Attitude, Preparation, and Expectations Are Key

On today’s show, I provide 8 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your First Job Interview. This is a critical part of your nontraditional job search. 

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You’ve narrowed your choice to a single job. You’ve convinced someone that you’re qualified. And now you’re scheduled for your interview.

There may be an initial phone interview. Then you may be invited to one-on-one or group interviews. Some of today’s tips apply primarily to face-to-face interviews, but most also apply to telephone and video sessions.

Our Sponsor

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By joining the UT Physician Executive MBA, you will develop the business and management skills you need to find a career that you love. To find out more, contact Dr. Kate Atchley’s office at (865) 974-6526 or go to nonclinicalphysicians.com/physicianmba.

Preparing for Your First Job Interview

It is important to prepare sufficiently for the interview. This preparation includes:

  • Adopting the right attitude,
  • Understanding the organization and the job, and,
  • Knowing that performing well may take practice (i.e., attending several interviews).

Listen to the entire episode to hear all of the details. There is also a transcript below.

Eight Great Tips

1. Bring Copies of Your Resume

Not everybody may have received a copy. And some interviewers may have left it behind. So, be prepared, and bring copies to share.

2. Dress Properly and Present the Right Body Language

Your appearance and demeanor are important. Do NOT dress down, even if the company appears to have a relaxed atmosphere. And present an open posture. Avoid crossing your arms. And sit forward attentively.

3. Do Your Research

Prepare yourself using sources such as:

  • Annual reports,
  • Online searches,
  • Guidestar for nonprofits,
  • Standard & Poor’s or other online stock reports for publicly traded companies,
  • Hospital Compare and other quality reporting sites,  and,
  • Speak with your own colleagues at the organization.

4. Be prepared to Describe Your Selling Points

Memorize a few traits, success stories, special training, and other factors that make you the ideal candidate for the job.

5. Line Up Your Questions

Be prepared to ask pertinent questions. Demonstrate that you have a good understanding of the organization. Be sincerely inquisitive about big initiatives underway. And try to pinpoint the skills and experience they are looking for in a candidate.

6. Start and Stay Positive 

Be happy and enthusiastic about being there. Offer appreciation to each interviewer.  Never go negative about a previous employer or manager.

7. Be Assertive But Not Pushy

Try to make all of your points. Get answers to all of your questions. But be patient and do not dominate the conversation. You should listen more than you speak.

8. Close with CLARITY

Make a clear statement about your interest in the job. Be sure to have clarity about the next steps. How long until a decision is made? Who will be contacting you? Can you call in a few days to check on your standing?

Summary

Interviewing can be stressful, especially at first. If you get to the point of an interview, you’re almost at the finish line. Don’t expect perfection in the first few interviews. You will get better with practice.

Try to learn from each interview. If you don’t get the job, follow up later for constructive feedback. It could be your demeanor or approach. Or maybe you lack a particular skill or certification that can be addressed before future interviews.

NOTE: Look below for a transcript of today’s episode.

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Disclaimers:

Many of the links that I refer you to are affiliate links. That means that I receive a payment from the seller if you purchase the affiliate item using my link. Doing so has no effect on the price you are charged. And I only promote products and services that I believe are of high quality and will be useful to you.

The opinions expressed here are mine and my guest’s. While the information provided on the podcast is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, there is no express or implied guarantee that using the methods discussed here will lead to success in your career, life, or business.

The information presented on this blog and related podcast is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. I do not provide medical, legal, tax, or emotional advice. If you take action on the information provided on the blog or podcast, it is at your own risk. Always consult an attorney, accountant, career counselor, or other professional before making any major decisions about your career.