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Learn valuable strategies to excel in your interview. Discover how to create a positive impression, answer questions effectively, and showcase your skills. Boost your chances of landing your dream job!
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Strategies to ace your interview Lourdes M. Cuellar, M.S., RPh, FASHP Director of Pharmacy and Patient Safety Officer Memorial Hermann – TIRR Houston, Texas
A Skilled Interviewer Will: • Create an atmosphere that makes candidates feel comfortable and important. • Ask open-ended questions • Ask questions that focus on behaviors • Use a rating system – for fairness (first candidates are not forgotten) • Listen well
A Skilled Interviewer Will: • Conduct a fair assessment of candidate’s skills, experience and fit for the position • Be open and honest- convey the organization’s and department’s goals, values, mission, vision and culture. • encourage the candidate to ask questions
Skills to Master • Communication • Will be evaluated in your resume and interview • Concise writing • Careful listening • Effective speaking • Professionalism - demonstrates maturity, code of conduct, responsibility, fairness, integrity, etc.
Skills to Master • Analytical – The Ability to see the big picture, assess a situation, gather information and apply sound judgment • Adaptability - Be able to demonstrate willingness to learn new skills and assume additional responsibilities
Skills to Master • Leadership – Willingness to take the lead or solve a problem will get you noticed • Problem-solving - Creativity is important at all levels of the department; document your best examples for your interview
Winning Advice • Research the organization in advance of the interview • Define your career goals – be prepared to discuss your strengths, weaknesses, skills and abilities • Be enthusiastic – listen well and convey interest during the interview. Be flexible. Do not be late for interview
Winning Advice • Integrity is a must – never lie during an interview or on your resume. Learn how to deal with perceived weaknesses before the interview • Evaluate – don’t accept a position that is not the right fit. The job should be a win-win for organization and for you
General rules: interviewing • Unless you are asked to provide more details keep your answers brief – 2-3 minutes per question • Prepare at least two or more stories that reflect your strengths and skills • Image is important – gestures, physical appearance, and attire • Ask questions - what you ask and how you ask them can leave a lasting impression.
General rules: interviewing • Maintain a comfortable conversation flow (use body language and voice intonation to create a conversation) • Repeat your strengths at least three times –be confident and explain how your strengths will relate or benefit the department.
Practice questions Communication skills • Tell me about a situation when you said something that was misunderstood. What did you do to resolve the situation? What was the end result? Interpersonal skills • Tell me about a time you helped solve a problem within a group. What precipitated the problem? What action did you take? What was the outcome?
Practice questions Motivation • Tell me about your job search strategy. What actions have you taken? Initiative • What was the most difficult task/course you had to learn? What did you do to learn? • Tell me about a recent responsibility you have taken on? Why did you assume this responsibility?
Practice questions Stress • What kind of pressure do you feel at school or work? • Give me an example where your work was criticized. What was wrong and how did you deal with it? Leadership • What has been your most difficult experience in giving others direction? How did you handle it? What was the outcome?
Practice questions Give me an example when you set a goal and were able to achieve it. Can you describe a situation when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree. Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks
Practice questions How do you deal with conflict? Give me an example. Why are you interested in working for us? Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? What job related skills have you developed? In which college activities did you participate?
Your Turn • Can you please describe the duties of this job? • What is the most difficult part of this job? • What skills are especially important for someone in this position? • How do you feel about creativity and individuality? • Is this a new position or am I replacing someone?
Your Turn • What is the largest single problem facing your staff now? • What makes a successful candidate? • Do you fill positions from outside candidates or promote from within first? • What characteristics do achievers within the department seem to share?
Your Turn • Will I be interviewing with others within the department? • Will I have an opportunity to do research or work on special projects? • What is the next course of action? When should I expect to hear from you or should I contact you?