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Effective
interview skills produce better job offers. |
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Nearly 90% of
all job offers result directly from a
face-to-face interview. In fact, the
majority of all contracts are tendered by
the second meeting. Your responsibility for
success lies in the first impression left
with a prospective employer during an
interview. |
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The Law of
Probability predicts four possible
first impression
outcomes to an interview: |
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Best Result - The employer, impressed
by not only your qualifications and
accomplishments, but also your personal
presentation, offers you the job at the
highest compensation level and you leave
with a contract in hand.
Better - The employer, impressed by
your qualifications and accomplishments,
considers you as a prospective employee.
They request references and "will get back
with you in a couple of days."
Not So Good - The employer, not
overly impressed by your personal
presentation, "thanks you for coming,"
however they need to finish interviewing
other candidates before making a decision.
Waste of Time - The employer,
disappointed by your interview presentation,
cuts the interview short and apologizes
profusely because they have a busy schedule
for that day. |
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The Not So
Good and Waste of Time interviews
happen more than we would like to admit.
Even the Better interviews are few and far
between, while the Best Result
interview is a rare occurrence that eludes
some of the most respected, qualified
healthcare professionals. Why? Frankly,
candidates rarely draw offers they want
because they neglect or they are unable to
"sharpen-up" their interview skills. |
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The Basics |
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A -
Dress for Success |
- Women
should wear a conservative business suit
with polished shoes. Skirts should be no
shorter than mid-thigh. Stockings should
be non-glittery, neutral or natural
coloring.
- Men
should wear a conservative business suit
with a tie and polished brown or black
shoes. Do not wear dark sneakers that
appear to be shoe-like.
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B -
Fresh Breath |
Make
sure that you carry small breath mints.
Do not chew gum.
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C -
No Strong Perfumes |
Keep
cologne to a minimum, or better yet use
deodorant and avoid cologne. You never
know who might be allergic to your
exotic, expensive perfume.
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D -
Park Egos at the Door |
People
hire a person they like, not someone who
thinks they are better than them. Keep
an upbeat, high-energy demeanor, and a
positive attitude.
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E -
Be on Time and Early! |
They
say time kills deals. Well, this time
'they' are right. Showing up late can be
excusable if you call the employer ahead
of time with a valid reason for the
delay...otherwise your tardiness is
unacceptable.
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F -
Always Look them in the Eye! |
Maintaining good eye contact exudes
confidence and honesty.
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G -
Do NOT Bring up Salary and Benefits Unless
They Do. |
Negotiating salary during an interview
is dangerous. You might price yourself
out of a job or accept too little for
your services. If they ask you to name a
price, the following statement may save
you from making a hasty deal:
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"I am
most interested in the opportunity. If
you like what I have to offer your group
and I like what I see, then I am sure we
can work the financial arrangements
out."
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H -
Keep the Dialogue Short! |
Asking
questions and responding to their
questions is perfectly normal. But keep
your responses as specific and direct as
possible...don't ramble on!
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I -
Ask High Gain Questions. |
Ask
open-ended questions that require more
than a 'yes' or 'no' response. For
example:
"How has managed care impacted your
practice or facility?"
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J -
Stay Away from Alcohol When Dining |
Just
one alcoholic beverage may impair your
judgment enough to say the wrong thing.
Ask for tea or a soft drink.
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K -
Ask for the Job! |
Express
your interest in the job. The employer
is waiting for your acknowledgment of
interest. Tell him or her:
"Yes, I want the job."
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L -
Mail a Thank You Note |
Aside
from thanking them for their
hospitality, a letter or note from you
is an excellent way to keep your name
fresh in their mind and interested in
you
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GenLex™
Recruiting 4.0
