I’ve known many physicians (myself included) with somewhat checkered employment histories: conflicts with colleagues, frequent job changes, burnout, medical errors, and disciplinary actions, to name a few. Assuming you fit one of these categories and decide – or have been told – to move on, whatever negative feelings you may harbor about the people in your organization should not carry over into a prospective job interview and new position. Here are some tips for navigating interviews when you have a less-than-spotless resume.

Don’t Blame or Complain

Blaming or complaining about your former boss or coworkers, especially in an interview, is a big mistake. You must present yourself with grace and professionalism. It can be tricky. 

Here’s an example of how you might respond to a question about why you left (or are planning to leave) your job:

“While I appreciated the opportunities I had at my previous job, I realized that I was looking for a work environment that better aligns with my professional values and career goals. I am excited about the opportunity at your company because it offers the kind of collaborative and supportive culture where I believe I can thrive and make significant contributions.”

There are also short-answer options for responding to that same time-honored question, and they are applicable even if you were fired:

Q: Why are you leaving?

A: “There’s been a mismatch in expectations.” Or, “I’m looking for a role where I can learn and be challenged.”  Or, “It wasn’t a good fit for me.” Or, “We decided to part ways.”

It’s often best to keep it simple and avoid excessive details. Save your rants for your therapist or coach.

Stick to (Neutral) Facts

You’ll likely face probing questions during your new job interview. Don’t allow yourself to get tripped up by them. Stick to the facts and remain neutral. You will have the ability to control the narrative to some extent. Hook people in. Tell them your story in a way that captures their attention from the get-go. Remember, this isn’t the dust jacket bio of your book; it’s your chance to introduce yourself to the interviewer.

For example:

Q: Why are you leaving so soon (assume less than two years)?

A: “I saw the job description (online, etc.), and it’s a better fit for me than my current job. Here’s what resonates with me…”

Focus on the Positive

During the interview, try to respond to the questions with a positive take. 

Mention specific skills you’ve gained: “I’m looking to deepen my interests in IT and forecasting.”

Highlight your values: “I’m seeking a company that respects teamwork and collaboration.” 

Emphasize your strengths: “I’m a fast learner and quickly adapt to new situations.”

Research the company and show that you’re a good cultural fit: “I’m looking forward to working with the chief medical officer and her team. They’ve demonstrated novel approaches to patient care.”

Share what’s important to you: “I’m looking forward to celebrating our wins.”

Tell the interviewer what you have learned: “I’ve become deeply passionate about population health and patient advocacy.” 

Take the spotlight off of a negative topic: “My colleagues swear by my character and work ethic. I’ve listed them as references.”

Shift to your ambitions and express enthusiasm: “I’m eager to join a team that values creativity and innovation.”

Talk about your professional development: “I’m seeking a company that invests in its’ employees’ education.” 

Show growth from adversity: “I’m sure I can make a significant contribution. I’ve become much better at solving problems.”

Don’t Give Too Much Detail

Don’t be afraid to show yourself and highlight what you do outside of working hours: “I volunteer once a month at a free clinic.” Or, “I play the piano (or other instrument).” Or, “I enjoy writing poetry.” However, be careful not to reveal too much of yourself or discuss highly personal matters (e.g., family, culture, religion, sexual preference, and political and ideological affiliations and positions). 

Alternatively, avoid discussing sensitive or confidential information about your previous employer. This is different than bad-mouthing them, which as I stated above you should also avoid. Maintain a professional tone, act natural, and don’t come across as stilted or defensive.

Structure your response using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear and organized answers to questions that may require elaboration – the type of questions that often begin with: “Tell me a time when…” Prepare and practice your responses to common questions about difficult situations, so you feel confident and articulate during the interview. By focusing on growth and positive outcomes, you can effectively address tricky questions and demonstrate your resilience and professionalism to potential employers.

Leaving a job under trying circumstances may not be easy, but your experience can make you a stronger candidate. By preparing in advance and maintaining a positive, professional demeanor, you can navigate a new job interview successfully and leave a strong impression on your potential employer. Anticipate challenging questions during the interview, but control the narrative. Remember, every ending is a new beginning. Own your story and let it elevate you.

What's one interview tip you have? Share in the comments.

Arthur Lazarus is a former Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership, and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is the author of several books on narrative medicine, including Medicine on Fire: A Narrative Travelogue and Story Treasures: Medical Essays and Insights in the Narrative Tradition.

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