Employers
are looking for a clinical match, but they are also interested
in who you are. From your resumé and cover letter,
to your attitude and appearance during the interview,
prospective employers assess your professional image.
Take
the time to market yourself properly. If you look at yourself
as a "product" and the potential employer as
a "customer," many new career options will open
up that might not have been possible.
Back
to Career Resources
- Strong
Cover Letters Open Doors To Interviews
Address the letter to a specific person. State what
you have to offer, why you have targeted this particular
hospital/facility, and why you would be valuable. Conclude
by saying you will call to set up an appointment.
- Neatness
Counts
Typographical or spelling errors give employers
a reason to reject your application. Proof your work
carefully. Use appropriate stationery such as white
or ivory.
- Be
Able To Discuss Why Someone Should Hire You
Stress your qualifications: certification, ability to
perform certain procedures, protocol development, grant-writing
experience, experience working in similar settings,
and successes in working with diverse patient populations
or multilingual staff.
- Be
Prepared To Ask Pertinent Questions
- Always
Call Prospective References Before Listing Them
- Dress
Appropriately For the Interview
First round candidates can be eliminated by inappropriate
dress, so think about your wardrobe. A blue or black
suit is always a safe choice.
- Make
Preliminary Preparations
Know the exact time and place of the interview and arrive
early. Consider weather conditions and traffic patterns
that might affect the time of your arrival. Make sure
you have your resumé and any material you want
a prospective employer to see.
- Remember
That Your Attitude And Body Language Can Affect The
Interview
Many times a candidate with more experience will be
overlooked for one with greater enthusiasm and personality.
If
during the interview you decide that you do not want the
job, continue to present yourself in an upbeat and professional
manner. Such preparation is well spent. You will have
not only gained confidence, but have made a networking
contact who could open doors for future opportunities.
