MED LAB/TECH INTERVIEWING STRATEGIES/SKILLS/TIPS

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS On-campus interviews Screening interviews On site interviews Second round interviews One-on-one Panel interviews Group interviews Over a meal

REVIEW-QUESTIONS Be prepared for questions about resume Be familiar with contents of resume Typically asked questions: “Why should we hire you?” “Tell me about one of your weaknesses...” “This job requires working with radioisotopes and carcinogens. Please describe your experience working with these, and the methods used for safe handling. Does working with these present any difficulties for you?” “When you receive a valve of blood in the laboratory, what is the first thing you think of?”

REVIEW l Questions from you How soon do you expect to make your decision? Why is this position open? Can you tell me some of the qualities you are looking for in a Lab Technician for this position? Do you have a mentoring program for new techs? How supportive is the hospital of continuing education the workers? l Interview starter questions from employer Tell me what you know about our ? Tell me about yourself?

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW Familiarity with hospital or organization location Rehearse-mock interviews, record it, use CS Copy of resume updated & in folder References included/ Few questions prepared for interviewer at end of interview Visualize setting, positive interview Anticipate stressors What to wear

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Men Women Suit, Jacket Pressed shirt No phones Suit, Plain jewelry No perfume Hair groomed

DRESS-RULES OF THUMB -No sleeveless shirts -Have your clothes pressed -No open toe shoes -Pantyhose for women, socks for men -Clothes should be comfortable avoid too tight, too short -Shoes Polished, comfortable -Socks/Hose Do not go without socks/hose -Belts If have belt loops, wear a belt -Jewelry Minimal -Purse/Leather Notebook

HINTS Dress for the position you want, not the position you have Men Wear a white t-shirt under dress shirt (Helps with perspiration) Have someone help you tie your tie Women Pull hair back Go easy on make up One ring per hand

DIFFERENT CLOTHING TYPES Professional Dress (this is YOU!) Interview outfit Daily clothing for professional office setting Business Casual Dress Dress down Fridays or casual office environment Career Fair Casual Dress Company picnic Traveling for work

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL

WOMEN’S BUSINESS CASUAL

WOMEN’S CASUAL

MEN’S PROFESSIONAL

MEN’S BUSINESS CASUAL

MEN’S CASUAL

DAY OF THE INTERVIEW Fresh shower, well groomed Leave plenty of time for mishaps Eat prior to the interview Avoid too much caffeine and sugar Arrive early minutes ample time too early makes interviewers nervous When arriving at the location, be courteous to all employees

TRICKY QUESTIONS a.k.a.. behavioral questions

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES STAR METHOD S - situation T - task A - action R - result

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Examples of Behavior-Based Questions: Give me an example of a time when you handled a customer complaint. (customer service behavior) Please describe a situation in which you experienced a lot of pressure in meeting deadlines. How did you handle the situation? (prioritization and planning skills, time management) Tell us about a time when you had to communicate under difficult circumstances with a customer or a colleague. (communication skills) Questions from You: What responsibilities would I have in this position? What is a day like at Mayo Clinic and in the department? What growth opportunities are available? What is the orientation and training process?

CLOSING AND FOLLOWING-UP Closing the interview Employer initiates-Standing up, shaking hands “Thank-you for interviewing” Let employer know you are interested Prepare closing statement “Thank you for taking the time to interview me, I’m very interested in this position...” Sending a thank-you note within 24 hours hand written computer generated-buy it Expect to hear within 7-10 work days

The verdict  Job is offered to you “Thank you for calling, I’ll get back to you with my decision by the end of the day..”  Job is not offered “Thank you for taking the time to interview me..”  Professional/polite

COMMENTS / QUESTIONS  Remember to be yourself…  Everyone is nervous …  Be prepared

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