Hiring the right people is critical to the success of your practice, as management and staff are one of your biggest expenses and turnover is both disruptive and costly. Attracting good candidates and evaluating them wisely can be more difficult than you think.
TMA practice consultants suggest that, in addition to the facts on a résumé, you consider the intangible qualities that make a candidate a good “fit” for your practice culture. Does the candidate project a winning attitude? Does he or she exhibit good communication skills? Does he or she have a professional appearance?
Hiring right is not a matter of chance. The following steps, which are essential to successful hiring, require careful preparation, judgment, and follow-up:
- Define your needs (for example, what type of management works best for your practice).
- Write a job description summarizing the duties and responsibilities of the position.
- Research competitive salary and benefits packages for your area.
- Write and place recruitment ads in appropriate publications.
- Know the legal requirements for interviewing and hiring.
- Develop a list of interview questions. Ask questions that provide insight into how the candidate thinks and works.
- Test candidates as applicable (for example, coding skills).
- Be consistent throughout the interview process.
- Check references and conduct a background check before you make an offer.
Recruiting a good employee can be time consuming and laborious, but doing it carefully and methodically is worth the effort. Some practices turn for help to TMA Practice Consulting’s management and staff recruiting services. A consultant can help you define your needs, recruit, screen, and recommend candidates, and participate in the interviews. To find out more, contact TMA Practice Consulting at (800) 523-8776 or email practice.consulting[at]texmed[dot]org.
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Last Updated On
September 07, 2021
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010