ARE YOU READY TO SIT DOWN in front of your potential employer? Sounds intimidating? What if they don’t like you? What about those tough interview questions?
Let’s face it. With today’s economy, it has never been more difficult to find a job. Many companies are cutting back or “freezing” new hires. We are not really sure where this whole healthcare thing is going and how it will affect each one of us. Therefore, prospects to find a job are tougher than ever.
That being said, you really have to prepare more than ever for that interview. This is your “one big chance” to make that great impression. So, the potential employer liked your qualifications and decided to bring you in for an interview. Let’s Get Ready.
Prepare your Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Remember, the purpose of your CV or resume was to get you the interview in the first place. Apparently, your CV or resume did the job. Take your CV or resume and head over to your favorite copy center. Copy your resume onto a nice stock or bond paper. Something a little “heavier” will do. Choose a neutral color, white, tan, or beige. Stick to conservative colors; don’t go too flashy. You should make enough copies for everyone that you will be meeting. Sometimes it is difficult to get an idea of how many people you will meet, so plan ahead and make four to six extra copies. Take your new CV and place it in a nice professional folder. Pick up some plain Thank-You notes and some postage stamps!
Not too long ago, I sent a candidate to an interview. The client was a major surgical needle manufacturer and they needed a clinical support person for their West Coast territory. This was a major position for the company. The candidate arrived and noticed that the vice president already had a copy of her resume. She pulled out a folder and handed it to him. The vice president told her that he had a copy of her resume, but she quickly responded: “I took the liberty of making you a copy of my most current resume.” He was very impressed; she stood out from every other candidate they interviewed that day. It takes a total of seven minutes for your prospective employer to decide if you are right for the job.
What to Wear
The days of “Sunday Best” are long forgotten, but dressing appropriately for your interview has not. Society has adopted business casual. Gentlemen, wear a nicely tailored suit. Press your shirt. Wear a tie. Conservative colors are best. Ladies, a suit is very appropriate but you may wear a skirt and blouse. No mini-skirts and the general rule is the less skin showing the better. Slacks and a blouse with a blazer are perfectly acceptable. Women should wear closed-toe shoes. Polish your shoes. Gentlemen, make sure your fingernails are cut short. Ladies, go get a manicure the day before. You may be surprised, but interviewers look at hands. Cologne and perfume are fine, but keep it light. Ditch the chewing gum. Prepare to smile.
Plan in Advance
Have your itinerary, travel plans, flight information, hotel, etc., with you at all times. Know where you are going and where you have to be. Research the company, physician practice, etc., in advance. Know all you can know. Information is everything.
Bring your GPS (or rent one) with your rental car. Try to arrive for your interview about 15 minutes early. Anything sooner and you may appear too eager for the position. And never be late! Just remember, the reserved parking spot you took in the company lot could be your new boss’. Everyone you meet from the receptionist to the janitor may be asked their opinion of you. You are on display, even in the ladies’/men’s room.
Greetings
Your handshake should be firm but you don’t have to prove you can arm wrestle anyone and win. Too soft, and like a dead fish, and you will leave the wrong impression. Make eye contact and don’t forget to smile. You want to appear warm and friendly. Remembering names can be tricky, especially if you are meeting people for the first time. When you are introduced, repeat the individual’s first name. This may help you to remember them. “It’s nice to meet you Tim.” Try to grab as many business cards as possible. Look at the card right after you are introduced. This may also help you associate names and faces.
Finding the perfect job is like finding the love of your life. Think of yourself as a sponge. You are there to absorb. Take it all in. You need to figure out if there is a connection between you and the company. Observing the office and watching how things flow will help you in your decision. Every corporate culture is different.
Eye contact is essential. Your body communicates more than your words do. I remember a candidate that interviewed for a high-level management position for a large healthcare provider. He stared at the floor the whole time. And on top of that, he sat back in the chair with his legs stretched out and both arms crossed over his chest. Focus on the interviewers eyes. Sit upright. Let your body do the talking.
You may find yourself in a situation where you will be having lunch or dinner with a prospective employer. Remember what your mother taught you: never talk with food in your mouth. When you sit down, pull the napkin on your lap. If you have to excuse yourself to use the rest room, place your napkin on the seat of your chair. Take it from a former waiter; your server will know you are coming back. If you place your napkin next to your plate, your server may assume you are done and clear your plate from the table.
When dining during the interview process, it is always a good idea to follow the lead of the person that is interviewing you. Don’t order an alcoholic beverage unless your interviewer does. Never have more than one alcoholic beverage at any time. Always make sure you have a glass of water or soda too. Engage in conversation. This is an opportunity to get to know your future employer.
