Can NT'ers hook your boy up with some advice on interviewing for a job. This job market can be cold.

I don't work in your field directly, but I do partner with a lot of occupational clinics when my workers get hurt, and my old place had an occupational therapist we hired as a contractor that I worked side by side with.

The first round is just to screen candidates. HR does not know anything about your field, they just want to gauge you as a person. This is the filtering round. Next will be around 3-5 I'm guessing and in person.

I've been on both ends of the table. I've interviewed for people to join my team. I've been asked by my colleagues to sit down on a round table to help evaluate the candidates for their team. I've interviewed at a bunch of places. I've been offered jobs that I turned down. I've been shot down a lot.

I don't have a lot of time to post on here much, but wanted to chime in as this can be a crucial step to shape your future. Didn't proof read so excuse any typos or run on paragraphs.

I see interviews as sparring sessions. I have interviewed for jobs I have very little interest in because I want to stay sharp when answering them. Do it enough and it becomes second nature. With that said, if you haven't interviewed in a minute, practice. Practice with your peers, or with yourself. Think of questions that may be asked. The point is to be fluid and able to think on your feet. Some questions that come to mind, again general questions, since I am not in your field:

-why are you looking for a new job?
-what makes you think you want to work here?
-how do you deal under pressure?
-how do you feel about working long hours?
-how do you interact with people of different backgrounds and interests?


If you are able to get an interview, then chances are your technical background is qualified to an extent. You have to sell yourself at the interview. Team nucleus is so important and that's something that you can't teach someone. A lot of the skill-sets can be learned on the job (sans a few obviously).

Be genuine. Be yourself. Be humble. Follow up. Ask what you can do for them.


This is an example of a dialogue of how it may go down, based on my experience.

HR: Hi! Thanks for applying for the position. This round is to touch base with qualified candidates. I will take notes and pass it on to the hiring manager. What made you interested in the position.

PLEASE DO NOT SAY I WANT A BETTER PAYING JOB or something stupid. They know you want something already because you are applying.

You: Hello. I'm interested in your company because I know your hospital/clinic is one of the best in the cities. It would be an honor to work at a high ranking setting so I can really use what I learned in the classroom setting to work.

HR: Great. Is this your first job? Do you have prior experiences?

DO NOT LIE. There are services out there that employers use that show your work history. If you are fresh out of school then say that, do not make places up. A lot of people do this, and they get trashed automatically.

You: This is my first job from school. I know the job market is shaky at the moment and I'm truly grateful just being considered. I did interned at XXXXX. I also have letters of recommendations from respected professors to show my work ethics.

Your answer will obvious vary. This is me writing free hand. Again the point is to be yourself and be fluid. Don't go in and stutter or say UMMM and UHHHH. Practice so you can adapt with the questions.

Do not feel entitled. Unless you're a world class doctor that found a cure for cancer or a high ranking programmer, not too many people are going to court you. We had a requisition open for a coordinator and there were over 100 applicants within the first week. Trust we had plans already...if Candidate A does not accept, we will contact Candidate B within a week, and if B doesn't accept...we will reopen the req for a new batch of talents to apply.

A week after the interview if you haven't heard anything back, follow up with an email or a call just to thank them and see if there's anything else you can do. This last part goes A LONG way. In 2013 I was applying for jobs in different regions, while I got flew out to interviews, I didn't get the jobs because I was too young. Those folks still hit me up here and there to see if I am still interested. Networking is key in life in general.

Good luck.

This is very solid info. For the younger cats, it's definitely a good read.

I honestly don't know what to offer other than practice and prepare. Familiarize with your own resume and what you do on a daily basis.

Knowing what you do and relaying the info can be difficult. I've went to interviews where I did not prepare thinking I knew everything about my resume - only to stumble and ramble on when they asked what my current responsibilities were.
 
Thanks for the support brah's.

Will update when I get some more info.

Send me any positive energy, I hope I get this.

:nthat:
 
Brah's....

I got the job.

Human resources from the hospital left me a voicemail about an offer and sent me the paperwork to see if I wanted to accept.

I needed this. I worked hard at getting something like this.

Your boy is about to be gainfully employed.

Big thanks to those who contributed in this thread and in other threads regarding employment.

I hope this advice can go towards others gaining employment as well.

Man, your boy is happy for once.

:nthat:
 
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Really hope you get the job. After spending my whole summer in hospital/rehab, I have a lot of respect for your field and career choice.
 
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