Seven Things You Can Do to Nail Your Interview
Make an impression
You only get one chance to make a great first impression. The first impression is most likely made the moment you walk through the door. Show up 10-15 plus minutes early. That will demonstrate that you are responsible and respect people’s time. You can make this happen with planning. Map the route, make a test run a few days before, and call ahead of time to ask where you can park. Worst case scenario, if you are going to be running late, call and let them know what is going on and let them know when they can expect you. If rescheduling is needed, apologize for the inconvenience and express appreciation for the accommodation. In short, be professional and leave a professional first impression.
Dress up for a higher role
Right on the tails of making a great first impression is your attire. A good rule of thumb is to dress for one level up from the position you are applying for. If jeans and a t-shirt is appropriate for your position, go for dress slacks and a button-up shirt. Everyone makes snap judgments based on outward appearance, so look the part and a little bit better. When in doubt wear a business professional attire.
Be prepared
Being prepared is more than just a scout motto. It’s a great rule of thumb for interviews. Take some time to get to know everything you can about the company. Check the companies’ websites, news articles, social media, mission statements, and values. Get the ins and outs of what they do and who they serve. If there are influential people in the company, learn about them. Take the time to understand the position that you are applying for. Come prepared with some compliments about the company and its people. Be ready to ask questions that demonstrate your level of comprehension of the job and the company. It’s a great idea to call ahead of time to find out what to bring and how long you should plan on being there.
Body language – Send the right message
Actions speak louder than words – so don’t: cross your arms when talking with your interviewer, maintain eye contact, and don’t frown. Additionally, there are a few things that you can do to show that you are interested in the company and the position. Sit up straight, leaning slightly towards the person that is interviewing you. We naturally gravitate towards things that interest us, so leaning towards the person who is interviewing you will send that message. Be mindful of your body language and try to express your interest in the position through more than just words.
Keep it professional
The interviewer is interested in learning about your skills, experience, and personality to find out whether you are a good fit. During the interview, avoid irrelevant details. There is no need to give every detail about your previous jobs or personal life. If they want more details on a subject, they will ask. If you are sharing past work experiences, remember to avoid the vernacular or acronyms from the field, because that will confuse the listener. Share the highlights, stats, and specific experiences that demonstrate your expertise and character.
Ask the right questions
One of the best opportunities to show your interest in the position is when you are given the opportunity to ask questions. If you have followed step three, you should have enough information to give you a great question that is specific to the position. One question is great, two is better. Ask clarifying questions about the position or company, and avoid questions about pay, vacations or benefits.
Follow-up
The first impression is important. The last impression is just as important. Before the end of your interview ask expectation questions, “how I should follow up?” and “what’s the next step?” and make a note or acknowledge the response. Most people will miss this opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Make a phone call, send an email or mail a thank you card. Leave a great impression by following up and expressing gratitude for their time and the opportunity. If you want to be so bold, express your good wishes that they find the best candidate, even if that isn’t you.
Interviews are great opportunities to learn and grow. Doing these seven things won’t guarantee that you get the job, but they do give you the best shot. The job that you finally land is another opportunity to expand your experience, knowledge, and expertise. Don’t let one rejection stop you from achieving your career goals. Now go nail that job interview and comment below to let us know what you learned in the process.
About Samuel Staffing
Samuel Staffing is a full-service permanent recruiting staffing agency with a specialized focus on medical recruiting. We work with industry-leading organizations and recruit the most qualified candidates to fill the roles of Medical Directors, Registered Nurses, and Licensed Practical Nurses. Our expert recruiters understand the specific needs of working in the medical field. Feel free to contact us if you are looking expand your practice or fill an open position.
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