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Handling your job interview

A job interview is a meeting in which both you and the prospective employer, often a panel of managers and staff, are contemplating a mutually beneficial arrangement. You have the skills the employer needs, and the employer has the job opportunity you want. Having been selected from a list of potential candidates to attend an interview tells you that you have already passed the first test. You have demonstrated, through your resume, that you have the skills to perform the required job duties, and a primary purpose of the interview is to determine if you are a "good fit" with the department and/or unit.

The interview is a process where the panel will ask a series of questions to determine what makes you different from other applicants. No matter how irrelevant an interview question may sound, it generally has a purpose behind it. For example, an interviewer may ask questions which are completely off-topic or out of context just to test how you react to an unexpected situation. The way you respond can help you win points over the other candidates. Remember also that most panel interviews are scripted to ensure all applicants are asked the same questions in an attempted to allow more objective scoring of candidates responses.

Most interview questions can be grouped into the following five categories:

1. Experience and skills.
2. Interest in the job and knowledge about the area.
3. Previous employment.
4. Motivation and commitment.
5. Ability to fulfill specific job requirements.

Having a general idea of what to expect in an interview helps to improve your confidence, and provides a much better first impression. Candidates who make a strong first impression are often forgiven for any weak responses that might occur later on. Well run interviews generally progress through three stages:

1. A short introductory stage in which the panel is "sizing you up".
2. An exchange of information stage in which both you and the panel ask questions of each other to evaluate fit for the job.
3. The "closing" stage that wraps up the interview.

It is helpful to keep in mind that, "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression." Most interviewers "size up" the candidate in the first two minutes of the interview. In many cases, the rest of the interview serves primarily to confirm either a positive or negative impression. Therefore, pay particular attention to how you are perceived by the interviewer when you first arrive. Here are some tips to help you get off on the right foot:

Scout the location ahead of time. If it is a hospital, walk through the public areas and have lunch in the cafeteria to get a feel for the organization. At a minimum know where the place is and where to park!

Dress conservatively, yes even nurses should have one business suit in their wardrobe.

Arrive at least 10 minutes early, let the receptionist know you are waiting and take this time to catch your breath and collect your thoughts. Put a smile on your face and use this time to observe the office dynamics.

If other candidates are also waiting for an interview, think positively, don't give up before you have started, and remember that the employer is looking for the right combination of both technical skills and personal suitability.

Don't fidget, chew gum or drink coffee. These activities won't help you to calm down but will actually increase your anxiety.

When you first meet the panel, introduce yourself, make steady eye contact and shake hands--firmly.

Follow the interviewer's lead. Be sensitive to how long you are speaking and be prepared to move on to other topics quickly as indicated by the questions.

Near the end of the interview, the panel chair will probably inform you about the process used for selecting the successful candidate and how long it might take. If appropriate, ask if it would be acceptable for you to call the and if so, when you should call. It often helps if you add that you would hate to miss the employer's call and prefer to be pro-active. Thank the panel for their time and the opportunity to meet them. Leave with the same level of confidence which you entered the meeting because even if you think the interview went poorly, the interviewer may think otherwise.

It is a good idea to write a brief letter of thanks for the interviewer's time and consideration. This helps set you apart from the other candidates and can serve to remind the interviewer of your strongest qualifications.

It is a good practice to make some notes about how the interview went while the details are still fresh in your mind. Jot down your impressions, how you might respond to the same questions in future interviews, and any reminders such as the receptionist's name, salary ranges discussed and anything else that you may need to remember if called back for a second interview.

No matter what the outcome, don't get discouraged, and don't let up on your job search. Think of interviews as a learning experience.

Questions, comments or personal anecdotes. Send them to me at baddrn@canadianrn.com .

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Copyright © 2006 Brian Addison. All rights reserved.