Landing an ideal job depends on NOT doing certain things that spoil an interview.

Much has been written about how to interview effectively. Let's consider the flip side: interview strike-out factors to avoid at all costs.

Arriving late. Being punctual for an interview is a good sign. It conveys a sense of professionalism and respect for the interviewer's time. On the other hand, arriving late (more than 10 -15 minutes) is perceived negatively. Plan to arrive for the on-site interview 15 -20 minutes early. By all means, if you're running late for some good reason, phone ahead to inform the interviewer. He or she will appreciate the courtesy shown and will likely be more understanding of your tardiness. Showing up late with no warning or good excuse might, indeed, be a strikeout factor in not receiving a job offer.

Not looking the part. Every industry and profession has a certain standard "look" that serious job seekers should convey. This holds true in the medical field. Physician or mid-level candidates need to put their best foot forward in terms of their attire and deportment. It's not necessary to purchase an expense Brooks Brothers suit. But it is essential to convey a neat, professional appearance with conservative dress, hairstyle and accessories.

As an example of personal appearance being a strike-out factor, here is a true story: A doctor showed up for an interview wearing a promotional T-shirt and passing out flyers for some charitable cause he was representing. Needless to say, the employer was not impressed, and the physician did not receive an offer.

Lack of courtesy. Displaying fundamental courtesy is important in any business or professional setting. Everyone appreciates being treated politely and courteously. Keep this in mind whenever you communicate with an employer, either over the phone or in person. How you interact with receptionists, secretaries, and human resources personnel is just as important as how you interface with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Extending a firm handshake and genuine smile-along with displaying respect and appreciation for assistance offered-indicates basic courtesy, a key ingredient for establishing successful interpersonal relationships.

Showing disinterest during the interview. It is likely that you will get a good feel for the job opportunity in the first 10-15 minutes of the interview. The information shared will either stimulate your interest, or not. Even if the opportunity does not sound ideal, it's smart to look interested and gather as much information as possible. It's conceivable that the first person who interviews you-such as an in-house physicians recruiter or HR representative-is not as convincing as someone else might be in explaining the outstanding features of the opportunity. Showing interest until you gather all the facts is a wise decision. Otherwise, you might prematurely rule out what could be a golden opportunity.

Not providing credible, convincing information. Practicing medicine is a precise science. Therefore, interviewing for a medical position should be based on facts, not suppositions. That is to suggest, the interviewer is looking for factual verification of thorough, medical education and exemplary clinical training. For this reason, it's helpful to include in your interview dossier letters of reference from informed parties who can speak knowledgeably of your medical training and clinical skills. Additionally, showing proof of academic excellence and clinical competence helps to make a convincing case as to why you should be regarded as a strong candidate for the position under consideration.

Being evasive about references. Candidates who are upfront about supplying reference contacts are viewed more favorably than those who are evasive when the interviewer broaches the subject of references. Even if you don't have a lot of great references, it's to your advantage to address the subject positively rather than sidestep the issue altogether.

Discussing compensation prematurely. Ever job seeker in any field wants the most they can get in terms of starting compensation. This is understandable. Nevertheless, there's a right time to discuss monetary matters, and that is after the employer has shown a serious interest in your candidacy. Bringing up the topic prematurely is usually viewed unfavorably. In fact, some interviewers regard it as a strikeout factor. There is good advice associated with the adage "Sell yourself before you close the deal."

Being brash or "pushy." Completing medical school, internship and residency is a competitive venture. Job-hunting with healthcare employers is also highly competitive. These facts notwithstanding, it doesn't pay to regard the interviewer as an adversary by being brash or pushy. Displaying such an attitude is ill advised and will likely cause the interviewer to scratch you off the list of viable candidates. No matter how impressive your background is-and how competitive you are by nature-conveying an appropriate degree of humility goes a long way in endearing yourself to parties that might have an interest in hiring you.

Voicing anything inappropriate or offensive. In these days of "political correctness," one must be extra careful in discussing certain topics. Even slight remarks related to racial, religious, sexual or political matters can be taken in the wrong way and alienate the interviewer. Not knowing his or her background, you should play it safe and steer clear of any remarks that can be construed as inappropriate or offensive. "Think twice and speak once" is a good motto for savvy job seekers.

Not selling you convincingly. The biggest strikeout factor is failing to convince an interviewer that you are the ideal candidate for the job. It is largely a subjective judgment based on many perceptions and communication cues that he or she picks up during the conversation. Even if you are not certain that you would accept an offer, operate on the premise that you are the best person for the job. Once an actual offer is extended, at that point you can decide whether it's the right one for you.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you will increase your chances of landing the job that will propel your professional career significantly.

Allow Professional Placements be your physicians recruiter!

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