Work hours, including any potential overtime
- On-call responsibilities or weekend and holiday shifts
Knowing these details upfront ensures there are no surprises if you accept the role.
Discuss Facility Protocols
Each healthcare facility operates differently. Confirm:
- Specific procedures you’ll be expected to perform
- Available support staff and resources
- Alignment of protocols with your preferred practice style
For example, ask about anesthesia delivery models if you’re a CRNA. If you’re a radiologist, you might inquire about imaging turnaround times and teleradiology options.
Showcasing Flexibility and Adaptability
Flexibility and adaptability are highly valued traits. They demonstrate your ability to thrive in various environments and collaborate effectively with different teams. By sharing examples of your teamwork and comfort with change, you can position yourself as an indispensable asset to any facility.
Highlight Your Team Integration Skills
Facilities value clinicians who can adapt quickly and work seamlessly with diverse teams. Share examples of:
- Joining a new team and learning their workflow efficiently
- Collaborating across specialties to improve patient outcomes
- Managing transitions, such as EHR changes or staff shortages
Demonstrate Comfort with Change
Locum tenens roles typically require stepping into unfamiliar environments. Use examples from your past to show how you’ve succeeded in dynamic settings. Mention specific scenarios, like taking on last-minute assignments or covering for absent colleagues.
Communicating Professionalism and Confidence
Professionalism and confidence are crucial to leaving a positive impression during an interview. How you communicate your skills, experience, and approach to care speaks volumes about your ability to excel in the role. By preparing clear, thoughtful responses and striking a balance between confidence and humility, you can demonstrate your expertise and dedication to collaborative, patient-focused care.
Prioritize Key Information on the First Page
Place critical information, such as board certifications, specialty training, and notable achievements, prominently on the first page of your physician CV or resume. This will make it easy for hiring managers to assess your qualifications at a glance.
Practice Clear and Concise Responses
Rehearse answers to common interview questions, such as:
- What inspired you to pursue locum tenens work?
- How do you handle challenging patient cases?
- Can you describe a time you helped improve team efficiency?
Keep your answers focused on how your experience fits the facility’s needs while showcasing your clinical acumen.
Balance Confidence with Humility
Exude confidence in your skills but remain open to feedback and learning. Frame responses to emphasize collaboration and patient-centered care. For example:
- Instead of saying, “I always handle complex cases on my own,” try, “I collaborate closely with my team to navigate complex cases effectively.”
Following Up Post-Interview
Post-interview follow-up is crucial in making a lasting impression and reinforcing your interest in the role. Thoughtful communication with your recruiter shows professionalism, appreciation, and attention to detail. Let’s examine ways to express gratitude, reiterate your qualifications, and address any remaining questions.
Send a Thank-You Note
After the interview, email a professional thank-you note to your recruiter to express gratitude for presenting you with the opportunity. Your recruiter will want to know your overall impression of the conversation, along with some specific highlights.
Reiterate Your Qualifications and Clarify Final Details
Use the thank-you note to emphasize how your skills align with the position. For example: “I was particularly drawn to the XYZ team’s focus on patient-centered care. My experience managing high-volume emergency cases matches this facility’s needs well.”
If details about the position or next steps remain unclear, politely seek clarification in your follow-up.
Practical Insights for Different Interview Stages
Navigating each stage of the interview process requires tailored preparation and professionalism. Whether speaking with a recruiter or a clinical manager, each conversation is an opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications, clarify expectations, and build rapport. By approaching each stage strategically, you can confidently present yourself as the ideal candidate for the role.
The Initial Recruiter Call
The first step in working with a locum tenens staffing agency is an interview with a recruiter. Treat this call as seriously as you would an interview with the hiring facility. Avoid distractions, prepare your CV, and articulate what you want in a role.
Recruiters may ask:
- Why are you interested in locum tenens work?
- What are your preferred practice settings?
- Are you comfortable with short-term assignments or travel?
Use this opportunity to ask about licensing assistance, credentialing timelines, and assignment expectations.
The Clinical Manager Interview
This is your chance to connect with the decision-makers at the facility. Focus on showcasing your clinical competence and adaptability. Be prepared to discuss:
- Your approach to patient care
- How you handle high-pressure situations
- Your ability to integrate into new teams
Final Thoughts
Excelling in a locum tenens interview requires preparation, adaptability, and clear communication. You can confidently navigate the interview process by researching the healthcare employer, articulating your skills, and asking insightful questions. Follow up professionally to leave a lasting impression and position yourself as the ideal candidate.
At OnCall Solutions, we assist clinicians at every step of their locum tenens journey. Whether you’re seeking guidance on preparing for an interview or exploring your next opportunity, we’re here to help. Your expertise makes a difference in patients’ lives, and we’re proud to be your partner in delivering exceptional care.
