15 Ways to Wow Them on Your Next Job Interview

Sunday 03|22|2009 at 08:00:00 PM

People who can get things done and work well with other people. That's what employers are looking for during job interviews, says Select Medical Corporation's Director of Recruitment, Connie Newell. As a leading provider of specialty healthcare in the United States, Select Medical Corporation is a major recruiter for physical therapy professionals. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., Select Medical Corporation has more than 21,000 employees, operates 93 specialty hospitals and 965 outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and provides rehabilitation services on a contract basis.

"First and foremost, be prepared to discuss your work experience and how it contributed to success," Newell advises. "If this is your first job as a physical therapist," she adds, "discuss your clinical rotations and how what you learned is important for the position."

What else can you do to help ensure a successful interview? The following tips are based on the information Select Medical Corporation shares with its interns during internship training:

1.  Be prepared.
Proper preparation includes confirming the interview appointment time and finding out how long the interview will take. You want to be sure your calendar is clear for the allotted time. In other words, don't assume the interview will take 1 hour when it may actually involve 3.

2.  Arrive on time!
Allow yourself extra time to get to the interview. If possible, take the route in advance to determine how long it takes to get there, as well as help ensure you don't get lost on the way.

3.  Turn off your cell phone.
Avoiding a distracting phone call during your interview is paramount.

4.  Take extra copies of your resume.
You may meet with more than one interviewer, so be prepared with more than one resume.

5.  Have your references' contact information available.
You'll likely need two or three references' phone numbers and addresses.

6.  Know the names of the people who are interviewing you.
Be sure you can pronounce their names correctly.

7.  Dress for success.
"When in doubt, overdress," says Newell – and err on the conservative side.  A business suit, for example, is always appropriate.  Keep in mind the impact of first impressions – if it comes down to two similarly qualified candidates, the best-dressed one will often get the job.

8.  Be friendly to everyone you meet.
You may be surprised at who weighs in on the selection process, so be on your best behavior with everyone – from the receptionist who greets you to the top-tier interviewers.

9.  Be aware of your body language.
How you conduct yourself in the interview is very important. Newell highlights some examples of what you can do: Try to control any nervous habits, don't chew gum, maintain eye contact, and show your interest and attentiveness by sitting straight and leaning slightly forward.

10.  Check your modesty at the door.
"You don't want to brag," Newell further explains, "but you should accurately and objectively say, 'This is what I've accomplished.' The interview is not the time to be modest."

11.  Practice your answers to common interview questions.
There are several questions that you will likely be asked during an interview including: Can you tell me about yourself? Why did you leave your last job? For typical interview questions and suggestions on how to best answer them, visit the Job Interview Questions Web site.

12.  Do your research.
Find out the important information about the company or clinic you are applying to, such as the typical patient population, market share, etc. Showing an employer that you're well informed and that you took time to research the company, points out Newell, may differentiate you from other candidates.

13.  Have a few questions of your own ready.
Typically, you'll be given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview. A good question Newell suggests is: What do you expect from the person you hire over the next 3 to 6 months? "This shows that you're looking ahead," she says.

14.  Ask for a time frame in which you'll hear back.
If you don't hear back within the given time frame, call the company and ask whether they need anything else from you.

15.  Follow up with a thank you.
Promptly send a thank-you note to each of the people who interviewed you. This helps confirm your interest in the position, and it shows your appreciation in being considered for the job.

 

Additional Job Interview Resources

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