Interview Tips

    There are many books and guides devoted to proper interview tips and techniques.  For your assistance we have listed a few ideas for getting started.  For any further help, we suggest your school or public library.

Preparing for your interview

Things that you will want to know

Preparing for your interview

     To be perfectly honest, a job interview can be pretty scary.  If you look at an interview at it's basic level, however, it is just a conversation.  A very important conversation, but still, it is only an exchange of information.  The employer has a specific person in mind for a position and will ask questions to find if you are that person.  As an applicant, it is just as important to ask questions of the employer to find out if the position is really what you want.
     The employer will basically be looking for three things: what you are (your licensure, skills, abilities); who you are (your personality, character, interests); and why you should be hired.
     You have generally stated what you are by presenting your resume.  The interviewer will want to explore your skills and abilities in more depth.  If you are interviewed by the head of the department of which the position is available, you may be asked questions to test your general knowledge of that position.  This will give the interviewer a general idea of how much additional training that may be required.
     The interviewer will have a copy of your resume and application in front of them.  Many of their questions will come from these items.  Memorize your resume.  Make sure the information on your resume and application match.  One misprint may be forgiven, but multiple discrepancies will cause the interviewer to count you out.
     The who question may be more difficult for an interviewer to determine.  The interviewer will be asking questions to evaluate many facets of your personality, judgment, integrity, and flexibility.  You should be aware that these questions are coming and to be ready for them.
     To prepare for this portion of the interview you should make an in-depth analysis of yourself. What are your personal goals, ambitions, relationships with others, cultural and political interests.  Think about the best way to present yourself in a favorable light.
     No matter what questions are asked, you should answer each one as honestly as possible. However, you are not obligated to reveal things you consider too personal.  If you feel the questions to be intrusive, you can deflect the query by giving an indirect answer that will focus on a safer more favorable topic.
     Remember, be honest.  Misrepresenting yourself will not make you right for a position.  If you are hired on false pretenses, you are setting yourself up for future trouble.
     The why part of the interview starts as you enter the interview room.  You should project the you that will make it obvious that you should be hired.  How you present yourself answers questions that the what and who do not reveal.
     The faster you are able to create a warm, amiable feeling between you and the interviewer, the sooner you will be able to be yourself.  You will then be less nervous and able to express yourself favorably.  The more self assurance you project will help to establish your credibility quicker.

Things that you will want to know

     No amount of outside research can give you all the answers concerning a specific position.  It is at the interview that you are able to complete "your evaluation" of the offered job.
     You should keep your questions short.  Do not ask for easily obtained information readily available to the public.  Asking questions that reveal your previous research will make a favorable impression.  It lets the interviewer know that you have been 'done your homework.'
     A few useful questions are listed below that may be used as a guide.  Do not ask any that do not directly relate to the offered position.

• Is this a newly created position?
• Are there any promotional possibilities?
• How many people staff the unit/department that you will be working?
• Who will be your direct and executive supervisors? (chain of command)
• Is there a union?  Will you be required to join?
• Is there a training/preceptorship program?
• Are there opportunities for continuing education?
• Ate there any facility-sponsored outside activities?  Are you expected/permitted to participate.

     Keep your questions about salary for late in the interview.  If you are interested in the position and you are feeling good about the way things are looking with the interviewer, a polite inquiry into salary ranges and employee benefits is in line.
     Do not ask "How do I stand?" or "What are my chances?".  You should end by stating that you look forward to hearing from the interviewer soon.  And of course thank them for their time.