Are They the Right Fit? Screening Resumes to Identify Associate Candidates

You’ve begun the search for an associate in your practice and the resumes are rolling in. As a busy doctor of optometry, you do not have time to interview every applicant. What can you (quickly) do to identify those candidates for an interview who might best meet the needs of your practice? A start is in reviewing applicants’ resumes and paying particular attention to the following:

• Licenses and residency programs: Making sure an applicant is licensed to practice in California should be a first step in identifying potential candidates for interview. Notable continuing education courses on an applicant’s resume or CV can indicate that doctor’s desire to advance their skills and remain on the leading edge of optometry.
• Graduation year and school: Maybe your practice is looking to hire a fresh, new graduate—or maybe you are looking for someone more experienced. Graduation year, and whether the applicant graduated with honors or other special distinctions, is the first place to look.
• Special skills and training: Does the candidate bring something to your practice that is currently lacking? Are they bilingual, or do they have special training for pediatric or other demographic important to your practice? These additional skills can set certain applicants apart from the rest.
• References: If a candidate looks great on paper, reach out to their references. They will likely be able to give you more information about the applicant’s work ethic, chairside demeanor, and personality. Be sure to ask those references if there is anyone else whom you might speak to about the applicant.

The updated edition of the Optometrist Resource Guide (COA member login required) provides additional resources for identifying candidates for your practice, along with information on things you need to know as an employer (see the section “Registering as an Employer). Additionally, visit the AOA OptometrysCareerCenter.com to find excellent candidates for your practice.