Walking into an interview can feel daunting. You want to show your clinical knowledge and make a great first impression, but you also want the practice to meet the real you. In optometry, where your chairside manner matters as much as your refraction skills, getting that balance right can make the difference between a good fit and a great one.
The good news? Being yourself doesn’t mean being unprofessional. Here’s how to show up as your authentic self, from the first handshake to the end of your working interview.
Know What “Professional” Looks Like at This Practice
Professionalism looks different at a two-doctor private practice than it does at a large corporate or MD/OD setting. Before your interview, do some homework. Check the practice’s website, Google reviews, and social media. What do patients rave about? Do they highlight specialty services like myopia management, dry eye, or specialty contacts? Are they a tech-forward office, or a small-town practice that has seen three generations of the same families?
Use what you learn to decide which parts of your experience to highlight. If they’re known for pediatric care, lead with your peds stories. If they’ve just invested in new imaging equipment, mention how you used OCT to catch something early. You’re not changing who you are, just choosing which parts of your story will resonate most.
Talk to Your Interviewer the Way You’d Talk to a Patient
Your ability to put people at ease is one of your biggest clinical assets, so let it show. Speak clearly and confidently, and let some warmth or humor through when it feels natural.
Skip the CV-speak. Compare:
“I have extensive experience in providing optometric care to pediatric populations.”
vs.
“I really enjoyed working with pediatric patients during my rotations because they kept me on my toes and taught me to adapt quickly.”
The second one sounds like a person the interviewer would want in the next exam lane. Save the technical jargon for when the conversation calls for it.
Tell the Story Only You Can Tell
“Why optometry?” is almost guaranteed to come up, and it’s your best chance to stand out. Instead of a rehearsed answer, share a specific moment: a mentor who shaped how you practice, a patient you still think about, or the case that made it click.
For example:
“During my clinical rotations, I worked with a patient who struggled with persistent headaches. They had seen multiple specialists without success, but after a thorough exam, we identified a vision issue that was the root cause. Helping them finally find relief reinforced how critical this field is to overall health.”
A story like this shows your clinical thinking and your values at the same time.
Treat the Working Interview Like a Normal Clinic Day
Many practices ask candidates to shadow or do a working interview, and this is where authenticity matters most. You can’t script an entire day, so don’t try to be perfect. Be the doctor you’d be on a regular Tuesday.
Pay attention to how you treat everyone, not just the owner. Techs, opticians, and front desk staff often share their impressions after you leave, and in a small office their opinions carry real weight. Introduce yourself, ask how they like to work, and say thank you. It also gives you a preview of what working there would actually feel like.
When You Get a Clinical Question You’re Not Sure About
Some interviewers will throw you a case: a tricky presentation, an unusual finding, or a “what would you do if…” scenario. If you’re unsure, don’t bluff. Take a breath and talk through your reasoning: what you’d want to rule out, what testing you’d run, and when you’d refer or consult a colleague.
Something like “I’d want to rule out X first, so I’d start with…” shows exactly what a practice owner wants to see: sound judgment and the honesty to know your limits. A thoughtful, calm answer is more impressive than a fast one.
Ask the Questions You Actually Care About
An interview goes both ways, and asking real questions makes it feel more like a conversation. Go beyond the basics and ask what matters to you:
How many patients do doctors typically see per day, and how long are exam slots?
Will I have a tech or scribe?
How do you support new doctors as they build their patient base?
What do you love most about working here?
The answers will tell you a lot about whether the practice is a good fit, and your questions will tell them a lot about you.
Be Authentic, Be Professional, Be Memorable
The best interviews don’t feel like performances. They feel like two parties figuring out whether they’d work well together. When you know the practice, share your real story, and act like yourself on a clinic day, you’ll leave the impression that matters: I can see this doctor fitting in here.
And if you’d rather start that conversation with practices that already match what you’re looking for, Eye Catching Jobs can help. Create a free, anonymous profile, tell us what matters to you, and let the right opportunities come to you.