Preparing for the Interview; a Recruiter’s Perspective

1. Preparing for the Interview; a Recruiter’s Perspective Don Prince, CMSR

2. Topics to be Discussed • Job Search • Current environment and what it means to the job seeker • Targeted job search, the Internet, and social networking • Basic Resume Tips • Preparing for the Interview • DOs and DONTs • Behavioral Event Interviewing • Follow Up is Key • Q & A

3. Job Search • Current job market in tough economy • Medical field is resistant but not totally recession proof. • Clinical jobs are in high demand but economy has still affected non-clinical positions. • What does this mean for the current job seeker? • Specific skill match will get you noticed. • Less opportunity to exploit “transferable” skills. • Job search should be targeted • Same methods employed by hiring managers can be used by job seeker. • The Internet and social networking sites.

4. Do Your Research • When pursuing a specific opening: • Research the company. • Research the interviewers; employ the same methods they are likely using to learn about you. • Search company name on social media sites to create your own network; let them know you are pursuing the job. • Simply know a place you would love to work? • Do all of the same things, research the company. • Create a network of contacts that work there; let them know you would like to work there and why.

5. Basic Resume Tips • Create both an abbreviated and a full resume. • Customize resume and cover letter to the specific opportunity. • NO TYPOs!! • Do not get too fancy; do not use more than two fonts and avoid fonts that are not standard. • Make sure your formatting is tight; using a Word template will work to your advantage. • Use the targeted company’s lingo; if responding to a job posting , mirror the descriptive wording on your cover letter and/or objective line.

6. Preparing for the Interview (Dos and DONTs) • Interview DOs: • Prepare for a phone interview. • Research the opportunity; be prepared to ask questions. • Prepare to answer Behavioral Event Interview questions. • Use common sense: dress appropriately, maintain good eye contact, arrive early, turn off cell and pager, smile, and exhibit a positive attitude (the goal is to get the offer). • Be ready for the lunch interview. • Be prepared to take notes. • Be sure to be friendly to everyone you come in contact with. • Make sure you understand the “next steps” in the hiring process. • End gracefully; thank you notes are a must. • Remember, the goal of an interview is to gain a job offer.

7. Preparing for the Interview (Dos and DONTs) • DONTs: • Let nerves take over; remain confidant but not arrogant. • Make demands or voice aspects of the job that are not ideal. • Make negative comments about others. • Treat the interview casually (as if you are shopping around). • Give the impression that you are only interested due to geographic location. • Ask about salary or benefits unless the subject is raised by the interviewer. • Make a decision before there is a decision to make. • Though some of the points may seem like common sense, they are often taken for granted and can cost you a job offer.

8. Behavioral Event Interviewing • What is Behavioral Event Interviewing? • Behavioral Event Interviewing (BEI) is a technique used in which the questions asked assist the employer in making predictions about your future success based on actual past behaviors, instead of based on responses to hypothetical questions. Expect your interviewer to question and probe your answers. • In BEI interviews, you are asked to give specific examples of when you demonstrated particular behaviors or skills. Instead of asking how you would behave in a particular situation, the interviewer will ask you how you did behave. • General answers about behavior are not what the employer is looking for. You must describe in detail a particular event, project, or experience and you dealt with the situation, and what the outcome was. The interview is typically structured to concentrate on behaviors that are important to the interviewer, rather than focusing on areas that you may feel are important.

9. Behavioral Event Interviewing • Responding well to BEI questions: • Recall a recent situation that showed favorable behaviors or actions, especially involving work experience, leadership, professional relationships, teamwork, planning, etc. • Prepare short descriptions of each situation; be ready to give details when asked. Don’t describe how you would behave but rather how you did behave. If the outcome wasn’t ideal, that is OK, you can demonstrate how you learned and what you would do differently. • Be specific. Don’t generalize about several events; give a detailed account of one event. • Use the “S.T.A.R. technique; describe the Situation you were in or the Task you needed to accomplish; describe the Action you took, and the Results. Make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and an end. • Be honest; don’t embellish or omit any part of the story (especially if the story involves individuals that may be personal references for you).

10. Follow Up is Key • Immediately follow up after an interview by sending a note • A handwritten note to interviewers is much more impactful than an email. Use email if timing is key. • Don’t forget to send a quick note to any contacts you made while researching the company. • Maintain an interested posture regardless of your thoughts about the job; remember, the goal is to get the offer! • Follow up a second time once you have received an offer or notification that you are not being considered with the person who communicates the decision to you as well as a quick note to your new network.

11. Summary • Sending your resume in a “shotgun” approach is not nearly as effective as a targeted approach. • Mirror the hiring manager’s language to get noticed. • Research, research, research… use social networking. • Prepare for the interview; understand behavioral event interviewing and have stories to tell “top of mind”. • Remember that an interview is a sales function; the goal is get an offer, not a job. • Follow up can make a huge difference when done correctly.