need help with interview questions

[Mysterio]

Hey everybody. I could use some quick advice from those of you who work for others. I am interviewing tomorrow morning with a chiropractor. He has one MT already on staff, and is looking for another. The interview itself I am not worried about (even though it has been years since I've done interviews). What I need help with are the questions to ask him. What should I be looking for? I know that he values massage therapy (his website is more about massage than chiropractic) so I am not worried about that aspect. If you can help me brainstorm ?'s I would be grateful.

What I have been thinking....
-independant contractor or employee?
-who provides equiptment, sheets, etc.?
-pay scale?
-hours?

my brain is not working well these days, so any advice or help you can give me would be great! (boy, do I sometimes miss life before children when I could get more than 3 hours of sleep in a row! : ) Thank you!!!

 

[Pompal 09.]

I would ask direct questions about the business, how long he's been a chiro and what inspired him to go into the field, how long he's been in biz in this location, what is the primary demographic he serves (as in car accident, worker's comp, general ortho etc), how long the other MT has been there, their experience etc.

IMO/E this expresses your interest in things beyond how much you get paid and for how many hours per week. You CARE about the people you're working with, and what motivates them, it matters how long the biz has been around and the type of clients you'll be seeing the most of.

Having just gone through a two step interview process for the first time in, oh, nine years (I got the job btw), those are the things that came to mind for me.

Good luck! And I get the before kids/after kids concept very well. I have 8 and 2 yr old daughters.

 

[freshfromrwc]

I would inquire about the spacing between your appointments, in the chiro office where I worked for almost 2 years I didn't know any better and didn't get that agreement up front. After much discussion they agreed to "allow" me 15 minutes between appts but I never seemed to get them. 15 minutes isn't much to ask for-- esp. since some of your clients will be running late, or the chiro office itself will cause a delay in your getting them onto the table.
My office also had different discounts for clients who paid in advance for any of their treatments, including massage. ( like a 20 % discount with purchasing a package of 10 massages) My agreement with the office was that I didn't take a hit on those discounts-- meaning I got paid the same regardless. So you might want to ask about that.
I was an I.C. and was quite happy that way. I also had to provide my linens and oils/creams. It was a 50/50 split.
Maybe find out who you answer to? The chiro Dr. usually doesn't have time for detail oriented issues that will arise and it helps to know up front who you go to for help.
That is all I can think of this late at night!! Hope you get to read this before you go for the interview- Good Luck!

 

[Dreams]

I totally agree with Empathetic~Heart. Over the years, I've learned that it's extremely important to make sure that you and the doctor are of similar mindset. The nitty gritty business details are absolutely important, sure, because they put food on your table and a bad arrangement can cost you your sanity. However, please don't overlook the intangible, personal compatibility level between you and the doc.

During the interview, feel him out as best you can. Watch body language and demeanor. Look for little things that tell me he's ignorant like the term "masseuse". (I know, some MTs don't care about that word, but for me it's like fingernails on a chalkboard and it can make the person who said it look either ignorant or dubious.)

I definitely agree about asking him what made him decide on chiropractic. Knowing what I know about the field, NOT all are created equal! There are some phenomenal doctors, and there are others who really should've just sold used cars (no offense to any used car salespeople here!) Some are slick snakes and some are genuine healers. Some want to get rich of of you and many others want to make you a near-equal part of their team and treat you like a real family member.

Also, ask him something about what massage therapy means to him. Ask him what a massage therapist's role is, specifically in HIS office. Also, does he specialize? If so, in what? In my experience, and these may be broad unfair generalizations with plenty of exceptions, but if I had my choice, I'd take the family practitioner, chiropractic neurologist, or chiropractic sports physician over someone who does personal injury or worker's comp. GENERALLY speaking, the lesser-quality docs I've encountered do almost all PI/WC work. I've found that those who have more cash-paying or out-of-network patients tend to be a bit more personable (they have to be, to get people to pay out-of-pocket to come see them, versus the 5 DCs they passed on the way who DO take their insurance). Again, that's so general that it's full of holes, so please don't take my word for it. Evaluate each doctor on his/her merit

I really hope things go well for you! Please keep us posted
Hugs,
~Jyoti

 

[Pompal 09.]

Thank you to those that responded! The interview went well=he offered me a position after the massage! He is actually wanting someone to work more full time hours, but I told him that I can only do 2-3 afternoons a week, and some Saturdays. He will accomodate my schedule (already a good thing!), and just allow me to be part time. We seemed to have a good rapport during the interview. He's been doing chiro for 20 years, and also does strength training and nutritional counseling with his clients. He seems to have a passion for his work, so I am feeling pretty good about the place.

Now I just have to find daycare...this is going to be the tough part. There are too many babies around here and not enough daycares!!! : Wish me luck!