Job interviews can be nerve-racking and anxiety provoking, especially if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned physical therapist, it is a good idea to brush up on your interview skills ahead of your next job interview.
But first, be sure to polish your resume. Send it to a writing professional to help you write the best resume possible. And, of course, double and triple check for typos. You don’t want to be overlooked for a great opportunity because of a silly mistake that could have been avoided.
After your resume is updated and edited, it’s time to consider get ready for the big day. Continue reading for interview tips for physical therapists.
Dress to impress. Whatever you do, be sure to arrive to your interview dressed professionally in clothes that are well pressed and wrinkle free. Shine your shoes and remove any scruff. If you interview is help virtually via video conference, be sure your appearance and hair look neat and professional. Also, make sure the lighting is well lit and the background is clean. No one wants to see a pile of laundry in your background.
Listen attentively and ask questions. While you might be excited or nervous, it’s important you pay close attention to what is said during the interview. Try to pay attention to subtext. Noticing nuances in what is said can reveal a bunch about the organization’s culture and how the PTs are treated and regarded. Ask pointed question to suss out any details that are important for you to know. Every organization has its own culture and you’ll want to find one that is a good personality fit for you.
Do research. For the uninitiated, showing up to a meeting without know anything about the company can send off a red flag signal to a hiring manager. If you’re speaking to a recruiter and the organization is confidential, then you may need to skip this tip. However, if you are, for instance, interviewing for a role at the local hospital, you’ll want to be informed about things such as the mission, values and services provided at the hospital. Check the website, read through the organization’s social media posts, and research if they’ve ever appeared in the news. Maybe they just received an award or a major donation. Letting the hiring manager know you’ve dug up these details will help make you stand apart from other candidates.
Speak the right industry jargon. If you really want to come across as a professional, learn your industry’s jargon. This also means staying up-to-date on any trends or new research in your industry. Speaking with fluency will make you sound articulate and help the hiring manager know that you’re competent for the job. You can do this by reading trade publications and following PT news from your university. Not only that, it’s critical that you know how to articulate how your skills are a good match for the job opportunity. If you struggle to so do, then hire a coach or find a PT mentor to do mock interview with you until you’re comfortable speaking comfortably and confidently.
Always end with a question. At the end of your conversation, the hiring manager may ask you if you have any questions. Be sure to ask a question. If you don’t, you risk coming across as aloof and uninterested which could cost you in getting an offer extended.
Send a thank you card. Leave a lasting impression by sending a thank you note to any of the persons who took the time to speak with you. The recruiter, hiring manager, ect., will be grateful to know that you valued their time. Sometimes it is the little details that will help you stand out on top.
Follow the above job interview tips at your next physical therapy interview. Good luck.