Seven Ways to Shine in an Interview

8/6/2019 Seven Ways to Shine in an Interview

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CompHealth 2010/08 LOC-336

Seven Ways to Shine in an InterviewThe prospect of a job interviewa one-shot opportunity to make the right impressioncan strike fear in the heart of the most intrepid

professional. Or, in a more calm moment, you can see it as a way to explore an opportunity and obtain a job offer. People who interview

well know that there is more to an interview than an hour of face-to-face interaction, and that getting the desired offer is not a chance

happening. If you have the requisite skills, some preparation and forethought can make you the successful candidate.

1. Assess Your Personal And Professional Needs And Preferences

A detailed needs assessment that helps you understand who you are and how you function best is the rst step in nding the right

position. Find a quiet spot to reect on both your personal and career goals and objectives. Make a three-column list that includes:

A column: things that you must have to insure your personal and professional happiness

B column: things that would be nice but are not essential for your happiness

C column: things that you prefer to avoid

Remember to also consider how the demands of your job will affect the needs of your family and/or signicant others. What tradeoffs

must you make to accommodate both? Set your list aside for a few days, and then return to it for revisions. Many people nd that their list

changes after time for reection. When making your list, you can gain valuable insight into your personality type through an instrument

such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (Consulting Psychologists Press at http://www.cppdb.com/products/mbti/index.asp). You may

want to complete this under the guidance of a qualied administrator. This inexpensive, state-of-the-art questionnaire is one of the most

widely used in the world.

While knowing your personality type does not guarantee you the perfect job, it does give you a better sense of the kinds of activities

and interactions that you are likely to nd stimulating and satisfying and of the kinds of workplace environments in which you wil

thrive, and helps you to avoid those that are undesirable. Understanding your personality type and your goals and desires can also make

electronic job searches more productive by helping you develop keywords that dene characteristics of the position you would like to

nd. Sophisticated web site job databases will search for these keywords, enabling you to identify opportunities that are most compatible

with your preferences.

2. Research The Opportunity In Depth

You learned something about the facility where you are interviewing before you sent your resume or CV, but now you need to know

as much as possible about the organization and how your skills match their needs. This knowledge will permit you to demonstrate the

kind of serious interest that makes a positive impression in an interview, and to ask pertinent questions. Things to research about an

organization might include:

Years in business Financial status

Reputation in the community Number of employees and patient base

Areas of current specializations and direction of growth Organizational ethics

Harmony and rapport within the group Employee turnover

Accreditation, sanctions, malpractice suits

Good Interview Techniques

Good interview preparation includes the following steps: 1) assess your personal and professional needs and preferences; 2) research

the job opportunity to discover how your needs match; 3) assess your strengths and weaknesses and be able to articulate how you have

used both to accomplish goals and solve problems; 4) practice interviewing in advance in a low-stress situation; 5) present yourself in a

professional manner; 6) close the interview on a positive note; and 7) effectively follow up afterwards.


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Youll want to gather data about the community as well:

What are area salaries and how do they compare to the cost of living?

Is the population increasing or declining? Is the areas economy dependent upon one or two major employers?

How many similar positions are available in the community?

Are good schools and childcare available?

How livable is the area for you? Check religious institutions, housing, recreational opportunities, climate, etc.

The Internet, public library, healthcare workers in the community, current or former employees, local medical associations and

societies, area hospitals, the Chamber of Commerce, and real estate professionals are all good sources of information.

3. Prepare to Discuss How Your Skills Fit the Position

Once your research is complete, it is time to prepare for the conversation with the interviewer. Refer to your three-column list. Identify

the skills and experience that you possess that will allow you to meet the needs of the employer, particularly in areas such as professiona

credentials and references, practice styles, personality and behavioral characteristics, interpersonal and communication skills, and long

term goals and interests. Think outside the box and identify additional skills that would benet the employer, such as foreign language

uency, computer expertise, public speaking experience, or facilitating ability. Then do the reverse, and identify the characteristics

of the employer and the position that seem to best meet your needs and desires. These are areas where you can demonstrate sincere

enthusiasm about the position.

Assess your strengths and turn them into skill/beneft statements.

As you examine the skills and attributes that you can bring to the position, identify specically how your skills can benet the employer

Practice these skill/benet statements aloud. For example:

Im procient in doing MRIs, have cross-trained in ultrasound, and am available to work varied hours, so I can ll gaps in your

coverage in a very exible manner.

In addition to my clinical qualications, I am certied in CPR techniques and can conduct staff training programs and

community education classes.

I am very thorough and pay close attention to detail, so all records that I keep will be complete and easily understood by

JCAHCO examiners and co-workers.

Analyze how you have used your strengths to solve problems or accomplish goals.

Many employers look for behaviors that indicate not just a grasp of particular skills, but the ability to apply them in various circumstances

Be prepared to discuss how youve used your strengths in specic situations to benet an employer. If you can describe a difcult

circumstance youve been faced with, steps you took to deal with it, and the positive outcome that you achieved, the interviewer can

assess how you might perform in his or her institutional setting. For example:

One of my employees was habitually late, causing the ofce to fall behind in seeing patients at the appointed times. Thi

inconvenienced both patients and staff. I set aside time to discuss the problem with her and learned that she was having car trouble

and did not have the funds for repairs. Together we considered her options and identied another employee who was willing to give

her a ride in exchange for gas money. This put an end to her tardiness and helped us meet schedules, reducing stress on both the

staff and the patients.

Know your weaknesses, and prepare to turn negative questions into positives.

Some interviewers will throw you a curve ball to see how you respond under stress and to learn more about your past behaviors. You

could be asked:

What is your greatest weakness?

Would it be accurate to say that you dont appear to be very exible when it comes to your job?

What is the worst mistake youve made?


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Be sure that your self-assessment helps you to understand areas in which you need to improve, or have improved, and what coping

mechanisms you use. Negative questions can be an opportunity to demonstrate how you use your strengths to overcome your weaknesse

and how you have learned from mistakes. For example:

I tend to become disorganized when I have a lot of things going on at once, so Ive learned to make lists to keep me focused and

help me meet deadlines.

It is true that I have high standards for my work. However, I keep a suggestion box in the break room and give gift certicates to

employees when we adopt their ideas for improving procedures. I nd that I can learn a great deal from others, and we substantially

improve our operations by utilizing their innovations.

I believe that the worst mistake anyone can make is the one from which they learn nothing. I try to turn mine into part of my

ongoing education. For example...

Prepare to interview the employer.

The interview is also an opportunity to learn more about the employer so refer to your A, B, and C columns and put together a list o

questions that will help you assess this opportunity tactfully and competently. Dont make assumptions. If an issue is important to you

this is the time to explore it. You might ask:

How long have you been recruiting for this position?

When would you like the new person to start?

What is the nature of the patient prole?

What non-clinical duties are required and how much time will they ll?

How much autonomy is permitted?

What are the opportunities for advancement within the organization?

What is the nancial viability of the group?

What is your ve-year business plan?

4. Practice Interviewing in a Low-Stress Setting

Rehearsing ahead of time by role-playing with a family member or friend will increase your comfort level and help you present yourselin a relaxed, condent manner. Libraries and bookstores are full of books containing typical interview questions. View each question

as an opportunity to showcase your strengths and abilities. You will express yourself more naturally after you practice articulating well

thought-out examples of the contributions that you could make to the organization.

5. Present Yourself in a Professional Manner

Prior to the interview, get detailed travel instructions. Plan to show up approximately 10 minutes early to make a positive impression

and reduce stressit is unacceptable to be late for an interview. Take along directions, extra CVs/resumes, a copy of your interview

itinerary if you were provided with one, your list of questions, and a pen and notepad. Display a professional demeanor. Some people

forget the basics of making a positive impressiona rm handshake, a smile, courteous behavior, and a well-groomed appearance.

Regardless of how informal the organization is, always dress professionally for the interview. A man should wear a dark blue or gray suit

and a solid white or light blue shirt with a conservative tie. Socks should blend with the suit and shoes should be dark, well polishedoxfords or loafers. Women should wear a dark colored business suit or tailored dress in a modest length, neutral hose, and dark, medium

heeled, well polished pumps. Have the outt cleaned immediately after the interview to insure that it is ready when you next need it.

Make sure that your body language indicates that you are condent and well prepared. Sit up straight with your hands in a comfortable

position, smile, maintain eye contact, and modulate your voice. Try to relax, and maintain a positive attitude. Above all, dont pretend

to be someone youre notit will catch up to you later. Allow the interviewer to lead. It is customary to permit the interviewer to lead

the conversation. Listen carefully and make sure that you understand each question. If in doubt, restate the question. When necessary

pause to think about your answer, and limit your response to two or three minutes. When appropriate, ask questions of your own.


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On a rare occasion, you may encounter someone who is not a skilled interviewer. The person may ramble, and ask few or irrelevant

questions such as: What is your favorite movie? You might tactfully assist the interviewer by saying, Let me make sure that I understand

the position. Restate your understanding of the job and the associated responsibilities, giving an opportunity for clarication. As you

discuss the facets of the position, look for openings to explain how your strengths and skills can benet the organization and give

examples of how youve achieved results in similar situations in the past. You can continue to assist by asking your questions about the

organization.

Speak positively about past and present employers.

When asked why you are making a job change, give a positive response even if you are miserable in your current position. You migh

give an answer similar to:

Ive learned a lot in my current position and am ready to advance my career. I would like to move into a position that allows me to

use the skills Ive developed and offers new opportunities for growth.

Leave negotiating room in salary discussions.

Benets and salary should be brought up by the interviewer, usually at the end of the interview or in a second interview. Since you havedone your homework by checking on salaries for similar positions in the geographic area through the Internet, relocation companies

or your professional organization, you should have an idea of the range in which the salary should fall. However, you may not want to

commit yourself too early in the negotiating process. If asked about your salary needs, you can avoid pinning yourself down too soon by

giving an answer similar to:

I believe that the range would be...depending on the nal requirements of the position.

I understand that the range for similar positions in this area is...

You are in a much better position to know how much Im worth to you than I am.

Remember, too, that compensation is more than cash. Consider the value of benets, time off, continuing education reimbursement

student loan payoffs, pension plans, partnership opportunities, and other intangibles.

Get an overview o the acilityAs the interview comes to a close, if appropriate, ask to tour the facilities and meet other members of the organization that you would

be working with. Ask yourself:

Is there adequate stafng for the workload?

How do the staff members interact?

Are the working facilities well maintained, organized, and equipped?

Would I be comfortable in this environment?

6. Close The Interview On A Positive Note

At the end of the meeting, thank the interviewer for his or her time, effort, and interest in considering your candidacy. Make it clear

that you want the job If you want the job, say so. Demonstrate interest in the position, the hiring organization, and the community.

Employers are seeking people who will be happy enough to stay around. Verify that you are still a candidate and discuss the next stepsin the selection process. Who contacts whom, and when? When will a decision be made?

Turning down an opportunity

It is usually best to think about an opportunity before you decline it. Even if the opportunity is not for you, you should still graciously

thank the interviewer. If you are impressed with the organization, make an effort to maintain communication should another opportunity

become available. You might say:

Im very impressed with your organization, even though I was hoping to obtain a position that utilizes more of my pediatric

background. I would like to be considered if you have a future opening that more closely ts my needs.


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Can we keep in touch?

If youre certain that this is not the job for you, you might thank the interviewer and say:

This sounds like a great opportunity for the right person, although I dont believe that it suits my needs at this time. I appreciate

your considering me as a candidate, and wish you well in your search.

Whatever you do, always be gracious. Institutions change, people show up in new places, your goals and circumstances may shiftso

keep your options open by parting with good feelings.

7. Follow Up Afterwards

Regardless of your interest in the position, follow up with a written thank-you. If you do want the position, restate your interest

and briey reiterate what you could contribute to the organization. If you dont hear anything in the specied time frame, give

the interviewer a call. It demonstrates enthusiasm and helps you to know where the organization is in the selection process. And

remember, whether you are hired or not, going through the interviewing process helps develop your skills and prepares you to

interview successfully for a truly desirable position in the future.

800.722.5766www.comphealth.com

Seven Ways to Shine in an Interview

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