Hospitals recruit doctors and advanced practitioners based on specialties, certifications, experience and skills that align with their needs, but they don’t stop there. Their screening efforts are also focused on soft skills. Being able to showcase these soft skills can be the catalyst that, not only lands the job, but also ensures a good fit for both the medical professional and the medical institution curating a long-term relationship.
Top Soft Skills Hospitals Seek In Their Future Physicians
A good first step when searching for the perfect role is to assess what the in-demand soft skills are and how yours compare. You’ll also want to hone in on ways to highlight your best soft skills during the interview process.
- 1. A patient-centric attitude. An essential soft skill that hospitals seek in their future physicians and advanced practitioners is the ability to put the patient first. Physicians who can showcase skills like compassion and empathy are likely to catch the eye of the hospital hiring team. Attributes such as responsiveness, respect, calmness and a supportive nature are in demand in today’s healthcare landscape.
- 2. A breadth of knowledge and love for learning. Staff who bring a wealth of medical knowledge with them and a mindset toward continuing to learn are highly valued, as medical trends and advances are always leaping forward. Demonstrate these soft skills with training, education, certifications and mentorships. You might also include professional groups, journal publications or research projects.
- 3. An unwavering dedication to ethics. Hospitals are looking for physicians and advanced practitioners who display a strong sense of ethics. Providers who believe in honesty, transparency and ethics provide better care for patients and can be trusted to alleviate risk for the facility. These soft skills also extend to sensitivity in relation to the needs of patients, families, colleagues and staff.
- 4. An aptitude for tech tools. Technology is at the forefront of the medical profession, and that will only become more prevalent and complex as the tech continues to advance. For that reason, hospitals seek new hires who can master the tools needed to excel at their job. They also look for markers that the physicians and advanced practitioners they are interviewing are not afraid to learn new technologies and can adapt easily to the requirements that might include telehealth services, AI, robotic-assisted surgery or other advanced technologies.
- 5. A matching vision. An important element of adding a physician or advanced practitioner to the team is that they buy into the overarching objective, mission and vision of the hospital. Ideals should match so their culture and progress are not negatively impacted by a bad fit or misaligned mindset.
- 6. An ability to lead. Leadership is a hot commodity in busy medical facilities. Hiring hospitals gravitate towards physicians and advanced practitioners who demonstrate a propensity toward leadership – either in experience or as a goal. Strong and effective leadership skills are needed to excel in today’s fast-paced and demanding medical environment; that’s why this soft skill tops the list.
- 7. A resilient and balanced working style. In the face of rising burnout, facilities want to hire physicians who can handle a fast-paced hospital environment and know how to deal with stress, find balance and tap into well-being. Candidates should show they value work-life balance and practice self-care to cope with daily stressors.
- 8. A strong communication prowess. Another important soft skill to exhibit during the interview process is communication. Good listeners and strong communicators ensure that patients, family members, care team members and support staff feel heard and supported.
- 9. An organized work style. Organization and efficiency are key soft skills that hospitals are looking for during their interview processes. They need physicians and advanced practitioners who can manage their time, prioritize tasks and be productive.
- 10. A love for medicine. This one might seem obvious, but a passion for medicine and helping patients truly makes the difference between an average candidate and a success story. Hospitals are looking for providers who care deeply about what they do and have a sense of enthusiasm about their work.
When interviewing for your next amazing career opportunity, be sure to show off these soft skills to catch the attention of the hospital. Demonstrating your soft skills, areas of expertise and positive traits can set you apart from the pack and help you land the role of your dreams. Use these insights to put your best foot forward. If you are interested in looking for that perfect opportunity, reach out!
Best wishes on a successful interview!
