Interview, Portfolio, and Application Chapter 25 Interview, Portfolio, and Application

Job Interview Conversation between applicant and potential employer Opportunity to present qualifications in-person and get to know potential employer

Job Interview Keys to success: Remember: Preparation Practice Interviewer may be stressed trying to find proper employee

Question College career services staff report that one of the main reasons graduates do not get hired for jobs for which the school receives leads is that the graduates _____ . Are not technically qualified Do not have health care work experience Fail to sell themselves at interviews

Answer C. Fail to sell themselves at interviews Most graduates qualified for jobs recommended by schools, but many fail to sell themselves at interviews

Preparing for Job Interviews Learn about employer Shows motivation and interest Helps present appropriate qualifications Allows for preparation of own questions to ask

Preparing for Job Interviews Sources of information: Internet Human resource office or receptionist News stories

Preparing for Job Interviews Prepare to demonstrate qualifications Review technical skills Consider personal qualities Think of examples that support skills and qualities

Preparing for Job Interviews Prepare questions to ask employer Must be appropriate for job and facility Examples: What are the specific duties of the position? How would I be evaluated? Could you describe a typical day? What equipment would I be using?

Preparing for Job Interviews Questions to avoid asking at first interview Examples: What are the benefits? How many vacation days will I get? How long are lunch breaks? Emphasize what you can give Not what you will get

Employer Questions General employment questions Try to relate answers to job and employer’s needs Examples: Tell me about yourself. Why do you want this job? What can you contribute to this facility?

Question True or False: It is always a good idea to let employers know you are interested in being promoted because this shows you are motivated and have goals.

Answer False Some employment situations do not have opportunities for promotion E.g., small doctor’s office

Employer Questions Behavioral and situational questions Demonstrate how you deal with specific problems and situations May be given set of circumstances May be asked to describe past experience

Employer Questions Health care questions Specific to job Require good understanding of field

Question “Tell me about how you would work with a patient who is angry about having to wait to see the physician” is an example of a _____ . Behavioral question General question Health care question

Answer A. Behavioral question Behavioral (or situational) question Asking how you would handle a situation

Employer Questions Difficult questions Example: Stay calm Have you ever been fired from a job? Stay calm Answer honestly

Employer Questions Difficult questions Do not speak negatively of previous employers State what you have done to improve or solve problems, if appropriate

Employer Questions Illegal questions Request information that cannot be used to make hiring decision Examples: Marital status Number of children Nationality Financial status

Question Which of the following is an illegal question that an employer should not ask a job applicant? Can you lift 35 pounds on a regular basis? Have you ever been arrested? Are you able to work a flexible schedule?

Answer B. Have you ever been arrested? Being arrested is not the same as being convicted of a crime and cannot be used when making a hiring decision. (Note: Being convicted of certain crimes can legally prevent individual from working in certain health care occupations.)

Employer Questions Handling illegal questions Ask how question relates to job Determine employer’s real concern Respond to concern If offensive, may refuse to answer or leave interview

Professional Appearance Creates first impression Be clean Demonstrate knowledge of what is appropriate in health care setting Wear conservative attire If unsure about what to wear, ask instructor or career service staff for advice

Question True or False: It is best to remove facial piercing ornaments and cover tattoos when going to a job interview.

Answer True Although many employers are lenient, best to present conservative appearance until customs known

Professional Appearance Avoid wearing: Excess jewelry Heavy makeup Colored nail polish Long hair hanging loose Untrimmed facial hair

Securing References References People who vouch for qualifications and character Not family members, relatives, or friends Request permission in advance Create reference list

Securing References References Letters of recommendation Written by former employers and others who know your work

Professional Portfolio Organized collection of written documents Supports claims about qualifications Includes the following: Copy of diploma, certification, etc. Documents that demonstrate competence Work evaluations

Professional Portfolio Includes the following: Letters of recommendation Completed class assignments How to assemble Organize materials logically Place in binder with nice cover

Professional Portfolio When to use Make only one portfolio Take to interviews Purpose: Support what you say Use only as needed

What to Take to Interviews Extra resumes Application If filled out at home Reference list List of important facts

What to Take to Interviews Portfolio Letters of recommendation Licenses and certifications Pen and notepad Appointment calendar

Interview Practice Smile Introduce self Practice good handshake Maintain eye contact Speak clearly using pleasant voice Avoid meaningless words

Interview Practice Sit calmly with good posture Answer questions fully But avoid rambling Support answers with examples Show interest in other person

Starting Off on the Right Foot Avoid being late Arrive early If unfamiliar with area, do dry run beforehand Attend interview alone

Starting Off on the Right Foot Be courteous and pleasant to everyone you meet Turn off mobile phone

During the Interview Focus on selling qualifications for job Listen carefully to employer Determine needs Answer questions showing how you qualify for job

During the Interview Show interest by asking questions Balance warmth and friendliness with professionalism Never gossip or speak negatively of others Do not place items on interviewer’s desk

During the Interview Never read or appear to snoop through items on desk Use positive nonverbal communication Never lie about facts

Recent Interview Trends Unexpected or peculiar questions Group interviews Video interview Psychometric tests: reasoning, personality, motivation

After the Interview Send thank-you note Send requested information, if applicable Advise references Review impressions of employer and job

After the Interview Follow up if you do not hear from employer by date hiring decision is to be made Continue job search even if interview went well

Additional Requirements Tests for illegal drugs Psychological tests Immunizations Health screening Criminal background check Proof of right to work in U.S.

Question True or False: Some employers request credit information on potential employees.

Answer True Some employers run credit checks on job applicants, although not legal in all states

Accepting the Job Respond in writing and orally Do not take longer than one to two days to make decision

Declining the Job Respond in writing Thank employer Not necessary to explain reason Never ignore job offer

Dealing with Rejection Do not take as personal rejection Do self-evaluation May ask for employer feedback But do not demand or insist on reason Seek help from your school

Filling Out Applications Read entire application first Type or print neatly Ensure accuracy of all facts Write “N/A” Rather than leave blank

Filling Out Applications Write “negotiable” for salary Include signature and date Review for accuracy

Question True or False: If you have already submitted a resume, it is permissible to write “See Resume” on the employment history section of a job application.

Answer False Complete all spaces on application form