PA Career Coach Jennifer Hohman frequently works with clients who are considering changing their specialty. Find out how she helps her clients find the right specialty for them through careful self-assessment, research, and networking.

Preparing for a virtual interview is very similar to preparing for an in-person interview, but there are special considerations. Read on to learn how Jennifer Hohman, the PA Career Coach, advises her clients to prepare for a virtual interview, and why you should schedule a practice call with a trusted friend before the big day.

Any successful career transition is rooted in self-knowledge, curiosity and a zestful movement towards what inspires you as a clinician. PAs have unique career journeys given their ability to navigate specialty transitions that can be both exciting and daunting.

Interviews can be stressful, no doubt about it! I’ve found in my work with PA clients that preparation (especially for difficult questions) is an effective way to promote confidence and even turn anxiety into excitement about meeting with a prospective employer. Effective preparation involves careful assessment of your abilities as a clinician (and person) and how they correspond to the job, and also working out your replies to commonly asked difficult questions in advance.

As a career coach, I frequently help my PA clients prepare for interviews. In this article, I’d like to share some exercises that will help you be a more effective and confident interviewee.

The interview is your first chance to show why you are the best candidate for the position. It’s also a chance for you to understand more about the practice or organization and its culture, approach to patient care, and knowledge of team practice.

Learn about the educational resources that are available to help you switch from one specialty to another.

Even the most successful PA career hits the occasional snag that can make transitioning to a new position challenging. Aside from potential contract disputes, a frequent trouble spot is obtaining a positive reference from a former employer with whom there was a conflict. Find out how you can deal with negative job references.