Nailing your next job interview
Interviews are some of the most important- and stressful- parts of our professional lives. As a dental professional or student, getting your dream job isn’t something you need to wait on at all! We have listed some tips and tricks for your next interview:
What TO do during your interview:
Be confident: Being confident is one of the first things people will notice during an interview. Doing this is harder than us saying it, but you can practice by just being confident in everyday things first. Never think on your mistakes, only your accomplishments. Approach every conversation without thinking about what other people are thinking. Carry this attitude into your interview, and you’ll be fine.
Don’t be nervous: NEVER focus on the “what-ifs” during an interview. Just go with the flow and be casual. Also, do NOT try and anticipate interview questions, this will make it harder to come off conversationally during your interview. Many research papers have shown people perform better in stressful situations like interviews when they do not worry leading up to the event. This occurs because it decreases stress and allows you to focus on what is required.
Be realistic: Don’t expect to get offered the first interview, and definitely do not expect a higher salary than you applied for. Companies make a huge commitment when they hire an employee, so have a salary range in mind before going in, and make sure it is within that range when you get an offer. Be honest about your expectations, companies appreciate when you are straightforward about what you want out of a job.
What NOT to do during your interview:
Don’t focus on strengths too much: Listing your strengths is what got you the interview in the first place, now it is time to focus on something else. Accept your own flaws, and mention how you work through them in your interview. This shows honesty to the interviewer.
Don’t look unprofessional: Always overdress for your initial interviews. Nothing is more important than a first impression, and showing up underdressed will be the first indicator to an interviewer that you are not the one.
Stay strong and positive, and don’t forget to smile!