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If you’ve Googled “physical therapist job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of templates. But here’s the problem—most of them are painfully generic.
They give you a checklist of tasks, a bland paragraph about the company, and a bullet-point list of requirements… but they don’t actually help you attract a great physical therapist.
They miss the human element.
They don’t explain why the job matters.
They don’t show what kind of impact the therapist will have on real people.
And they certainly don’t reflect your company’s values, mission, or culture.
The truth is, top physical therapists aren’t just looking for a job. They’re looking for purpose, team alignment, and an environment where they can do meaningful work—and grow.
So if your job post reads like a formality, this article will show you how to turn it into your most powerful recruiting tool.
We’ll cover:
- What a physical therapist really does (in plain English)
- Two great job description templates—one for experienced hires, one for entry-level candidates
- A full breakdown of why those templates work
- A side-by-side example of a bad job post (and how to fix it)
- And bonus tips to make your post stand out, even in a competitive market
If you haven’t already, we recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ —it’ll show you why buzzwords and bullet points aren’t enough anymore.
Now, let’s dive in.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
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What A Physical Therapist Actually Does
A physical therapist helps people move better, feel stronger, and recover faster—whether they’re healing from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or improving mobility after surgery.
They don’t just follow a routine or hand out exercises. They assess, adapt, and build personalized plans that restore function and improve quality of life.
A great physical therapist is part medical expert, part coach, and part motivator. They combine technical knowledge with empathy and clear communication—because often, they’re not just treating a patient’s body, they’re helping them rebuild confidence and regain independence.
In short:
This is a role that requires clinical skill and emotional intelligence. Attention to detail and genuine care. It’s about outcomes, trust, and human connection.
If you want to hire someone who shows up with both competence and compassion, your job description needs to reflect that from the start.
Two Great Physical Therapist Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Physical Therapists
📌 Job Title: Physical Therapist – Outpatient Ortho Focus (Renew Motion Therapy, Charlotte NC)
📍 Location: Charlotte, NC
💼 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM
💰 Salary: $82,000–$95,000/year (based on experience)
👋 Meet Your Future Team
Here’s a quick video from Dr. Lauren James (Clinic Director) sharing what it’s like to work here and what we’re looking for in our next hire:
🎥 Watch Video Introduction from the Clinic Director
🏥 Who We Are
Renew Motion Therapy is a therapist-owned outpatient clinic in Charlotte, NC, specializing in orthopedic and post-surgical rehab. Founded in 2012, our mission is to provide personalized, evidence-based care without the rush or volume overload of traditional clinics.
We take a one-on-one approach—never double-booking patients—and emphasize deep patient relationships, clinical autonomy, and ongoing development. We’ve built a team that values kindness, growth, and excellence.
💡 What You’ll Be Doing
- Manage 8–10 patient sessions per day (45-minute blocks)
- Create and implement personalized treatment plans
- Use manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education
- Collaborate with physicians and other providers
- Document treatment using EMR (WebPT)
- Mentor junior staff and participate in monthly clinical workshops
🧠 What We’re Looking For
- Active NC Physical Therapist license
- 2+ years of outpatient orthopedic experience
- Strong communication and patient rapport skills
- Manual therapy experience (e.g., Maitland, McKenzie)
- Passion for personalized, hands-on treatment
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- 100% paid health and dental insurance
- 3 weeks PTO + paid holidays
- $1,000 CEU reimbursement annually
- Paid license renewals
- 401(k) with 3% employer match
- Free onsite gym and wellness stipends
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll thrive here if you value autonomy, work-life balance, and meaningful patient relationships. Our therapists are trusted, supported, and encouraged to grow—professionally and personally. You’ll never feel like a cog in a system here. You’ll feel like a partner in care.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make hiring more fair, efficient, and skills-focused. Just click below to complete a short evaluation—we’ll review every application carefully and keep you informed at every step.
👉 Apply Here via WorkScreen
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Candidates / New Grads Welcome
📌 Job Title: Physical Therapist – New Graduate Role (Elevate PT Group, Sacramento CA)
📍 Location: Sacramento, CA
💼 Schedule: Flexible (Full-Time Preferred)
💰 Salary: $75,000–$80,000/year + full training support
👋 Meet Your Mentor
Hear from one of our Senior PTs, Jamie Tran, who joined us as a new grad and now mentors others:
🎥 Watch Jamie’s Story – Life as a New Grad at Elevate
🏥 Who We Are
Elevate PT Group is a network of outpatient clinics across Northern California. Our Sacramento branch opened in 2019 and quickly became known for its hands-on mentorship, collaborative culture, and whole-person approach to physical therapy.
We believe that new grads shouldn’t be thrown into the deep end. Instead, we offer structured onboarding, shadowing, and paid education time so you can grow your confidence without sacrificing quality or patient outcomes.
💡 What You’ll Be Doing
- Shadow experienced PTs during your first 4–6 weeks
- Treat patients under supervision before taking on your own caseload
- Learn through hands-on practice, case reviews, and guided mentorship
- Contribute to patient care, team discussions, and wellness programming
- Participate in bi-weekly skill labs with the clinical director
🧠 What We’re Looking For
- Recent or upcoming DPT graduate
- Active CA PT license (or close to receiving it)
- Eagerness to learn and grow with structured support
- Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset
- Alignment with our values: empathy, curiosity, professionalism
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance
- Structured 6-month mentorship program
- Weekly paid learning hours
- $1,200 annual CEU budget
- $500 relocation support (if applicable)
- Paid holidays + 15 PTO days starting year one
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you want to start your PT career in a place that nurtures your growth, treats you with respect, and sets you up for success—not burnout—this is it.
You’ll join a clinic that values progress over perfection, learning over ego, and collaboration over competition. Our past new grads have gone on to lead programs, specialize in advanced techniques, and even open new locations.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io so we can evaluate applicants fairly and efficiently. Click below to complete a short, skills-focused evaluation—we’ll reach out with updates throughout the process.
👉 Apply Now via WorkScreen
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Why These Physical Therapist Job Posts Actually Work
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Relevant
Instead of vague titles like “Hiring: Physical Therapist,” these titles include:
- The setting (e.g., Outpatient Ortho Focus)
- The experience level (e.g., New Grads Welcome)
- The company name and location
This instantly signals who the job is for—and who it’s not for. It improves search visibility and filters for relevance.
✅ 2. Each Post Opens With a Human Introduction
The introductions don’t start with a dry mission statement. They start with a short note from a real person—either the clinic director or a senior PT on the team.
This small detail:
- Makes the job feel personal and intentional
- Shows candidates that they’re applying to a real team, not a faceless organization
- Builds immediate trust and interest
Plus, the embedded Loom videos add warmth and authenticity—critical when hiring for healthcare roles where empathy matters.
✅ 3. The “Who We Are” Section Reflects the Clinic’s Identity
Instead of generic text about “a fast-growing physical therapy company,” each company is portrayed with:
- A founding story or mission
- Specific values and approach to patient care
- Culture details that matter to PTs (e.g., no double bookings, mentorship)
This gives candidates something to connect with emotionally—and helps them decide if they align with the clinic’s style of care.
✅ 4. Responsibilities Are Written With Purpose and Clarity
Rather than just listing tasks (“perform patient evaluations,” “document sessions”), the responsibilities:
- Focus on impact (“make a meaningful impact in your patients’ recovery journey”)
- Include specifics like caseload expectations and scheduling approach
- Clarify the support available (mentorship, EMR systems, team collaboration)
This gives applicants a real picture of the day-to-day experience—not just a bullet list.
✅ 5. Requirements Are Direct, But Inclusive
These posts:
- Clearly state what’s required (e.g., a state license)
- Differentiate between must-haves and nice-to-haves
- For the entry-level role, openly invite new grads to apply—even without experience
That last point is critical—it removes barriers for great candidates who are eager to learn but may feel underqualified. This inclusive tone attracts talent, not just credentials.
✅ 6. Perks and Benefits Are Transparent and Specific
Great candidates want to know what they’re walking into.
Instead of hiding compensation behind vague promises of “competitive salary,” the posts share:
- A real salary range
- Health insurance coverage
- CEU budgets, PTO, and even relocation support
This builds trust—and shows respect for the applicant’s time and effort.
✅ 7. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Sells the Opportunity, Not Just the Role
This section isn’t just filler—it’s a pitch. It helps the candidate picture what success looks like in this role, and it communicates:
- Culture (“you’ll feel like a partner, not a cog”)
- Growth paths (“from new grad to clinic lead”)
- Day-to-day experience that feels different from other clinics
It answers the question: Why should I choose this job over the other 10 I’m looking at?
✅ 8. Application Process Is Respectful and Modern
Each post closes with a strong call to action that highlights:
- A skills-based evaluation via WorkScreen
- A transparent process with updates and respect for candidate time
- A modern, fair, and user-friendly experience
This sets expectations and differentiates the company from others that ghost applicants or rely solely on resumes.
Bad Physical Therapist Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Job Post Example
📌 Job Title: Physical Therapist
📍 Location: United States
💼 Job Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: Not disclosed
🗓️ Deadline: Open until filled
📝 Job Summary
We are seeking a qualified physical therapist to assess, plan, and implement rehabilitation programs for patients. The ideal candidate will have experience in outpatient therapy and be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Must be licensed in the state and have good communication skills.
🧾 Key Responsibilities
- Perform physical therapy evaluations and treatments
- Document patient progress and maintain records
- Collaborate with physicians and support staff
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment
📋 Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy
- Valid state license
- 1–2 years of experience preferred
- Strong organizational skills
📥 How to Apply
Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to careers@ptclinic.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
“Physical Therapist” doesn’t specify:
- What kind of setting (inpatient? outpatient? home health?)
- What type of patients (orthopedic? geriatric? pediatric?)
- What makes the role unique?
This makes the listing hard to find, uninspiring to read, and easy to overlook.
2. The Introduction Feels Cold and Robotic
There’s no mention of:
- The clinic’s mission or culture
- Why the position is open
- What kind of team the applicant would join
It reads like a policy memo, not an invitation to apply.
3. There’s Zero Personality or Human Touch
- No message from the hiring manager
- No acknowledgment of the candidate’s value or impact
- No sense of what the work feels like
This disconnect discourages high-quality, values-driven professionals.
4. No Mention of Compensation or Benefits
- Hiding salary is a red flag for many applicants
- No PTO, insurance, or training support listed
- Signals a lack of transparency or competitiveness
Omitting this crucial info filters out experienced, selective candidates before they even consider applying.
5. Responsibilities Are Vague and Uninspiring
- Generic phrases like “maintain records” or “collaborate with physicians” don’t help applicants visualize the role
- There’s no mention of tools used, caseload expectations, or any unique aspects of the job
This kind of vagueness suggests the company hasn’t put thought into the role—or worse, doesn’t value it.
6. The Hiring Process Is Dismissive
- Asking for a resume and cover letter is fine
- But ending with “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels cold and outdated
- It tells applicants: don’t expect respect unless we pick you
This lack of candidate experience discourages top talent and leads to fewer quality applications.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Description Stand Out
Sometimes it’s the small touches that make a big impact. Once you’ve nailed the core of your job description—clear title, human tone, real responsibilities—these bonus elements can take your post from “solid” to standout.
Here are some extras that help your job post rise above the noise:
🔐 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Let candidates know they’re safe applying to your role. In today’s job market, where scams are sadly common, a short disclaimer builds trust instantly.
What to say:
“We take the privacy of every applicant seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process.”
This simple line makes your company feel professional, trustworthy, and thoughtful.
🛏️ 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Work-life balance matters—especially in healthcare, where burnout is real. Adding PTO details or flexible scheduling options shows you value your team’s wellbeing.
Example:
“Enjoy 15 days PTO in your first year, plus paid holidays and flex time options for appointments and family needs.”
Even if you can’t offer unlimited time off, transparency around your policies shows you respect personal time—and that attracts serious, motivated professionals.
📚 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Want to attract candidates who are in it for the long haul? Show that you invest in their development—not just their output.
Try adding lines like:
“We offer weekly learning hours, a $1,000 annual CEU budget, and mentorship with senior therapists to support your growth.”
This signals that your clinic is a place to build a career, not just collect a paycheck.
🎥 4. Add a Video From Your Team
One of the most powerful things you can include is a Loom or YouTube video—even a simple selfie-style intro from the hiring manager or a team member.
Why it works:
- It shows there’s a real person behind the post
- It gives candidates a feel for your culture
- It adds warmth, trust, and relatability
Example CTA:
“Click here to meet Dr. James, our Clinic Director, and hear what she’s looking for in the next PT to join our team.”
Even a 90-second clip can boost engagement dramatically.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✉️ 5. Show Candidates You’ll Treat Them With Respect
Too many companies ghost applicants. Stand out by making it clear that your process is different—and better.
Try phrases like:
“We respond to every application.”
“We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.”
“We value your time and promise to make the process clear and respectful.”
These are small commitments that go a long way in attracting quality candidates—especially the ones who care about professionalism and culture.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
Lately, it seems like every HR tool and hiring platform is promoting AI-generated job descriptions. Even platforms like Workable and Manatal offer one-click JD creation features.
But here’s the thing:
⚠️ AI can be useful—if you don’t use it blindly.
Yes, it’s fast.
Yes, it can help with structure and grammar.
But if you rely on AI alone to write your job post from scratch, here’s what happens:
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- You’ll sound like everyone else.
AI pulls from what already exists online—so you’ll get templated, soulless content that blends into the noise. - You attract the wrong kind of applicants.
Generic job posts attract generic, mass-applying candidates—many of whom are also using AI tools to apply. - You make a bad first impression.
For many candidates, your job post is their first interaction with your company. If it’s flat, cold, or robotic—it reflects poorly on your brand.
✅ How to Use AI the Right Way
AI is a tool—not a shortcut.
When used thoughtfully, it can save time, spark ideas, and polish your writing. But only if you give it the right input.
Here’s how to make it work for you:
🧩 Step 1: Prepare the Raw Ingredients First
Before prompting AI, gather the things that make your job post unique:
- What your company does (mission, services, audience)
- What this role actually involves day-to-day
- Who you want to attract (values, traits, tone)
- What benefits and perks you offer
- What your hiring process looks like
💬 Step 2: Give AI a Specific, Structured Prompt
Instead of typing:
“Write a physical therapist job description”
Try this:
“Help me write a job post for our outpatient clinic, Renew Motion Therapy in Charlotte. We’re hiring a Physical Therapist to handle 8–10 patients a day, mostly orthopedic rehab. We don’t double-book. Our culture is collaborative and patient-first, and we’re looking for someone with 2+ years’ experience and strong manual therapy skills. We offer $82–95K salary, full benefits, CEU support, and use WorkScreen for skill-based hiring. Please make the tone warm, human, and professional. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]”
The result?
A post that’s relevant, polished, and true to your voice—not a copy of every other listing online.
🧠 Pro Tip:
If you see a job post you love (like the examples in this article), you can also say:
“Model the tone and structure after this example…”
And paste the post as a reference.
🛠️ Let AI Shape, Not Replace Your Writing
Once you’ve drafted your post—whether on your own or with AI—use tools like ChatGPT to:
- Clean up formatting
- Reword awkward phrasing
- Tighten up flow
- Add clarity or remove fluff
But always review it through the lens of your values and audience.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
We get it—sometimes, you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read through this guide and understand what a strong job post looks like. But you also want a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor to your company in minutes.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Physical Therapist – Join a Team That Cares
📍 Location: [Location]
💼 Type: [Job Type] | Mon–Fri | [Salary Range]
🏥 Company: [Company Name]
👋 Meet Your Team
Want to get a feel for who you’d be working with? Here’s a short intro from our Clinical Director explaining what we’re about and what we’re looking for:
🎥 [Insert Loom or YouTube Video Link]
🏥 Who We Are
At [Company Name], we believe physical therapy should be personal—not rushed. We’re a patient-first clinic where every session is 1-on-1, and every therapist is trusted to do their best work without being micromanaged.
Our team is tight-knit, supportive, and passionate about helping people move better, heal faster, and feel stronger. Whether it’s orthopedic rehab, post-op recovery, or chronic pain treatment—we take a thoughtful, evidence-based approach.
💡 What You’ll Be Doing
- Treat 8–10 patients per day in 45-minute sessions
- Create personalized treatment plans based on individual goals
- Apply manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and education
- Collaborate with physicians, staff, and the broader care team
- Keep accurate documentation using [Insert EMR System, if applicable]
🧠 What We’re Looking For
- Active PT license in [State]
- 1+ years of experience in outpatient care preferred
- Strong interpersonal and clinical reasoning skills
- A compassionate, team-first attitude
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental & vision insurance
- Paid time off + paid holidays
- CEU stipend ([Insert Amount]) + license renewal reimbursement
- 401(k) or retirement plan (if applicable)
- On-site gym or wellness benefit (if applicable)
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll join a clinic that respects your time, values your opinion, and supports your growth. If you’re tired of volume-over-care models and want a workplace where quality and compassion come first—you’ll feel right at home here.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make hiring more efficient, fair, and skills-based. Click the link below to complete a short evaluation. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process.
👉 Apply Now via WorkScreen
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: Physical Therapist
📍 Location: [Location]
💼 Type: [Job Type] | Salary: [Salary Range]
🏥 Company: [Company Name]
👋 Meet Your Future Team
Want to hear directly from our hiring manager or team? Check out this short video to learn more about our workplace and culture:
🎥 [Insert Loom or YouTube Video Link]
📝 Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking a licensed Physical Therapist to join our outpatient clinic in [Location]. This role focuses on treating patients through personalized, evidence-based care with a commitment to long-term recovery and functional outcomes.
📌 Responsibilities
- Evaluate and assess patients’ physical conditions
- Create individualized rehabilitation programs
- Deliver manual therapy and supervise therapeutic exercises
- Maintain accurate documentation in [Insert EMR System]
- Communicate with referring providers and care coordinators
- Educate patients on wellness, recovery, and prevention
📋 Requirements
- DPT or equivalent PT degree
- Active state license in [State]
- 1+ years’ experience in outpatient orthopedic care (preferred)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Familiarity with [Insert Any Specialty or Tools, if relevant]
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- PTO, sick days, and paid holidays
- CEU budget + paid licensing fees
- Access to mentorship, workshops, and team learning sessions
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to streamline our hiring process and give each candidate a fair shot. Just click below to begin a short evaluation—we’ll be in touch with updates at every step.
👉 Apply Now via WorkScreen
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Phase
Writing a great job post is only the first step.
Once your post goes live, the real challenge begins: sorting through applicants, spotting the best ones, and avoiding time-wasters who look good on paper—but can’t deliver in real life.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
✅ WorkScreen Helps You:
🔎 1. Quickly Identify Top Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
🧪 2. Run One-Click Skill Tests (Without Extra Setup)
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🧼 3. Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants Automatically
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
📈 4. Hire Faster, Smarter, and With Confidence
Once you’ve found the right fit, you can move forward with clarity.
WorkScreen replaces the messy early stages of hiring with a streamlined, skill-first process that saves you time—and helps you make better decisions.
Ready to simplify your hiring?
Create your job post, plug it into WorkScreen, and start evaluating applicants today.
👉Sign Up on WorkScreen.io
Physical Therapist Job Description - Frequently Asked Questions
Beyond clinical knowledge, great physical therapists combine technical skill with emotional intelligence.
Here are key skills to look for:
- Clinical assessment & manual therapy skills – They should know how to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal and neurological conditions effectively.
- Communication & listening – A PT must explain treatment plans clearly and listen actively to patient concerns.
- Problem-solving – Every patient is different. A great PT adapts their approach based on real-time feedback and recovery response.
- Empathy & patience – Recovery takes time. A compassionate, emotionally attuned PT can motivate without overwhelming.
- Documentation & organization – Timely, clear notes are essential for continuity of care and billing accuracy.
Soft skills matter just as much as credentials. You’re hiring a care provider and a coach.
As of 2024, the average salary for a Physical Therapist in the United States is approximately $90,000 per year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
However, actual salaries vary based on:
- Location (e.g., PTs in California or New York often earn more than in rural areas)
- Experience level (new grads typically start at $70–80K)
- Work setting (hospitals and home health may pay more than outpatient clinics)
- Specialization (orthopedic, neuro, pediatric, etc.)
Transparency in your job post is key—sharing a salary range builds trust and filters for serious candidates.
Traditional interviews don’t always reveal performance. That’s why many companies now use skills-based hiring tools like WorkScreen.
With a platform like this, you can:
- Send short, job-relevant evaluations
- Compare results across candidates
- Focus on what someone can do, not just what they say
It helps you avoid “interview stars” who don’t perform well once hired.
