1. Interview, Portfolio, and Application
Chapter 25
Interview, Portfolio, and Application

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

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

4. 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

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

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

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

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

9. 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?

10. 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

11. 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?

12. 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.

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

14. 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

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

16. 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

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

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

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

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

21. 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?

22. 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.)

23. 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

24. 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

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

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

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

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

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

30. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

40. 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

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

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

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

44. 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

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

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

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

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

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

50. 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

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

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

53. 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.

54. Answer
False
Complete all spaces on application form