Ugh, the dreaded job interviews. For some, going to the dentist might seem like a walk in the park compared to gearing up for what could make or break your chances at getting a job position. Usually, the more you want the job, the more nerve racking the interview becomes! What to wear, what to say (or not say), how to make a good first impression, the list is endless when getting yourself prepared for the interview. Fear not, for I have been on both sides of the coin and with these three simple tips you will be one step closer to landing the job of your dreams.
This seems simple enough. Think about when you want to go on a date with someone for the first time. You want to make a good first impression right? You get all dressed up, put your happy face on and do your best to be as charming and charismatic as possible. Heck, you may even throw in some fanciful stories, colorful antidotes and a witty remark or two to impress your date. When dating someone long term, these remedies may fade and the truth comes out. This is especially true with your employer.
In the United States, there are many subjects an employer cannot ask about during the hiring process. Issues like race, gender identification, and age are off limits and it’s easy to see why. It is no ones business and by not asking, it reduces discrimination. However, there are some other issues that also can’t be asked about which can affect your work performance as an employee.
Here are a couple of examples:
Your boss cannot ask if you have children. They can ask ‘if you have reliable transportation to and from work.’ That is it.
Here’s the deal, if the hours you are suppose to work are from 9:00am-6:00pm and your spouse leaves for their shift at 5:00pm, that leaves a one hour gap. Is it fair to not tell your future employee that for the next two weeks you will need to leave work one hour early?
How about your parents 25th wedding anniversary cruise you planned two years ago, that is now six months away? Should you tell your future employer?
This same idea works with adjusting technique/chiropractic philosophies; have you ever adjusted an ASR Atlas? How about used a Flexion/Distraction table? Do you hate Activator? Are you a ‘heavy hitter’ and your new boss is NUCCA only?
Secret family? Anxiety/depression issues?
This doesn’t mean you have to spill your guts, but if there are real issues that may come out later, it is best to get them out of the way early. A good boss will try and work with you and if they do not, then you know they would have been a jerk to work for anyway. Remember, a good boss will do their due-diligence. If your issue can be found on Google, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc., they will find out.
Look at it like this, if your boss promises two weeks paid vacation and you only get one week’s worth of compensation, wouldn’t you be mad? What about routinely keeping you over your hours without additional pay? This is a two-way street; keep the communication open and honest.
I can’t think of one thing that would make you too well prepared. Research the company, find them on social media, and see what you can find about the boss. I can always identify an ‘A’ player during an interview when they bring something to write on (notebook), something to write with and extra copies of their resumes. It’s not your future employers job to keep track of your resume or application. They may be looking at multiple candidates. If you want the position, bring the goods.
How you handled the phone call to set up the interview, your arrival time, appearance, what you bring with you, your demeanor, etc all paint the picture of who you are.
Did you arrive five minutes late? Chances are, you’re going to be five minutes late to work all the time too.
Did you forget your notebook, resume and or pen? What else may you forget when you’re working for the company? Are you detailed, orientated and organized, or are you giving the impression of being scattered brain?
Do you talk too fast, think ahead, and not answer the questions properly? If so, will you not listen to patients or be able to explain their diagnoses, treatments, chiropractic techniques, etc.?
The best candidates (I have seen) are consistent and congruent every time I talk or meet with them. They are always polite, well versed, and cheerful, their appearance matches their role, they are on time, professional, etc. Be truthful, be prepared and most importantly be you. Now, let’s get to work!
Kassandra M Schultz DC