Physician Phone Interviews Are a Trap (But You Can Win)

Key Takeaways

• Phone interviews are often the first filter. They can also be the last.

• Employers use them to find red flags. Be ready.

• You can, and should, have notes in front of you.

• Keep background noise off. No dogs, no babies, no gum.

• Don’t overshare. But don’t sound like a robot.

• They're judging your vibe, not just your resume.

• The Real Contract Course can prep you before you screw this up.

1. Is This a "Just Getting to Know You" Call or a Secret Test?

You get that email: “We’d love to schedule a quick phone interview.” You think, cool. Easy. I can do this half-asleep.

Don’t.

The phone interview is where most people lose the offer and don’t even know it.

Why?

Because:

• They show up unprepared

• They overshare or say too little

• They treat it like a vibe check instead of a real evaluation

The truth? That recruiter or hiring doc is already clocking your tone, energy, and how fast you stumble when they ask, “Tell me about the time you left XYZ hospital…”

This isn't your friend on the line. This is round 1 of elimination.

Before you even see the contract, they’re trying to guess if you’d be a nightmare to work with. This is where fit meets filter.

2. What Do Employers Actually Want From This Call?

Not the full resume recap. They’ve already skimmed that.

What they do want:

• To make sure you’re not awkward on the phone (a red flag for bedside manner)

• To check for CV gaps, weird job jumps, or... attitude

• To avoid wasting time flying in someone who’s clearly wrong

They’re lowkey asking themselves:

• “Will this person mesh with our team?”

• “Can I put this doc in front of patients without a PR nightmare?”

They're not asking if you can treat DKA. They assume that. What they want to know is... are you weird?

3. Can You Use Notes? Like... Cheat a Bit?

Yes. Use. Notes.

This isn’t a pop quiz. You can have:

• The job post printed out

• Your own resume

• A few bullet points on questions to ask them

• Your salary goals

• A short script for awkward answers (like “why’d you leave your last job?”)

Don’t read it like a robot. Just have it to glance at. Helps when your brain blanks mid-answer.

This is your one chance to sound like the most prepared person they’ll talk to this week. Take it.

Need help knowing what to ask? This post has your back.

4. What Should You NEVER Do On a Phone Interview?

You’d be surprised how many people mess this up.

Don’t:

• Eat while talking (yes, people do this)

• Answer while driving (they’ll hear the wind)

• Let your dog bark in the background (you’ll get labeled “chaotic”)

• Have the TV or music on

• Use speakerphone

Also, don’t lie. They will sense it. And don’t get too comfy. One minute you're rambling about “hating your old group” and bam, you’re blacklisted.

How you present matters. Even over audio.

5. Do You Really Need to Smile on the Phone?

Sounds silly. But yep. Smile.

Why?

• Your voice actually sounds more positive

• You project more energy without shouting

• You won’t sound bored (they hate bored)

And try standing while talking. It helps you sound like a person giving a TED Talk instead of... someone curled up with Netflix in the background.

Weird trick? Sure. But it works.

6. What If They Catch You Off Guard? Like… During Clinic?

This happens a lot. Especially with recruiters.

Don’t panic. If you’re not in the right space, say so.

Say:

• “This is a bad time, can I call back in 30 minutes?”

• “Can we schedule a proper time later today or tomorrow?”

It’s better to reschedule than to sound distracted, rushed, or worse, uninterested.

Think about it: if you’re whispering between consults or trying to sound excited while your toddler screams in the background... they’re not hearing you, they’re hearing your chaos.

7. Are They Judging Your Accent or Speech?

Honestly? Sometimes, yeah. Not fair. But true.

It’s not about having “perfect English,” it’s about clarity.

Tips:

• Speak slower than you think you need to

• Pause instead of “umm”-ing

• Don’t overcompensate. Just be clear and calm.

If you’ve got a strong accent, own it. But make sure your main points land. You’re not trying to sound fancy. You’re trying to sound understood.

8. What’s The Exit Strategy? How Do You Close Strong?

Don’t end it like you’re begging. And don’t act too cool either.

Say:

• “Thanks for your time. This sounds interesting.”

• “I’d be happy to talk more if you feel it’s a fit.”

• “Looking forward to the next step if there is one.”

Then... stop. Don’t ask “how did I do?” Don’t say “I really really really want this.” Don’t do the eager intern voice.

Just be confident. Chill. Like this is just one of your options.

Because it is.

Bonus Round: Want to Crush This Without Wasting Your Lawyer's Time?

Listen. Most of the people wait too late to start prepping. They send the contract after they’ve said yes. Then panic.

Don’t do that.

The Real Contract Course is what you do before you even get that interview.

Here’s what you get:

• A no-fluff breakdown of the key clauses (non-compete, tail coverage, bonus traps)

• A game plan for what to say, what to ask

• A smarter way to use your lawyer’s time (less “wait what does this mean?”)

It’s 2 hours. You watch it once. You walk in sharp. Period.