Locum Story: Long-Term Strategic Partners in Healthcare

14 June 2024

This job of Locum Tenens was initiated as a makeshift policy to meet temporary doctor and staffing shortages.

Slowly, career opportunities emerged as one of the medical professional’s top career choices. In this article, we bring into the discussion table the demand for locums and the expectations of new job seekers in the next few years.

Locum Tenens: How Common Is It?

Locum tenens is, without doubt, a fast-growing segment in the healthcare industry. However, many of the largest facilities and practices in the USA have leveraged the efficacy of locum job placement. They incorporate these positions into their staffing models.

Although the concept of the modern locum tenens dates back to the early 1970s, since there is no turning back, the sector is managing a dream run of growth.

About 7% of physicians in the US have associated themselves with the locum tenens position within the last year.

Moreover, almost 85% of facilities are integrating temporary service providers. In the last decade, the number of locum tenens doctors has sharply increased. The rate of increase is massive( 90%). Hence, you can understand how common it is the concept of employment in the US medical sector.

The Future of Locum Tenens

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the move towards gig work and contracting has grossly affected the entire healthcare industry. Moreover, spending on locum tenens increased drastically by 28% in the year 2021.

Almost 60% of healthcare funds go towards inducting self-employed practitioners. The Association of American Medical Colleges conjectures that the shortfall of healthcare professionals will approach 140,000 by 2033.

The situation brings with it waves of concerns for the vulnerable aging population and also the medical workforce. The locum tenens positions address the shortfall, as well as providing patients with healthcare requirements.

Why Are Locum Tenens Jobs in Demand?

Recent data exposes some of the most concerning and surprising trends among physicians. They include those who are looking for contract-based positions.

Furthermore, the reports also bring to the forefront the reasons behind healthcare professionals’ preference towards short-term placements.

According to a survey, 60% of the respondents opine that they are looking for new positions. Moreover, nearly 25% of physicians under the age group of 40 opine that they are avoiding long-term or permanent positions due to burnout.

Moreover, after the pandemic, the healthcare sector faced an enduring staffing shortage. Consequently, stakeholders feel pressure from within.

Under such serious circumstances, the locum tenens has emerged as a viable alternative for physicians and other healthcare professionals who want to be engaged in the workforce but on their terms.

Work-life balance

Locum tenens offers a degree of flexibility not found in full-time healthcare positions. Temporary placements allow physicians to experience a range of environments and demographics while setting schedules that work for them.

Everyone knows that the present world of professionalism is grappling with issues like work-life balance and increasing stress. Organizational management, especially in the medical field, is looking to work on coping with immense pressure. Locus tenens provides an advantage. Professionals who aim to attain work-life balance are looking for locums job placement.

Better pay

Competitive pay is another driver of locum tenens growth. Moreover, the temporary healthcare positions may culminate in the form of 50% more payment compared to the comparable full-time placements.

As a result, it allows the healthcare profession to earn more money while working with flexibility. Temporary employees are responsible for health insurance and retirement planning, which can erode some of those profits.

These are a few reasons attributed to the increasing popularity of locum tenens positions in the healthcare industry. With a more equitable work-life balance, better pay, and, most importantly, less stress, it brings multiple benefits. Hence, it becomes easy to say why so many doctors are entering the locum tenens position.

A Hassle-Free Career

One key benefit of the locum tenens job is a hassle-free career. When professionals have this job, there are zero teaching and administrative responsibilities. Furthermore, there are zero coding and billing hassles or, say, staff management issues.

Experts say that the care providers who embrace this approach reap the benefits. Here, the professionals get much better flexibility from the hospitals. As a result, the job becomes much more stressful and hassle-free.

Freedom To Travel

The locum tenens are best known for their freedom of travel. This recruitment approach allows doctors to engage in multiple healthcare bodies, and that too in different places.

If you can visit multiple places and seek new career opportunities, you have flexibility and freedom. This is, without question, one of the prime benefits that healthcare professionals get.

Pre Retirement planning

One of the benefits linked to locum tenens is pre-retirement planning. Some doctors have retired from their full-time jobs but still want to engage in practice.

This approach to service best suits these professionals. These professionals are looking to finish their medical careers with locum work.

Many seasoned medical professionals have retired from full-time engagements. They suggest that they have made the right decision by engaging in part-time jobs at different care units. They say that the flexibility of the work structure provides them with the edge.

Read More: Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most in Demand 2020–2025

Managing the Debts

Another core benefit of locum tenens is working with new doctors. The respectable earnings from the job help one manage debt while studying in medical school.

Even the National Association of Tenens Organization(NALTO) says that an individual can get two ways to manage their student loans.

They think that the students are using different ways to pay back their along with the flexibility that they are getting from the hospitals. Working in the locum tenens allows them to provide coverage for weekends or months. The opportunities are quite enticing.

Change Will Keep Coming—Are You Ready For It?

Locum Tenens has grown into a nationwide, multibillion-dollar industry used by nearly 90% of America’s healthcare facilities. In every state, thousands of providers accept temporary placements every year, ensuring that people in underserved communities get the medical care they need.

Though locum tenens has a short history compared to that of other industries, it offers a reliable, sustainable staffing solution in areas lacking access to healthcare.

With locum tenens, we can build a healthier, safer society. If you’re considering a career change, accepting a temporary position may be just the push you need.

Read Also:

Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Top 32 Good Career Paths That Pay Well – 2022 Updated

It is very important to know the current trends in the job market, especially if you are looking for a good career path to nurture your skills and grow in the same. For many students, a college degree puts you on the direct path to a certain career such as journalist, police, doctor, or teacher. Meanwhile, there are some individuals for whom the future isn’t as clear-cut. The most demanded careers in the industry have the most anticipated growth rates for the next five years. However, before pursuing any career path, you must possess the required skills and knowledge to be a good fit for the job. Top 32 Good Career Paths That Pay Well - [2022 Updated] There may be several highest paying careers, but they should interest you and you must have the required skill sets and abilities to pursue the same. Besides, some career paths consist of lots of risks and responsibilities that you need to consider beforehand. So, let’s discuss the list of best career paths that pay well and have a rewarding future. 1. Finance Consumer Services Career Path Finance Consumer Services can be a good career option for you if you have an interest in finance. However, just keep in mind that to pursue this career, you must have certain skill sets: Data handling skills, Accounting Knowledge, Communication skills, etc. 2. Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores Career Path Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores is another good career path in 2022. For this job, you don’t require any particular graduation degree like other jobs. However, the core skill sets are excellent communication skills and customer handling abilities. 3. Packaged Foods Career Path Packaged Foods can be one of the most interesting career paths this year because there are several types of jobs available in this sector including Product Tester, Compliance Manager, Packaging Buyer, Package Designer, etc. 4. Electric Utilities Central Career Path Electric Utilities Central Path is a sector where Scientists and Engineers play an important role. However, in this path, there is a high risk because the workplaces in this area are considered to be very dangerous. 5. Business Services Career Path Business Services career path is also a good option for you because this profession is regarded as the most flexible category of employment with many work opportunities. Some entry-level jobs in this sector include Sales Representatives, Assistant Buyers, Financial Analysts, and Operations Research Analysts, etc. 6. Hotels/Resorts Career Path Hotels/resorts’ career paths can be very interesting and rewarding because there are several opportunities available here to grow quickly. Here, you will find lots of diverse options and flexible working hours that you will love for sure! 7. Other Consumer Services Career Path Other Consumer Services enable you to work on several technologies and boost up your overall job skills. The best part about this career path is that there are huge opportunities available and you can grow quickly here. 8. Public Utilities Career Path Public Utilities career path maintains the infrastructure for public services. They fulfill the basic needs of the public and provide various kinds of services. This can be a great career path if you are looking for long-term benefits and high rewards. 9. Energy Career Path The energy career path is also a very fulfilling career option because there are many best paying jobs in this sector. By working in this sector, you need to focus on creating energy efficiency and minimizing the energy consumption level to a great extent. 10. Basic Industries Career Path Basic Industries career path is a sector that is accountable for transforming raw materials and creating semi-furnished goods. The top characteristics in this career path are semi-furnished goods, high-quality staff, significant investments, etc. 11. Precious Metals Career Path Precious Metals career path is also a rewarding career path for you in the long run. The precious metals here can be anything such as gold, silver, diamond, platinum, etc. You just need to make sure that the metals are in stable growth and have good returns in the future. 12. Oil & Gas Production Career Path The oil & Gas Production career path is an innovative place to work in. Some of the best areas in this sector include Project Engineer, Logistics Analyst, Financial Analyst, Human Resource, Geologist, Oil & Gas Attorney, etc. 13. Capital Goods Career Path Individuals working Capital Goods focus on increasing the long-term productive capacity of the economy. This career path can simplify your living standards in the future and there is a massive opportunity in this industry. 14. Consumer Durables Career Path 'Consumer Durables’ career path is rewarding as it operates at 100% production capacity. Some of the top rewarding jobs in this sector include Events Manager, Product Development Manager, Sales Operations Specialists, Category Manager, etc. 15. Industrial Machinery Components Career Path Individuals working in Industrial Machinery Components are accountable for repairing and maintaining firm machines. They provide machinery, equipment, and control solutions for industrial infrastructure and energy. 16. Technology Career Path Technology is expected to grow rapidly in the coming future, and the available jobs in this sector are excellent. You can get quick employment opportunities even without a college degree. Isn’t it great? 17. Metal Fabrications Career Path Metal Fabrications is the production of metal structures by cutting, bending, and assembling. This career path is a kind of very responsible job, and you need to manage your time efficiently here. 18. Investment Managers Career Path Investment Managers are paid high from scratch. Besides, those who are talented and qualified can get more opportunities and rewards in this industry. Moreover, this career path is very satisfying and rewarding. 19. Commercial Banks Career Path Commercial Banks has been providing clients with credit products such as term loans, syndicated services, cash management services, fixed income products, etc. Moreover, this has been divided into two categories such as primary and secondary services. 20. Major Pharmaceuticals Career Path Major Pharmaceuticals has various degree programs. In this sector, the Sales Representatives make the most revenue, and this can be the best choice for those who are looking for a bright future. 21. Home Furnishings Career Path Home Furnishings can be a good career path for you if you are interested in the construction sector. This industry has lots of opportunities at present, and you can consider this to improve your skills and knowledge. 22. Homebuilding Career Path The homebuilding industry alone has more than 80k job opportunities and the career is expected to grow by 8%. Some of the top-paying jobs here are Construction Manager, Interior Designer, Architect, Carpenter, Roofer, Electrician, etc. 23. Telecommunications Career Path The telecommunication industry is also very booming. Individuals working in this sector require job training that lasts for a few weeks or sometimes extends to a few months. They attach cables and wires to appliances. 24. Quality Assurance Career Path Quality Assurance individuals make sure that the quality of the products or services is delivered as expected. They are hugely responsible for the food’s quality if they are working in the food industry. 25. Major Banks Career Path If you are interested in the banking sector, then major banks can be a top career option for you in the long run. Banking sectors are loved by many people because the skills required in banking can be useful in other sectors too. 26. Photography Career Path The photography career path can be rewarding for those who are really passionate about their aim. Wedding photographers, Lifestyle Photographers, Fashion Photographers, Freelance Photographers, Advertising Photographers, etc. 27. Auto Parts O.E.M Career Path Auto Parts O.E.M’s career path is also a great one to pursue in 2021. This career path is referred to as Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means that the parts are created by the same company that makes the vehicle. 28. Steel/Iron Ore Career Path The steel/Iron Ore’s career path is also rewarding and worth considering in 2022. This career path is the backbone of the global economy and has the highest demand and value at present. 29. Medical/Dental Instruments Career Path Medical/Dental Instruments career path helps you to save patients’ lives by carrying out procedures that remove pain and prevent future problems. The best benefit of this career path is that you can open your own clinic in the future. 30. Medical Assistance Career Path Medical Assistance is one of the most rewarding career paths in the healthcare industry. You can work in this sector, and the skills required can be utilized in other sectors as well. 31 Computer Software Prepackaged Software Career Path Computer Software Prepackaged Software career path is a fulfilling career because the salary structure is very good. So, if you are interested in the computer industry, you can pursue this career path. 32. Consumer Non-Durables Career Path Consumer Non-durables career path is a favorite choice of many individuals because the employees are paid high due to high demand. These goods are easily consumed in one use or have a life span of fewer than three years. The Final Thoughts A career path that pays well will make you live a comfortable life without any worries. At the same time, you can achieve your long-term financial goals like buying a home, starting your own business, or anything else that is important for you. Thus, the above listed are the top 32 career paths that pay well and have a bright future in the long run. READ ALSO: Career Options after 12th Science 8 Useful Tips for Personal Career Development How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts? Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path?

how long does it take to become a physician assistant

How To Become A Physician Assistant In 7 Years Or Less

The title "physician assistant" may evoke images of someone whose job it is to run professional errands for doctors to someone with little knowledge of the health sector. Physician assistants (PAs), however, are highly skilled individuals who are authorized to diagnose, track, and provide medication to patients. Though the responsibilities of PAs and doctors frequently overlap, the degree of autonomy that each enjoys at work varies. Although PAs normally require a doctor's supervision to treat patients, doctors are legally permitted to practice independently. There are other options for pursuing an advanced career in healthcare besides attending medical school or nursing school, as evidenced by the growing demand for PAs. This article covers the steps involved in becoming a physician assistant, as well as typical specializations, salary ranges, and employment prospects for this field. How Long Does It Take To Become A Physician Assistant? Are you interested in becoming a physician assistant? Do you know how to become a pa? Are you wondering how long does it take to become a pa? Did you just google "What bachelor degree do I need for physician assistant?" This article will explain everything to you in detail. Who Is A Physician Assistant? Physician assistants, or PAs for short, are certified medical professionals who assist doctors in delivering care. They provide care as well as keep an eye on the health of patients alongside doctors. While some states permit physician assistants to operate autonomously, the majority mandate that they remain under the direct supervision of physicians. PAs perform physical examinations, write prescriptions for medication, and administer tests. Additional duties for PAs are as follows: Obtaining the medical histories of patients Placing as well as evaluating diagnostic test orders Assisting with medical operations Directing patients to appropriate experts Creating therapy programs Offering patients preventive care advice Track the advancement of your patients. Carrying out clinical research Physician assistants are employed in a variety of locations, including surgery rooms, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and doctor's offices. In addition to working in medical settings, PAs are employed by military institutions, sports teams, and educational institutions. The majority of PAs have full-time jobs with flexible schedules that sometimes include weekends and holidays. Similar to physicians, they might have to work long shifts on short notice and be on call. PAs should be physically fit and have strong interpersonal skills because spending hours interacting with patients and coworkers can get tiresome. How To Become A Physician Assistant? Here are the steps to take before you can become a physician assistant. Get Your Bachelor's Degree Getting a bachelor's degree from a recognized university is the prerequisite for working as a physician assistant. Applications from a variety of backgrounds are usually accepted into PA programs, but a science-focused major is advised as it will enable you to apply undergraduate credits toward your PA requirements. Acquire Patient Care Or Healthcare Experience (PCE) (HCE) Prior to applying to graduate school, prospective physician associates (PAs) are advised by the American Academy of Physician Associates to obtain experience in healthcare or patient care. HCE describes employment, whether paid or unpaid, in which you may still interact with patients but are not directly in charge of their care. PCE, on the other hand, necessitates direct patient treatment. At least 1,000 HCE or PCE hours are needed for most PA programs, and these hours are normally obtained after working in the health industry for about a year. A medical technician, paramedic, surgical assistant, dental assistant, hospice worker, physical therapy assistant, and phlebotomist are among the positions that satisfy the need for clinical experience. Enroll In A PA Program With Accreditation You can acquire the advanced knowledge required to pass the national certification exam and start working as a physician assistant by enrolling in a PA graduate program. Clinical anatomy, clinical therapeutics, histology, as well as medical principles are among the subjects covered in a PA program. Additionally, you might participate in clinical rotations or clerkships, which entail observing certified PAs. For those who cannot attend in person, several colleges offer online PA programs. Concentrations are a common feature of these PA programs, enabling students to customize their degrees to meet their professional objectives. Moreover, geriatrics, family medicine, women's health, pediatrics, psychiatry, and general internal medicine are among the common specialties of PAs. Through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA), students can submit their admissions applications. PA applicants must submit HCE and PCE records, college transcripts, recommendation letters, resumes, and personal statements to CASPA. Before applying, make sure the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has approved the program of your choice. Obtain Certification Graduates from ARC-PA-accredited programs are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is responsible for administering the exam. The PANCE is a five-hour multiple-choice test designed to evaluate candidates' knowledge of medicine and surgery. To obtain a PA license in any state in the United States, one must pass the PANCE. States may have different requirements for other particular licenses. How Long Does It Take To Become A Physician Assistant? Usually, it takes at least seven years to finish all of the steps above. You will need four years to complete your undergraduate studies, followed by a year to obtain experience in healthcare and two years to finish a PA program. If you need more time to study for and pass the PANCE, or if you want to gain experience when moving from undergrad and grad school, then the path to becoming a PA may take longer. Salary Of A Physician Assistant As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for physician assistants was $126,010. The industry, degree of experience, and place of residence all affect an individual's compensation. Certain regions of the United States, such as Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Nebraska, and Montana, have the highest concentrations of physician assistant jobs, putting them in great demand. According to BLS projections, employment for these professionals will grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031, which is nearly six times the projected growth rate for all U.S. jobs and three times the projected job growth rate for other health practitioners nationwide. Specializations Similar to nurses and clinicians, physician assistants can choose to specialize in different areas of healthcare based on their areas of interest as well as strengths. Moreover, the types of patients PAs work with, as well as the range of salaries they can earn, depend largely on their specializations. The majority of PA programs provide elective courses and some mandate that students finish supervised clinical practice across several specializations. Before starting graduate school, we advise you to select your PA specialization so that you can enroll in a program that offers comprehensive instruction in your field of interest. Here are some typical specializations for PA professionals and students. Emergency Practice In this specialization, PA aspirants learn how to assess, stabilize, and treat patients with life-threatening conditions. Students specializing in emergency medicine also gain skills for collaborating with urgent care teams and for presenting cases to physicians. Pregnancy And Gynecology PA students who choose this concentration will graduate with a thorough understanding of childbirth, midwifery, and the female reproductive system as a whole. They get training in giving women prenatal and postpartum care as well as family planning counseling. Pediatrics By providing ambulatory care for infants and children, pediatric PAs assist pediatricians. Students specializing in the pediatrician field gain the ability to assess typical pediatric issues, provide prophylactic care, and explain treatment regimens to patients' guardians. Surgery PA students can assess and oversee surgical patients through the surgery specialization. They gain knowledge on how to care for surgical patients both before and after surgery. Mental Wellness The treatment and support of patients dealing with mental health issues is the main focus of this specialization. Students in this specialty gain knowledge on how to perform mental assessments, track patients' progress, as well as recommend individuals to behavioral health professionals. Certifications Furthering your experience, profile, as well as career certifications helps you gain credibility. Here are a few you can check out. PA-C The primary certification for PAs is the Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) credential, for which you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. Three hundred multiple-choice questions, given in five blocks of sixty questions each, make up the five-hour PANCE exam. Between sessions, candidates can take 45-minute breaks. Those who wish to take the PANCE must complete a program approved by the ARC-PA before taking it. Potential PAs have 180 days from the date of graduation to apply for the exam; however, they can only take the test beginning seven days later. After submitting an application and paying a $550 fee, NCCPA will email you an acknowledgment along with more details. Additional Qualifications NCCPA provides optional credentials for ten PA specialties in addition to the PA-C: Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery Dermatology Emergency medicine Hospital medicine Nephrology Orthopedic surgery Pediatrics Palliative medicine and hospice care Psychiatry Obstetrics and Gynecology These qualifications are known as certificates of additional qualifications, or CAQs. They give PAs credit for their specialized knowledge. Professional Organizations While it's not necessary, becoming a member of a professional organization can help PAs become more credible and open up more career development opportunities. The two professional associations that were established to aid physician assistants are highlighted below. The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the preeminent national organization for PA professionals. It was established in 1968. It encompasses more than 168,000 PAs in each of the 50 US states. The AAPA gives its members the tools they need to grow professionally and enhance patient care. Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is the national organization for PA education. It helps academic programs attract and hold onto talented faculty members and PA students. Additionally, it offers a range of study resources for PA certifications. Wrapping Up Additional motivations to become a physician assistant include demand, high pay, work-life balance, autonomy, and job security. If you have the desire and passion to become a PA, then the amount of time it takes is unimportant. Your clinical experience and self-assurance will enable you to lead health care forward and improve patient health and well-being with the Physician Assistant Studies Program. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask how long does it take to become a physician assistant, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Learn More About: The Future Of Healthcare: Adapting To An Aging Society Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most In Demand 2020–2025 Is Medical Specialities A Good Career Path? – 12 Best Jobs

Ultimate Guide to Interview Prep Mastering the Essentials

We have either been in the same spot a few times, or this is your first interview prep. No matter how often you straighten your tie, prepare yourself with your best answers, and finest smiles, chronic nervousness is common. But why do we get nervous before an interview? Even after understanding all the questions, why do our tongues get tied, and we can be at a loss for words? Or do we? Is there a possibility of this ever happening, or are we overthinking it? The biggest reason behind pre-interview anxiety can originate from the myths and mysteries of a job interview. So, that is precisely what we are going to do today. Debunk these myths and give you the reality of a job interview. Plus, this blog post will also focus on giving you curated advice for interviews to ace any, and most importantly, how to get rid of the anxiety psychologically. Interview #Myths (...and the Truth) As you prepare for your interview, here is some good news. You do not have to perfect. Do not worry; no recruiter is looking for a robot. We must already combat enough AI to take our jobs! Authenticity will always trump any robotic response. So, let's give you a few more good news! Myth #1 – You Should Have All the Answers Undoubtedly one of the biggest myths of job interviews is having all the answers. There is a misconception that your incapability to answer a particular question directly indicates your incompetency. Reality That is simply not the case. In fact, sometimes interviewers ask you bizarre questions to test your practicality or even your creativity. Basically, there might not be a correct answer! They are just trying to understand how imaginative you are. However, you might not have an answer to the question, which is all right. It is even okay to politely decline to respond politely. This shows integrity, as you do not wish to waste their time or your own. Plus, it shows your acceptance of your shortcomings and enthusiasm for learning more. Myth #2 – Interviewer Holds All the Power Since you are the one wanting the job, it is common to misconstrue a power dynamic. Many get nervous because they believe the interviewer holds all the power. You might also place the interviewer on a pedestal, thinking they might know a lot and are probably judging all the questions. Reality Interview prep is always a two-way street. While the recruiter judges your capabilities, you are also assessing whether the job is right for you. Plus, their thought of hierarchy can make you more nervous. If you have confidence in your capability and know you will be suitable for the job, then treat your recruiter as your equal. The conversation can go much smoother from that point on. Additionally, you are also allowed to have unique interview questions to ask your employer. It is not a one-way communication. Myth #3 – You Have to Wear a Suit This is an age-old belief that what you wear will heavily influence your first impression on your interviewers. However, the myth is about wearing a suit and always having a tie around your neck. Reality Not that it will hurt if you wear one, it is not a necessity. Dressing yourself up in formals and looking presentable doesn’t always end with a suit. You can look presentable with a simple button-up & trousers. For ease of understanding, we will pinpoint the ones who are not dressed up. Un-ironed cloths Denim Clothes that do not fit you Hats Ripped or distressed pants Pants with too many revealing pockets Revealing clothes Too many accessories A face full of bright makeup & Open-toed shoes (unless they are strappy heels but prefer closed-toed pumps) or sports shoes. If you have a pressed shirt and trousers that fit with closed-toed shoes, you should be ready. Myth #4 – Your Resume Is the Only Game Changer You will find many prints and place their resume in a new folder for their interview prep. They might even present their resume to the interviewer before allowing themselves to sit (...and without even being asked). Reality They rang up for an interview upon perusing your resume. Therefore, they want to avoid sitting and reading through your resume. So, presenting your resume before presenting yourself is not a game. More than your academic or professional achievements, they are here to assess your personal skills. Believe it or not, other candidates might have the same resume. This is not to demotivate your professional capabilities but to understand that it has already created the impression it could. The rest now depends on how you present yourself. Plus, this is an opportunity for you to make yourself stand out. Myth #5 – You Should Have a Firm Handshake The things people overthink before an interview prep can charge anyone’s curiosity meter. One of them is having a firm handshake. Many believe that a firm handshake can telepathically transfer one's strong will and professional excellence to one's interviewer. Reality Again, a good handshake is a sign of a confident personality. However, correlation is not causation. That is, someone with a slightly weaker one isn't automatically wrong for the job. Shaking hands with the person who escorted you to your interview and your interviewers is a sign of respect. Your interviewers will consider you as a polite being (...irrespective of the firmness of your hand). Plus, there are other factors to assess you, so rest assured they are not overthinking your handshake. Also Read: Red flags of a job interview: 8 reasons to turn down an offer Things To Remember While You Interview Prep – Advice for Interview While preparing to be your best self in your interviewer’s eyes, do not forget this last-minute advice for an interview. Check The Job Description: Before you sit before answering the questions, remember to go through the job descriptions a few times. It doesn’t matter if you can’t answer one question, but you should know what job you are interviewed from. Plus, offering you a different job role other than the one in the description is also a major red flag you should look out for. Research The Company: Do not give your interviewers the impression that this is just another interview. Show them that you want the job and start having personal communication about the company. Knowing that you know about the company creates a steady impression. Non-Verbal Communication: 70% of communication in your job interview is non-verbal. When you start your job interview prep, do so in front of a mirror. Finding your best presentation posture, a pleasant smile, and firm eye contact. The entirety of you should be communicating with your recruiters. Especially if you are in a video interview, your non-verbal communication skills will be scrutinized more. Keep In Mind the Timing: You should always be early enough for your interview. This was the interviewer’s understanding of the candidate’s conceptual skills. nature, heavily influencing your acceptance rate. Make it a habit to be 10 minutes before the assigned time for your corporate interviews. Interview Doesn’t End After You Leave: Always send a thank you mail expressing your gratitude. You can also give a better reply to a question asked during the interview. This will show your enthusiasm towards the job, and the fact that you are carrying your research forward even after the interview. Bizarre Interview Questions (...and Their Answers) Interview prep is indeed a serious matter. However, sometimes, interviewees can even ask bizarre questions to cut the tension and add some witty humor. The wittier your answers to these bizarre interview questions are your recruiters will be impressed. Here are some of the common questions whose answers you should prepare. 1. “What’s The Color of Money?” A company once asked their financial candidates this question. This can either be a trick question or a question to test someone’s creativity & knowledge. While the obvious answer would be green, one candidate answered “it depends on the country. While US dollar is green, Japanese Yen could come in blue, green, and purple based on the currency amount.” Can you guess who was hired? Yes, the one with a worldly knowledge about currencies from all over the world. Now, that is someone with a keen interest in finance. 2. “If you were shipwrecked on an island with no food, water, or internet connection, what is that one thing you would like to have.” Now, this is a question that has no right or wrong answer. The recruiter is just trying to assess your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. One candidate answered “a kindle” which seemed like a dreamy answer. While another candidate said “a boat” which was quite logical. The candidate who got the job said a hammer & a knife. Truly, you will need two important tools to fashion any tool out of whatever’s left. This was the interviewer’s understanding of the candidate's’ conceptual skills. 3. “If you could fly or be invisible, what superpower would you choose?” This is another interview question that recruiters use to break the ice. Through this superpower question, they are just trying to determine whether you are a spotlight person, or someone more willing to work behind the scenes. Oddly, many choose flying over being invincible. However, for candidates who choose invincibility, recruiters can get an idea about their introversion or extroversion nature. Therefore, when preparing for an interview, remember to choose these items wisely. The End of Every Interview Prep No matter how your interview was, always end it with a good note. Remember to shake their hands and express your gratitude for their time. Do not rush the recruiters for a reply. Try waiting for 48 hours, and then send them an email asking for the result. Your interview prep doesn’t end after the interview. A follow-up can always be a game-changer! Hopefully, this blog post was able to calm you down. If you have more words of wisdom for our audience, please add them in the comment section below. Read Also: How Interviews With Industry Titans Motivate And Elevate Company Teams Red flags of a job interview: 8 reasons to turn down an offer

Locum Story: Long-Term Strategic Partners in Healthcare

Locum Tenens: How Common Is It?

The Future of Locum Tenens