2 graduate employment services © concorde career colleges, inc. 3 prepare for an interview in...

2

Graduate Employment Services

© Concorde Career Colleges, Inc.3

Prepare for an interview in terms of travel, documents to take and greeting the interviewer

Take appropriate follow-up action after an interview

Complete letter responses from a job offer, both accepting and rejecting one


Correct address Know the suite number Travel to the site a few days before

the interview


Know with whom you are meeting

Know how to pronounce his/her name correctly!

Complete paperwork prior to meeting with the interviewer. Plan ahead & give yourself at least 15 minutes to complete the application.


Sample script for calling to plan• “Hello, my name is ____. I have a 9am

appointment for an interview on Tuesday, April 7, for a ____ position. Could you give me the name of the interviewer and the person’s position? Would you spell the name for me, please? I would appreciate directions on how to get to your company.”

• Ask how long they will be interviewing for the position


Job History• Current plus at least last 2• Complete information

Convictions References

• Business Education

• Concorde

Graduate Employment Services

8© Concorde Career Colleges, Inc.

Professionalism Selling yourself during an interview Develop answers to commonly asked

questions during an interview Be Prepared


Medical Field Expectations Conservative Hair Jewelry

• Very Little – No facial piercings Makeup

• It’s not Saturday Night at the Club


Arrive ahead of time to check for food in the teeth or coffee/soda stains

No perfume or cologne Clothing is straight Fill up your gas tank early


Be positive & SMILE Posture Interested Eye contact Confidence Express thanks Listen


The Idea That Past Behavior Will Predict Future Behavior

“Tell me about a time…” “How would you describe…” Be Specific, Don’t Generalize


Tell me about yourself “Well, I grew up in the North West and I enjoy

rock-climbing and really any outdoor activity. I’m married. My wife and I live in the Pearl District. Big Blazers fan. I’m a real Portlander, you might say.

OR


Tell me about yourself “Well, I recently graduated with honors from the

AAMA accredited medical assistant program at Concorde. I completed my externship at Dr. Smith’s Family Practice where I learned a great deal. I volunteer every year for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure foundation and I love being a medical assistant


How would your coworkers describe you?“Definitely, dependable and compassionate. I never missed a day of class and while I was on my externship I was fortunate enough to extern for a family physician where I worked with people of all ages and I am able to get along with them all.


Brief, Specific Answer Brief Example Showing Applicability

i.e. “For example, when I was on my externship…”

Stop Talking

Important to Rehearse


Strengths• Relate your answer to the job needs

Weaknesses• Be truthful.• Use the words “Challenge” and

“However”• Show you are aware and are fixing it• Make it a Non-Issue• None is not an answer


Why are you applying for this job?• Interest in working in health care• Bring up something specific about this

facility What do you know about this

organization/facility/specialty?• Did you do your research?• How can you make a contribution?


How do you work under pressure? Do you manage your time well? Do you work well with others? Do you anger easily?

• Give examples of when you have worked under similar conditions and how you worked well

Why should we hire you?• Overall skills, experience and education.• Rehearse a statement


Flexibility, overtime, etc. What has been your major

accomplishment to date? Why did you choose this career? Describe how you work with others?

Do you work well with teams? What did you like/dislike about your

last job? What has been your favorite job or least favorite job? Why?


Team player• Describe what role you typically take

when in a group.• Don’t lie. If you tend to be in conflict with

others or don’t like working in teams, focus on your understanding the value of working together & what it means to work together


How have you resolved conflicts with a boss or co-worker?

What qualities make a good manager?

Is there anything else I should know about you?


Being defensive will offend them Redirection the interviewer’s

thoughts. There is nothing in your personal

life that will prevent you from being a conscientious employee

Carefully prepare and rehearse statements


Plan, plan, plan Mental portfolio Rehearse answers to common

questions. Writing down your attributes so you

make sure you discuss them


Be prepared What do you want to know? Have some written down so you don’t

get stumped when asked if you have any questions.


Job responsibilities (exact title too), and the department in which you would work

Fit of the department into the company structure: its purpose, its budget, and other departments with which it works

Reporting structure: whether you would have one or more bosses

Type of formal or informal training you would be given

Whether you would be working on your own or as a member of a team


How job performance is measured? Where those who previously held

your position are now? When will they be making a

decision? Is there anything else I should know

about the job or company?


What is the pay, benefits, etc.?Do you have educational reimbursement?Is there an opportunity for advancement?What are the hours/schedule?

(Any question that relates to how you will benefit rather than showing interest in the position/company should not be asked.)


Appearance Eye contact Criticizing past employers Displaying a lack of confidence in your

abilities Handshake Arriving Late Not being appreciative of the interviewer’s

time Not asking questions Bringing friends to the interview


Making excuses for your behavior, lack of preparation, experience

Vague responses Lack of enthusiasm Money motivated questions/answers Aggressive and conceited behaviors Can’t express yourself clearly History of short term jobs


Lack of planning Sloppy application Indecisive Lack of maturity Not showing courtesy or tact Inability to take criticism Wanting to be the boss Low morals


Rehearse and plan for questions—both what you will ask and what you will be asked.

Preparation is a direct reflection of your enthusiasm and interest in obtaining a job, especially with that company.


2 graduate employment services © concorde career colleges, inc. 3 prepare for an interview in...

Documents