You found the job, submitted a stellar CV, and now they want to meet you? No pressure – it’s nothing you and a little preparation can’t handle!
Phone Interview
Typically (especially during a pandemic), you will have a first call with an onsite recruiter or HR coordinator that will ask you basic qualifier questions, answer any preliminary questions and schedule a call with a clinical peer – make sure you know who the next call is with!
During the call with the clinical peer, you should be prepared to answer questions about your background, career goals, and key points that may have been mentioned in the job posting. They will want to know if you are serious about their position before they invite you for a visit.
Job Interview Preparation
Ease, authenticity, and preparation – not robotic
- Research who you’re speaking with, the team, the job, social media, etc.
- Could help break the ice, build rapport
Practice
- Ask a friend to do a mock interview, record yourself and try again!
- If you have a virtual interview, call a friend on zoom and ask for their feedback.
- LinkedIn also has a job interview practice feature.
Choose an outfit
- Aim to be professional. Observe those in the position you are interviewing for and go one notch up for the interview
- Wear comfortable shoes – interviews often include a tour
Logistics
- Print copies of your resume and put them in a professional portfolio or briefcase, double check travel arrangements, pack breathe mints, etc…
- If you have a virtual interview, figure out how to access video interview prior to your interview time and check your internet connection.
Virtual Interview
- Due to recent travel restrictions, virtual interviews have become a popular step before or in place of onsite interviews.
- Pick a quiet place with a solid background or a professional background
- Check your lighting and angle before your interview
- Dress as professionally as you would for an onsite interview – Wear pants!
Onsite Interview
- Be prepared to impress everyone and be respectful, from the janitor to the boss.
- Answer questions with the job in mind – Tell them about yourself through the lens of their position.
- Try to make conversation enjoyable – Use what you know about the team and the area to make yourself memorable
- If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification!
- Don't avoid discussing compensation - but don't dwell on it either. Most recommend waiting until the latter part of the interview to discuss salary info.
- While at the interview, ask for next steps to save yourself the worry.
- If you are feeling confident about the interview leading up to the visit, consider bringing your family and touring the surrounding area, especially if it would require relocating. Some employers prefer to have a 2nd interview, but most will make an offer after your first visit.
Interview Follow-up
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Email a thank you note immediately – This will set you apart.
Customize for each person you met with, rather than a copy paste email
- Follow-up after a few days with your primary contact to show that you’re still engaged
- If you didn’t get the job, don’t retreat! Still follow-up to let them know you’re open to future opportunities and thank them for their time.
Salvaging a job interview
- Didn’t leave the interview feeling very confident? Don’t panic. Don’t grovel or apologize if you didn’t offend someone.
- Send a thank you note. Use it to mention something you forgot, or didn’t expound upon in the moment. Share a few follow-up details that you suspect they’re on the look-out for.
