Making a Great Impression
Every job interview you go on will be different. There will be different interviewers, different locations and different questions. You cannot control all of the aspects of a job interview, but there are several things that you can do to increase your chances of acquiring a new job. Let’s take a look at what you can do before, during and after an interview to make the best impression possible.
Before the Interview
Be prepared. What are some of the things you can do to prepare before the interview? The first thing you should do is be sure your resume and cover letters are neat, clean and free from errors. The very first impression your prospective employer will make of you will be based on your resume. Make sure it’s a good one.
Do your research. Find out if the practice has a web site and read it. Doing a bit of research helps you give a more informed interview and allows you to ask better questions. If the practice does not have a web site, you might find information about them in the local paper or through a professional colleague in the industry.
Plan your questions. Having a few well constructed questions ready is a great way to show your thoughtfulness about the job interview and potential work opportunity. Because of the honest information exchange it helps both applicant and employers understand if there will a good fit between parties.
Be on time. Always plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to an interview. You may need the extra time to center yourself, find the right building or to just freshen up before the interview. Also, take into consideration traffic and weather that might delay your arrival. Being late for an interview, regardless of the reason, makes an unfavorable impression.
During the Interview
Be polite. The origin of the word polite comes from the word polish. When we polish things, they shine. When we are polite, we shine. There is never an excuse for not being polite to everyone you meet during an interview, from the receptionist to the physician who owns the practice.
Be concise. Your ability to provide a concise, focused answer to interview questions gives insight into how you think. If you can organize your thoughts and express them clearly, you help an interviewer see your thinking and communication skills in action.
Be ready to demonstrate. Many employers will want to see you perform an aspect of the job during the interview. For example, if the job requires the use of a particular piece of eye care equipment, you may be asked to demonstrate your ability to use that equipment. It is very common for employers to want assurances that you can actually use the tools they use in their office.
After the interview
Send a thank you note. After the interview the most important thing you can do is to send a handwritten, personal thank you note. It shows that you appreciate being considered for the job and that you are interested in being a part of the practice. Your note does not need to be elaborate. A simple note of thanks and expression of your interest is just right.
Tommy Re is a the president of Dialogue Consulting, an organizational learning and performance consulting firm based in Holly Springs, NC. You can reach Tommy at 919-272-1482 or send a note to him at tre@dialogueconsulting.net.