Cath Lab Digest - November 2007 - (Page 43)

NOVEMBER 2007 YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS: CAREER ADVICE 43 Making the Most of Your First Impression: Interviewing Tips and Techniques Kevin Miracle, Recruitment Consultant, Corazon, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to do your homework on the prospective employer. Would you really want to work for a hospital that you don’t know much about? I would recommend learning as much as you can about the organization and the department so that you know whether the culture is a fit for your working or leadership style. This knowledge about the program will also increase your credibility with the interviewer and demonstrate your interest in the opportunity. If you know anyone who currently works at this hospital or has in the past, ask for information about the culture. Studies have shown that one of the factors leading to an employee’s performance failure and job dissatisfaction has a lot to do with a lack of fit with the organizational culture. Furthermore, if you don’t align well with your boss’s core beliefs and values, it will be very difficult to develop an effective working relationship. It is most essential to “look” the part and dress for success. It is always a good idea to visit the restroom just prior to the interview to double-check your appearance. Like it or not, appearance will factor into a hiring manager’s decision regarding a candidate from the first moment you meet face-to-face. One recommendation would be to dress in business-appropriate attire, even if you’ve learned that the working environment is casual. In addition to knowing where you’re going, arrive early for the interview. Also, don’t forget to turn off (or silence) your cell phone/pager. We also recommend that if the position that you are interviewing for requires specific licenses or certification, make sure you bring copies of these documents with you, just in case they are needed. D oes the following scenario sound familiar? You are anxious to advance your career in cardiovascular services. You have been sending out resumes for weeks with no response. But one day you get home and listen to your voicemail to hear someone from your topchoice employer calling to schedule a site visit and interview. The open position is a perfect match to your skill set and experience, and you meet all the application criteria. How can you maximize the results of the faceto-face time? How can you prepare yourself to best perform under the pressure of your first interview (of hopefully several)? It has been said before, but the phrase is certainly worth repeating: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Maximizing the first few minutes of a job interview is the most effective strategy. How do you make yourself stand out as the candidate to remember? Preparation is key! This month, we will discuss several recommendations that you can use to help prepare for an important job interview. into the interviewer’s office. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and make good eye contact as the conversation gets started. The majority of times the interviewer will engage in small talk with you before getting down to the details of the job opening. This is a great tactic to help put you (and the interviewer) at ease. For example, if the interviewer asks if it’s raining outside, offer a bit more of an answer than “yes” or “no.” At the same time, don’t become a meteorologist and ramble on about the weather. This small talk is also an opportunity for the interviewer to determine how well you keep up with current events and how well-rounded you are as a candidate. As the interviewer begins what you have determined to be the interrogation portion, be prepared to appropriately respond to the questions. The best answers are positive, concise, and honest. Negativity is never wellreceived, especially when you may be referring to a previous or current employer. When formulating your your time to shine. Don’t overdo the self-praise, however, as that may also raise a red flag to the interviewer. Usually, the interviewer will allow you to ask questions as well. Don’t neglect to ask about something at this time. You’ve done your research and you understand the position and overall responsibilities, but be sure to ask relevant questions to ensure your understanding and/or to seek further clarification on a subject. Interviewers are often impressed by candidates that demonstrate their knowledge of the hospital or position. When it’s time to talk about salary, the interviewer should broach the subject first. In fact, you shouldn’t bring up the topic until you are almost certain to get the job offer. That being said, however, during the initial screening interview, it’s common for the recruiter to inquire about your current salary. He or she may be willing to share some general information related to the position pay grade and salary range. This information is important, but is by no means the final When it’s time to talk about salary, the interviewer should broach the subject first. In fact, you shouldn’t bring up the topic until you are almost certain to get the job offer. response to a given question, be careful not to ramble. Responses should generally be limited to two minutes, wherein you can give a concise and appropriate answer without being too long-winded. It is equally important that your answer not be a “yes” or “no.” A minimum time your response should last is approximately 20 seconds. This interrogation is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and the expertise you can bring to the organization and the position. The interview is not the time to be humble; rather, it is most definitely word on pay. Based on your experience and expertise, your point in the quoted range could vary, which is why salary should be discussed near the end of the process, after the interviewer knows more about what you will bring to the table. Your body language says a lot about you as you communicate, so be aware of your non-verbal communication. Body movement can indicate attitudes and feelings while also acting as illustrators and regulators. Your body movement includes your eyes, eyebrows, lips, shoulders, arms and During the Interview Before the Interview First and foremost, it is important The all-important “first impression” begins the moment you walk

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cath Lab Digest - November 2007

Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute Treating Patients with Complex Vascular Disease with a Multi-Disciplinary Approach Improving Patient Compliance with Antiplatelet Medications Clinical Editor’s Corner Cath Lab Nurse/Tech Vascular Access and Closure Using the StarClose® Device The Clinical and Economic Impact of Measuring Fractional Flow Reserve FFR and Choosing an Optimal Revascularization Strategy Finally! The New Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) Credential Use of a Mobile Lab to ‘Test the Waters’ at a Rural Hospital Remembering a Cardiac Cath Lab History ACVP• Membership Page What Do You Think? The Ten-Minute Interview with… Ernie Livingston, RN, BSN SICP* Chapter Updates Who’s in Charge? Working to Eliminate Bottlenecks: Florida Hospital’s Cardiac Cath Lab Achieves Greater Efficiency and Higher Satisfaction Preserving Left Ventricular Function during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Ask the Clinical Instructor: A Q&A Column for Those New to the Cath Lab Making the Most of Your First Impression: Interviewing Tips and Techniques CEU Education Center Clinical & Industry News Meetings Calendar

Cath Lab Digest - November 2007

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