So, when a clinic/group says to you - "Let's meet at ASTRO," how is that organized? I haven't found a way to make appointments or anything like that. It mentions that there will be rooms on the ASTRO job site, but there is no sign up or anything like that.
And are these just 15 minute meet-and-greets or actual interview sessions? Then, do they email/phone you after the meeting to set up on-site interviews?
-S
In most cases, people who will be interviewing you are just as clueless about the ASTRO job center, if not more. Remember, most practices interview only once every few years... unlike residency programs that interview every year and develop certain expertise.
A few months before ASTRO, a module will open up at ASTRO job center that will allow you to release your CV and apply to advertised jobs. Then a few weeks before, another module that will let you schedule interviews will pop up. It is not very intuitive but you will figure it out and become an expert by the end of ASTRO. You don't necessarily have to use the module to schedule interviews. In fact, they will often call you on your cell phone (out of frustration of being unable to figure out how to use the module)... Many times, this happens while you are already there at ASTRO, not beforehand. I believe they kind of check off their list as they go and invite more as needed.
I think the key is to:
1) give out your cell phone number
2) make sure you will be available for the whole duration of ASTRO (at least the first few days when people will be more enthusiastic) and
3) check your ASTRO job search module often... (which means bringing your laptop and not having to rely on the check-email center at ASTRO).
A lot of times (especially by the end of ASTRO), people will have figured out it's whole lot more convenient to meet outside the tented cubicles at the job center. People will often say "let's meet in front of the job center and go somewhere quiet so we can talk." Big corporation practices (e.g. 21st century) will rent out a room somewhere closeby and ask you to come there. Last year, it was at this deserted building on a fishing dock, right out of Mafia movies. (Some docs there also appeared to have come out of the same movies...)
At ASTRO, you can exchange contact info. I advise you to follow up in a week or so --- it's surprisingly high-yield. If they remain interested, they will fly you out to visit the practice, visit the city, often treat you to a nice dinner with a bunch of current partners. You may also want to ask if this will be the only visit (in which case you have to insist you bring your family --- they will pick up the tab) or it will be followed by a second interview. (or is it third now?)
Good luck. It's stressful... because this truly is THE big decision. If all goes right, you will be there for next forty (not four) years! Make sure you attend the ARRO talk on Saturday and pick up those handouts for evaluating practice, etc. They are very helpful.
