Common Questions Midwives Should Ask at a Job Interview

We talk too many times about what business owners and recruiters should ask at a job interview midwives when picking the best person to join their teams.  We rarely talk about how important it is for the interviews to be a “two-way street” where the candidate is asking just as many questions as the hiring practice.  We want to know that this job and role is the best fit for us short and long term just as much as the practice wants to see if you are that best candidate.

I talk with new graduates and established midwives that have been burned by not asking the right questions during interviews when taking a position.  Midwives are a vital part of a team and there are complex practice styles across the US to understand.  Don’t pick a job position from a wage alone.  Pick a position based on your collaboration support, your vision of how to practice midwifery, and community that is being served for the practice. 

These are common interview questions I provide clients:

1. Why is there an open position with the practice?
2. What is the average time with group and clinical experience the midwives have?
3. What is the mission of the team as well as the organization’s mission?
4. What are the goals of the practice to accomplish the next one to give years from now?
5. What is the collaboration support like between the physicians, nurses, midwives, and administration?
6. What does a typical week for the midwife on the team look like?
7. What is the average patient volume seen by the midwives each day?
8. What is the cesarean section rate of the obstetrical department?
9. What is the ratio of obstetrical care versus gynecological services I would be offering with the team?
10. What does the typical patient cultural demographics does the practice serve?