Your job hunt is just beginning, and you are probably feeling a little overwhelmed. The pandemic has caused a more competitive market in a time of uncertainty. Right now, you may just be deciding where you are wanting to apply or even what specialty you are wanting to pursue. Aureus Medical’s Student Outreach Team is here as a resource for resume tips, interview advice, and job market updates. We thought it would be beneficial in this blog to go a little more in depth on interviewing, as well as important things to remember when selling yourself for a job.
- Make sure that if you go in person to dress appropriately (business professional). Bring your resume in a hard cover folder if you’ll be meeting in person. If it’s over the phone, make sure that you’re in a quiet area with good service.
- Ask questions. “What’s the culture like in (the unit/area/building they’re hiring for)? What will orientation be like? And for how long? What’s the skill mix like in the unit/clinic?”
- They’ll ask you questions as well, probably about you as a person and how you work. Questions about scenarios are also popular. “What have you done in a ‘difficult situation’ and how did you handle it? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What is your weakness?” For the last one, be honest, but make sure it is something you have been working on and give an example/scenario. For ‘weaknesses’ we like to call these ‘areas of opportunity.’ Employers will be impressed to hear you say that instead, as it shows it is something you are actively improving upon.
- Thank them for their time and do not be afraid to ask for the position. “I’ve really enjoyed speaking with you and I think I’d be a great fit for the position after everything I’ve heard. I would love to work with your organization. Let me know the next steps moving forward or what else you need from me.”
- Be professional, but do not be afraid to be personable, too. Adding your own touch of personality helps differentiate you from other candidates. This interview is a chance to sell yourself and why you would be a great fit for the position with the skills, characteristics, and knowledge that you have acquired. Explain why you are a great fit for this specific role. Express that you are excited about the position/company and why.
- Lastly, it is okay to be nervous or even to express that you are nervous. We are all human. Keep in mind that your interviewer was in your shoes at one point, too. You got that interview for a reason, so prove to them why you should be hired!
Reach out to our Student Outreach Team for any more advice you may need while job hunting. Whether it is a position with us or ones you have found on your own, our goal is to land you a job.
Melody Claus is a Student Outreach Coordinator for the Student Outreach team at Aureus Medical Group.