Inside the Hiring Manager's Head Part III
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. Knowing what the hiring manager is thinking may give you an edge. This is part III in a series. The first interview helps the hiring manager get to know you. Just relax and be yourself. The hiring manager is looking for:
- The ability to communicate clearly. Do you express yourself in a linear fashion with well structured thoughts, complete sentences and evidence based conclusions?
- Friendliness. You will be expected to interact in a positive manner with coworkers, patients and others. The manager is looking for someone who can integrate into the workplace and work well with others.
- Intelligence and aptitude. If you're intelligent and teachable, you can be trained.
- A Self-Observing Ego: The ability to observe reality as it is and to evaluate oneself and take action based on that reality. Are you able to self evaluate and correct behaviors which are not ideal? This is an essential part of making changes to your thoughts, your behaviors, and ultimately, your life. Staff with self-observing egos are more easily managed because they are open and respond appropriately to feedback.
Here are a few tips:
1. Avoid discussing personal details such as your age, religion, national origin, marital status, number of children. They are not appropriate to discuss nor for the manager to take into account when making a hiring decision so don't offer this information.
2. Don't talk too much. When you're asked a question answer it fully and completely, then stop talking.
3. Let the hiring manager take the reins. He or she will decide when the interview is done and will steer the conversation but don't be afraid to ask questions. The manager will be looking for you to ask intelligent questions about the job. Don't ask about salary unless the manager brings it up first. Know ahead of time the salary you expect and do your research to make sure it's appropriate for the job and your level of experience.
4. Don't exaggerate your knowledge or skills. It's okay to not know how to do everything but it's NOT okay to lie or exaggerate.
5. Research the company before your interview. Know who the principal doctors are and what services they offer.
6. Ask for the hiring manager's business card.
At the end of the interview, stand, make eye contact and extend your hand for a firm handshake. Thank the hiring manager for his time and ask when a decision may be made and/or what the next step is.
After the Interview Take a thank you note and postage stamp with you to the interview. As soon as the interview is done, write a note thanking the manager for his or her time and express your excitement at the prospect of joining the organization. Address it from the business card you got at the interview and drop it in a mailbox as soon as you leave the interview. Not only will the manager be impressed that you sent a thank you note, but the expeditiousness with which you sent it will make it memorable.
In the next part we'll discuss what happens after the interview from the Manager's standpoint.