Résumés, Cover Letters, Interviews: Before the Interview

There are a number of things you should do to make sure you are as prepared as possible.

• Research the company. Find out the names and job titles of the interviewers (check out the “staff directory” at the organization’s website and/or google their names).
• Know where you’re going and get there on time. Scope out the location of the interview and the parking situation; you don’t want to be late because you can’t find a parking space! Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time for any possible traffic tie-ups.
• Dress professionally and for the desired position.
• Be courteous to everyone you meet—not just the person you’ll be interviewing with. Others may have input into the hiring decision.
• Check with those you’d like to use as references and be prepared with a list to leave with the interviewer, if asked.
• Evaluate your skills and abilities in light of the position description.
• Develop several narratives or concrete examples that show evidence of your most marketable and relevant skills/competencies

Whether you are interviewing for a residency or for a job, preparation is key.  You need to know about the hiring entity (residency program or hospital/clinic/company) and about yourself.  The latter may seem obvious but, when you are nervous and confronted by an interviewer’s unexpected question, you may find yourself unable to think of a relevant situation or example from your past to relate.  You may end up stammering and “ummming” at best or looking like a deer in the head lights at worse.

So, again, prepare. 

Preparing for questions about yourself can help prevent or calm those jitters everyone suffers during an interview and permit you to appear poised and professional.  Probably the most practical way to prepare for this aspect of your meeting is to stage mock interviews with fellow students or friends.  This will point out possible weaknesses (Do you say “Like” or “You know” a lot?) and can simply make you feel more comfortable during the “real deal” since you’ve already gone through the experience.  Ask for honest feedback.  Don’t forget to ask them about things in addition to the content of your answer—speech patterns (Do you talk too quickly or quietly or use slang?), body language, etc.  If possible, you may want to video or audio record the session so you can see and hear yourself as others do.

Learn what you can about their structure, program, clients, competitors, etc.  During the interview you’ll then be able to talk with confidence about what makes them different/exciting to you, and you’ll be able to respond to interview questions with appropriate information and ask the interviewer suitable questions.  You’ll also be better able to determine if the hiring entity and you are a good “fit.”

Here are some hints from Monster on how and what to research.

WikiHow also has some hints.

Your job references should be able to vouch for your skills, abilities and qualifications as they relate to the job you are applying for.

• Types of job references and how to ask.
• This video explains the purpose of references and their usefulness in “marketing” you.
• Choosing and using the best job references.