How Do I Interview To Get The Job?

Getting a job interview can be exciting and anxiety provoking at the same time! The moment you have been waiting for has finally arrived, but you don't want to say or do anything that would ruin your chance to get the job. How should you effectively prepare for the big moment? Here are 5 interview tips to help make a great impression for your interview, whether applying for a nonclinical job or a clinical job:

1) Stories are more powerful than subjective statements

There are multiple questions the interviewer(s) could ask, and it is difficult to prepare for every single one. Some questions will explicitly say "tell me a time when …" but many will not. If behavioral questions are not asked, it can be easy to give subjective statements without any proof to back up what you say. Instead, try to tell stories that will provide evidence demonstrating that you are the best solution to their problems!

2) Keep your answers to around 1 minute

Although stories are great, they can be hard to follow if they go beyond 1 minute. Not only that, if your interview is scheduled for a set time (e.g. 30 minutes), it will be difficult for the interviewer(s) and you to ask all the important questions before the time is up!

3) Dress for success

With many interviews being performed remotely, all that appears to matter is what can be seen from the waist up. Although I have heard of people wearing sweat pants and getting the job, I believe that dressing up instills a self confidence that will help you succeed during the interview. Whether or not the interview is in person, your physical appearance will likely be the first thing your interviewer(s) will notice about you unless it is a telephone interview. Being dressed up indicates that you have prepared and are serious about the job!

4) Utilize relaxation techniques

For most people, the sympathetic nervous system will be working harder than usual before the interview happens. There are different ways to downregulate your nervous system, but a few options include: diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding and mindfulness. I'm a big fan of the free app Mindfulness Coach, and I use it myself. It is an app by the Department of Veteran's Affairs originally created for those with PTSD, but I believe it can be helpful to almost anyone. It helps guide you through some techniques to help provide calm before the big event!

5) Send a follow up letter within 24 hours of the interview

This may be uncomfortable for those of us who tend to be more passive, myself included. However, sending an e-mail shows that you are sincerely interested in the role and provides a reminder to the interviewer(s) to follow up with you. The letter doesn't need to be long, but it needs to thank them for their time, show why you are interested in the role and that you look forward to hearing from them!

These are some of the tips that have helped others land nonclinical jobs. However, many need an opportunity to practice and receive feedback for their answers. An answer may sound great in your head or on paper but can be difficult to answer when the pressure is on to articulate it. This is why I offer Practice Interviews! Click here to sign up for a 1-on-1 time that works best for you!

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