 At NP Now, we make it our priority to find exciting professional environments for our NPs, we also take very seriously the presentation of our candidates to their potential employers. Below you will find helpful guidelines for the interview process that have consistently proven to be successful. Please be sure to review this information as part of the preparation for your interview.
1) Be ENTHUSIASTIC! Showing enthusiasm and energy at an interview is very important. It is quite common that the most qualified individual will not to be offered the job because they do not covey the enthusiasm, excitement, or sense of urgency that a group is looking for. Leave the interview conveying strong desire, energy, and enthusiasm to work for that group. 2) Do your homework. Research the interviewing group, read recent news releases about the group and prepare questions to ask the interviewer about themselves and their company. Be sure to ask specific questions about the duties and expectations of the position. Write down 3-5 questions that will help you decide if this is the right opportunity for you. Here is good example of an opening question to ask: “Thank you very much for meeting with me today. I am somewhat familiar with Company X and your great reputation. I’ve had a chance to look at your website and have read about your latest achievements (be specific) in the Wall Street Journal. Can you tell me a little more about the company, and the skills that you are looking for in someone to do the job that I am interviewing for?” Be an effective communicator. Be thorough in your answers, but word them concisely. 1-2 minute answers are ideal!. Stay on topic with relevant conversation. Maintain eye-contact with the interviewer. 3) Be confident. Determine the 3 most important assets that you bring to an organization above and beyond your colleagues (WRITE these down before the interview so you don’t forgot them and be prepared to give specific examples of how you have exemplified these 3). Examples may include creativity, work ethic, decision making, related to patients, working in a team, etc. What are the 3 things that you want the hiring manager to know about you that separates you from your peers? 4) Be patient. DO NOT bring up or ask about salary, PTO, or other benefits until you are offered the position. We will happily consult you on those aspects of the position. However, it is highly recommend to say this at the end of the interview: “Mr. Smith, I want to thank you for taking time to meet with me today. I want you to know that I am very interested and excited about this opportunity. In your opinion, do my skills meet the requirements that you are looking for?” If the answer is yes, you can ask what is the next step in the process. Or “I like what I have heard today and am very interested in moving forward. I understand you are looking for someone in this role who has (A,B, and C) and as we’ve discussed, I have (specific experience with A, B, and C). Before I leave, are there any more questions about my background or qualifications that I can answer or clarify for you to better assess my fit within your team? 5) Use good judgment. NEVER speak ill of past or current employers or coworkers. When they ask: “Why you are looking for a new position?” This is an opportunity to SELL yourself. Reflect on what this new role requires and contrast what your current position doesn’t have that this new role does have. Never state that you are looking for more money. 6) Listen well. Lack of focus and attention is apparent to any prospective employer. Plus, this is all information you need in order to make the best decision for your career. 7) Say “thank you!” Shake hands and thank the interviewer for the opportunity. A follow-up thank you note also helps to reinforce your interest in the position. 8) Do's and don't's. Do: Show up 5-15 minutes before your interview. Don't: Show up 20 minutes or 3 minutes early Do: Chew mint gum or a breath mint before entering the building Don't: Chew gum during the interview. Don’t: Take your cell phone into the interview Do: Print directions to the interview, as well as the person’s phone number in case you run late, 2 copies of your resume, a notebook/notepad with a pen Do: Wear a navy, black or dark grey suit is appropriate for most positions. All make-up, nail polish and accessories should be subtle. Don't: Wear perfumes or cologne. |
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