One of the best parts of my job as a recruiter is talking with young optometrists in training who are just starting the job search process. Their energy, excitement, and fresh perspectives are inspiring. But every now and then, I notice a theme that holds some of these new grad O.D.s back.
When they chat or Zoom with a potential employer, the first questions they ask are often about pay, PTO, relocation help, or signing bonuses. Now, don’t get me wrong — those are important. You worked hard and sacrificed mightily to become a doctor, and you absolutely deserve to be compensated well. Many young optometrists are saddled with high student loan debt and so they feel pressured to get out of debt quickly. This pressure is real. But here’s the thing: When the majority of your questions are centered around what you’ll get, you may miss the chance to show employers what they really want to know — What you’ll bring to the practice.
Shift the Conversation: From “What do I get?” to “How can I help?”
Imagine the impression you’ll make if, instead of focusing on compensation and what you’ll get out of the employer : employee relationship, you begin by talking about how your particular skills, training and enthusiasm can contribute to this organization.
- Strong clinical knowledge and judgement.
- Experience with the latest technology.
- New ideas, positivity and excitement (New Grad O.D.s have these in abundance!).
- Knowledge of the latest treatment protocols.
- Decreased patient wait times and backlogs with the addition of a new provider (That’s you!).
- How you’ll connect with patients and help them feel truly cared for.
- Better online reviews because patients will know you genuinely care about their eye health.
- Keeping patients loyal, long-term because of your chairside manner.
- How you’ll free up ophthalmologists to focus on more complex patients and perform more surgeries.
That’s the kind of conversation that makes an employer sit up and think, “This doctor gets it!”
And here’s the best part: Proving your value doesn’t have to be complicated. Share real stories from externships or residency training that demonstrate your capabilities and strengths.
- Did you help a nervous patient feel comfortable during an exam?
- Did you learn how to work seamlessly with techs, scribes, or optical staff?
- Do you have great references from faculty along with other ophthalmologists (if applicable)
- Do you have a special interest in dry eye, myopia control, specialty lenses or another niche that could help the practice grow or meet an unmet need in their local marketplace?
These are the kinds of details that show an employer you’re not just looking for a job- you’re looking a career opportunity.
The Bonus? Compensation and Contract Conversations & Negotiations Are Smoother and Less Stressful.
Here’s a little secret from the recruitment world: When employers see that you’re genuinely invested in their success, the compensation talks go much smoother. They’re a lot more casual and a lot less tense. Why? Because you’ve already demonstrated your worth and how you can contribute to the organization. You’re no longer just “an applicant” — you’re a future teammate they’ll want to hire.
The Takeaway
Yes, ask about salary and benefits. You deserve to be paid market rate. But let that part of the conversation come after you’ve painted a picture of the value you’ll add to your future employer. If you focus less on what you’ll get and more on how you’ll contribute, you’ll stand out – and you’ll be well on your way to landing not just a job, but the right career opportunity.
Question or Comments? Reach out to Drew Caldwell at Drew@ojorecruitment.com
