Landing Your Optometry Dream Job: 5 Interviewer Secrets

Read time: 5 minutes

Too many Optometrists applying to the same practice as you?
Worried the interviewer won’t like you?
Have no idea what they look for?

Let's face it, the field of Optometry is becoming more saturated, with an increasing number of Optometrists emerging. The changes to the Optometry BSc programs in universities and the recent apprenticeship initiative are contributing to this trend. Given this scenario, why should a potential employer choose you?

Certainly, it's not solely based on your academic grades or the duration of your pre-registration training. Interestingly, I've never encountered these questions in my experience. Once we've received the green light from the College to practice and have successfully completed our assessments, we're deemed competent. However, this doesn't mean that all Optometrists are on the same level; it simply signifies a solid foundation of optical knowledge. Ideally, continuous learning should be a part of every stage of your career.

Employers evaluate the following factors:

1. Your Passion for Optometry.

2. Your future aspirations.

3. Your ability to work in a busy environment, particularly on the high street.

4. Your teamwork and seamless integration with the existing staff.

5. Your alignment to the values of that practice to ensure you will work towards their goals.

Though there might be additional considerations depending on the individual, let's focus on these key aspects for now.

1. Passion for Optometry

Do you genuinely relish your career and assisting the public with their vision? Are you effectively engaging with customers? Reflect on why you chose to become an Optometrist. Your response should be authentic and heartfelt. Employers can differentiate rehearsed answers from genuine ones. They seek Optometrists who are enthusiastic and engaging, as these qualities bring value to their practice.

A true passion for your work translates into an improved demeanor, actions, and work quality – benefits that extend to both you and your potential employer. An Optometrist lacking in passion is unlikely to last in a practice and might soon seek opportunities elsewhere.

2. Future Ambitions

This part is pivotal during the hiring process. Employers need insight into your envisioned future. If you're planning to engage in locum work predominantly in the near term, they might be hesitant, as they generally seek long-term commitments. Transparent communication about your goals enables them to support your aspirations or clarify early on if their resources align with your plans. Soon after graduating, I told my employer that I wanted to pursue the professional route in Optometry, and as a result, I undertook management courses (ILM and pathway) and was eventually promoted to Optometrist Manager.

Clarity from the outset eliminates later misunderstandings. Employers appreciate Optometrists who aim high and strive for excellence within optics, whichever route you choose. While they understand you might eventually outgrow their practice, the cycle of training the next generation of Optometrists remains essential.

3. Your Ability to Work in a Busy Environment

This might primarily apply to high street candidates, but it's a crucial skill. Despite appointments typically lasting around 25 minutes, clinics can become exceptionally hectic due to late patients and walk-ins, among other factors. Referrals and signing off children’s collections/dispenses can also add to the workload. While employers should avoid exploiting Optometrists by overloading their schedules, the ability to multitask is invaluable during busy periods.

4. Teamwork and Integration

Compatibility with the team is essential. This doesn't mean having identical preferences or dislikes – everyone is their own individual. However, you should establish rapport, enjoy working in together, and share humor. Mutual assistance among team members is vital; the staff are the practice's backbone, and a lack of harmony can lead to dysfunction. Importantly, this extends to your collaboration with optical assistants, DO’s, lab techs, and admin staff. Ultimately, they rely on you, and you rely on them.

5. Your Alignment to the Values of that Practice

Sometimes there’s no right or wrong, you just won’t fit in or align with their values. A practice may be looking to go in a more clinical direction by increasing dry eye clinics or introducing myopia management, alternatively they could just be focusing on purely retail and selling glasses.

Employers will be look at your values and what you enjoy. From there they will see if you can align with them because they need an Optometrist who will work towards their goals. You also need to decide if they suit your own values and if you will be comfortable working there for the foreseeable future.

Finally..

When pursuing a role, be the real you. Don't put a mask on, as it will crumble when faced with challenges. Being true to yourself ensures you find a position that aligns with your personality, aspirations, and skills.

Regards,

P.S. Interested in delving deeper into the optical industry and exploring the heights your career can reach? Gain insights from experts on building your career in The Optics Room podcast.