Answers to the first listening 1.5

MAIN IDEAS

1 have skills necessary to do job?		2 fit in with health care organization and health team?		3 will stay with the organization, have clear career goals?
		DETAILS
1 specific information about their skills and abilities if they have up-to-date experience or training in the latest technology how broad their past responsibilities were what client populations they have worked directly with examples of specific accomplishments what makes each person unique		2 people who can communicate well with clients and colleagues “soft skills” whether or not they like a candidate someone who will fit in with the team		3 expensive to hire and train new employees--rather not waste time and money on someone who’s apt to leave our organization within a year enthusiastic about their job and future career goals, motivated to continue to improve themselves and therefore improve organization may move up in organization later on will work hard and be committed to making the organization the best it can be

Job interview tips. Module 1, Unit 5

Information about Yourself

• Your best skills and abilities and examples of each
• Your best personal qualities and examples of each
• Your best accomplishments and successes from your past experience
• Your immediate and long-term career goals

Information about Your Field and the Health Care Organization You Want to Work for

• Job requirements and qualifications necessary for your job objective
• Trends in your field
• The services the health care organization provides
• The organization’s philosophy and mission
• The corporate culture and organizational structure of the organization
• The successes of the organization and the challenges it faces

Information about the Interview

• The time and date of the interview
• The address of the company and the location of the interview (room number)
• How to get to the company (driving directions or public transportation) and the length of time it takes to get there
• The interviewer’s name(s) and the pronunciation of the name(s)

Things to Take to an Interview

• Several copies of your résumé (There may be more than one interviewer.)
• Your Personal Data Form (You may need to fill out an application.)
• A typed list of your references with their contact information
• Appropriate licenses or certificates
• A list of questions you will ask the interviewer
• A list of the qualifications you plan to talk about during the interview
• Paper and a pen (so you can take brief notes during and immediately after the interview)

How to Make an Initial Good Impression: Personal Appearance and Body Language

• Be on time. Always be ten minutes early. Also, arrive early in case you need to fill out an application. (Better yet, go 30 minutes early and have a cup of tea to relax at a nearby café before you go into the interview.)
• Dress appropriately. Wear conservative clothes, accessories, and makeup. It’s always better to err on the side of formality. For more explicit information on dress, go to http://www.medzilla.com/interviewattire.htm.
• Practice good grooming (face, hair, nails). Don’t smoke just before an interview, and, of course, don’t chew gum at an interview.
• Be courteous and friendly to everyone you meet. You never know if the manager will ask the receptionist for an opinion about you!
• Smile and make eye contact. Be confident.
• Give a firm handshake. (No dead fish!) Stand and sit at an appropriate distance from the interviewer (about 3-4 feet away).
• Stand and sit up straight. Have an open body posture. Don’t cross your arms or legs.
• Avoid fidgeting with your hair, clothes, accessories, or papers. If you are nervous, fold your hands in your lap.
• Be respectful of the interviewer’s space. Do not sit or lean too close to the interviewer.

Questions to Expect

• Why do you want to work for this organization?
• Can you tell me about yourself?
• Can you tell me about your experience?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are your career goals?
• See also “Possible Interview Questions” in Activity 1A.

How to Make a Good Impression: Answering Interview Questions

• Listen carefully and use active listening strategies (smile, nod, say things like I see.) Don’t interrupt the interviewer. Ask questions to clarify when necessary.
• Speak clearly and confidently.
• Give examples of your qualifications. Tell short, focused anecdotes from your past jobs that “prove” you have these qualifications. Describe your successes in concrete terms.
• Be concise. Stick to the question. Don’t give long-winded responses, but say more than yes or no.
• Be positive and enthusiastic. Show interest in the job you are applying for. Also, never criticize a past job or employer.
• Ask good questions that show you have done your research and that you are interested in the job.
• Match your skills, qualities, and experience with the needs of the employer.
• Be yourself! Be natural.