Career and Life Planning Guidebook for Medical Residents

“I was in a job that wasn’t the ideal environment, and I wanted to make sure my next move was the right one for me. After interviewing at another hospital, I called someone in my network who worked there to ask about the people and the culture. That was so helpful to me and it turned out to be a great move.” – Adriana Tobar, MD F I E L D N O T E S Here are some tips for conducting a Circles of Gold conversation: Begin with some type of acknowledgement. Thank them for their time, insights and/or expertise. Reference the context of your relationship. If you were introduced by a mutual acquaintance, reference that name and your appreciation for the introduction. Provide the contact with the reason you’re calling or writing — your 30-second commercial. Make a request: You would like some time with them (face-to- face or on the phone). You would like their ideas, opinions and recommendations (IOR) about your mission and how you are conducting your search. Ultimately, you also would like referrals for people they know who could help you on your continued mission. Ask for permission to use their name if you are following up with the people they recommended. This may seem too formal but it’s an important request to make because people’s names are like currency and you’re asking to use their name to open doors. Follow up. Keep track of the referrals and recommendations. Make those contacts. Let the personwho made those introductions know that you made the connections. Acknowledge him or her for the time spent and the contribution to your search. Stay in touch. 9. Mind your networking manners. Throughout the networking process and the interview process it’s important to always exercise good manners and proper etiquette. This is simple common sense, but you would be amazed at how often this is forgotten. Return all phone calls and email promptly. Make formal introductions when meeting people. Don’t fidget or talkwith yourmouth full. Ask for permission to use someone’s name or reference. Always send a thank-you note after getting a referral or following a meeting. An e-mail thank-you is common, but a hand-written note sets you apart. The really expert networkers think of a way to give back. Search Strategy 165 WWW.PHYSICIANCAREERPLANNING.COM