For a successful clinic, you must hire the correct PTs. Sorting job applications, reading resumes, and interviewing candidates is time-consuming but must be done. If you are hiring a PT, you want the one who stands out from the crowd. Here are red flags to look for when hiring a new PT.
Talking About Money and Benefits Way Too Soon
If you are taking the time to understand a candidate and asking questions regarding their goals and hobbies, and they cut straight to money, it is a red flag. Yes, money is crucial for all of us. However, there will be a time for a money discussion.
Keep your eyes open for the ones who seem overly concerned with benefits. You might hear questions like how many sick days do I receive? How many holidays will I get? Or when can I expect a pay raise? If you hear these questions before you offer the job, it is a red flag. If a candidate asks these questions early, it is a sign that their interest might only be in personal gain rather than their role in your PT organization.
A Questionable Work History
Does your PT candidate have a suspicious work history? Do they have unexplained regression in their career, a history of job hopping, or a significant list of short stints at various clinics? You might have a candidate who has difficulty settling into a facility. They are likely never happy and are constantly chasing the next opportunity. Watch for unexplained gaps in employment too, and do not be afraid to ask the PT candidate about their employment history.
Not Answering Questions
Watch out for PT candidates who skirt questions you ask them in the interview. It is easy to drift off topic in a job interview, especially if the candidate is nervous. However, most candidates will reign it in and answer your questions. Now, if you have a candidate who goes off on a big tangent every time you ask them a question, you have a huge red flag.
Badmouthing Former Employers
It is possible to be too honest, and if you hear a PT candidate badmouth a previous employer in your interview, you are witnessing it. If you observe a candidate making back-handed remarks about their last employer when you screen them, it shows a lack of professionalism. You do not want to bring in an unprofessional employee.
Fear of a Reference Check
Watch out for those candidates who ask tons of questions regarding the reference requirements. If they are consistently asking how many you need, if you will contact them, or do you need one from my current employer, it could be trouble. If there is a sense of panic about getting references for you to contact, something is going on for which you need to be wary.
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