MED LAB/TECH INTERVIEWING STRATEGIES/SKILLS/TIPS

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

On-campus interviews

• Screening interviewsOn site interviews

• Second round interviewsOne-on-one

Panel interviews

Group interviews

Over a meal

REVIEW-QUESTIONSBe prepared for questions about resume

Be familiar with contents of resume

Typically asked questions:

“Why should we hire you?”

“Tell me about one of your weaknesses...”

“This job requires working with radioisotopes and carcinogens. Please describe your experience working with these, and the methods used for safe handling. Does working with these present any difficulties for you?”

“When you receive a valve of blood in the laboratory, what is the first thing you think of?”

REVIEW

Questions from you

• How soon do you expect to make your decision?• Why is this position open?• Can you tell me some of the qualities you are looking for in a Lab Technician for this position?• Do you have a mentoring program for new techs?• How supportive is the hospital of continuing education the workers? Interview starter questions from employer• Tell me what you know about our ?• Tell me about yourself?

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Familiarity with hospital or organization location

Rehearse-mock interviews, record it, use CS

Copy of resume updated & in folder

• References included/• Few questions prepared for

interviewer at end of interviewVisualize setting, positive interview

Anticipate stressors

What to wear

FIRST IMPRESSIONSMen Women

Suit, JacketPressed shirtNo phones

Suit, Plain jewelryNo perfumeHair groomed

DRESS-RULES OF THUMB-No sleeveless shirts

-Have your clothes pressed

-No open toe shoes

-Pantyhose for women, socks for men

-Clothes should be comfortable

• avoid too tight, too short

-Shoes

• Polished, comfortable

-Socks/Hose

• Do not go without socks/hose

-Belts

• If have belt loops, wear a belt

-Jewelry

• Minimal

-Purse/Leather Notebook

HINTSDress for the position you want, not the position you have

Men

• Wear a white t-shirt under dress shirt (Helps with perspiration)

• Have someone help you tie your tieWomen

• Pull hair back• Go easy on make up• One ring per hand

DIFFERENT CLOTHING TYPES

Professional Dress (this is YOU!)• Interview outfit• Daily clothing for professional office setting

Business Casual Dress• Dress down Fridays or casual office environment• Career Fair

Casual Dress• Company picnic• Traveling for work

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL

WOMEN’S BUSINESS CASUAL

WOMEN’S CASUAL

MEN’S PROFESSIONAL

MEN’S BUSINESS CASUAL

MEN’S CASUAL

DAY OF THE INTERVIEW

Fresh shower, well groomed

Leave plenty of time for mishaps

Eat prior to the interview• Avoid too much caffeine and sugar

Arrive early• 10-15 minutes ample time

• too early makes interviewers nervous

When arriving at the location, be courteous to all employees

TRICKY QUESTIONS

a.k.a..

behavioral questions

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES

STAR METHOD

•S - situation

•T - task

•A - action

•R - result

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Examples of Behavior-Based Questions: •Give me an example of a time when you handled a customer complaint. (customer service behavior)•Please describe a situation in which you experienced a lot of pressure in meeting deadlines. How did you handle the situation? (prioritization and planning skills, time management) •Tell us about a time when you had to communicate under difficult circumstances with a customer or a colleague. (communication skills)Questions from You:What responsibilities would I have in this position?What is a day like at Mayo Clinic and in the department?What growth opportunities are available?What is the orientation and training process?

CLOSING AND FOLLOWING-UPClosing the interview

• Employer initiates-Standing up, shaking hands• “Thank-you for interviewing”• Let employer know you are interested

Prepare closing statement“Thank you for taking the time to interview me, I’m very interested in this position...”

Sending a thank-you note• within 24 hours

•hand written•computer generated-buy it •Email

Expect to hear within 7-10 work days

The verdict

Job is offered to you• “Thank you for calling,

I’ll get back to you with my decision by the end of the day..”

Job is not offered• “Thank you for taking

the time to interview me..”

Professional/polite

COMMENTS / QUESTIONS

Remember to be yourself…

Everyone is nervous…Be prepared

NEED MORE INTERVIEW HELP?

Check our interview webpages at:

• http://www.salisbury.edu/careerservices/students/Interviews/default.html

Come See Us and Get One-on-One Advising!