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PREPARING FOR INTERVIEW
       As an occupational therapist
Your resume and cover letter are excellent
Now you have been called for an interview!

                                  Picture source: http://www.jobinterviewtechniques.ne
Tips on how to prepare for
interview
   Review your resume and cover letter
   Do some more research on the organization
    and department
   Prepare to answer interview questions
   Prepare your questions to take to the interview
   Prepare your job interview “kit”
Tips from the professionals
   Decide what to wear one week before the
    interview
     Dressing     for a successful job interview
        (http://youtu.be/a5F43Fp5nMQ)

   Be certain that your outfit is pulled together and
    appropriate for the job
   Ensure you are well groomed
     Book a hair cut if it‟s overdue!
     Don‟t forget nails!
TYPES OF INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
Simple – tricky– impossible!
The following information is from
Oliver, V. (2005). 301 Smart Answers to
  Tough Interview Questions. Naperville,
  Illinois: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Your job interview kit
   Cell phone (which is off during the interview)
   Directions to your appointment including the name
    of the contact, full address (room number) &
    phone number
   A few extra copies of your resume
   Key excerpts from your portfolio if relevant
   A pen and notebook
   Breath mints
   Picture ID in case you need it to get in the building
Top 10 tips for being a brilliant
interviewee
1.   Be polite, organized and enthusiastic
2.   Plan interviews around their schedule not
     yours
3.   Do your homework
4.   Ask contacts for the inside scoop
5.   Smile at the interviewer and shake hands,
     thank them for the opportunity to be
Top 10 tips for being a brilliant
interviewee
6.    Avoid canned answers to questions. Practise your
      answers so they sound natural on the day
7.    Don‟t use words such as “like”, “kinda”, “sorta”,
      “awesome”
8.    Follow the news. There might be a story about this
      organization.
9.    Don‟t leave the interview without having asked at
      least 3 questions
10.   Follow up with a thank you email or letter within 3
      business days of your interview
The four Ps of performing at
interview
 Be PREPARED
 Look PRESENTABLE

 Sound POLISHED

 Stay POSITIVE
Don‟t subtract from the interview
   Rest well before the interview
       you will look healthy and be mentally focused
   Make a great first impression
       be early (make sure you have been there before)
       be polite to all staff (they will be asked for their
        impressions)
   Be gracious
       Your interview may start late
       The interviewer‟s phone may ring
       Someone may accidentally barge in to the meeting
Don‟t subtract from the interview
   Give it your best
       Avoid canned answers or generalizations
   Work with the interviewer‟s style
       Meld your style to theirs
   Embrace the middle
       Dress conservatively but don‟t become invisible
   Empathize don‟t criticize
       If you are asked to comment but you don‟t want to sound critical, be
        diplomatic
   Be present
       Concentrate on what they are saying, listen, reflect, clarify and stay
        focused
Types of interview questions
(basic)
1.   Do you know what we are looking for?
2.   What are your dreams and aspirations?
3.   Do you know your strengths?
4.   Have you done your homework about us?
5.   Do you know your preferred working style?
Do you know what we are looking
for?
  Ifyou were hiring someone for this position, what
   qualities would you look for?
  What would you like me to know about you that is
   not on your resume?
  Let’s say we offer you the job, tell me how this
   organization will benefit?
  Why should we hire you?
What are your dreams and
aspirations?
  Can   you tell us a little more about yourself?
    (Focus on your OT story, your passion for the
    profession and where you see yourself heading –
    keep it to 3 or 4 points)
  Can you describe your dream job?
  What are your short-range and long-range goals?
  What are two or three things that are most
   important for you in a job?
  How do you set and manage goals?
Do you know your strengths?
(AKA: Sell yourself)
    What is the most difficult thing that you have ever
     accomplished?
    Can you tell me about a recent achievement that you’re
     proud of?
    What do you like to do on weekends (in your spare time)?
    What special traits do you have that make you well suited
     to this job?
    Can you describe a time when you felt under pressure to
     perform? What was the outcome?
    Please tell me about a time when you had to work
     independently
    What would you say is your most outstanding achievement
Have you done your homework?
    Why have you applied for this position here?
        Why us, why now?
  What do you like about occupational therapy?
  Your first degree was in _____, how did that prepare
   you for this career?
  What have you done in addition to your degrees to
   learn about occupational therapy?
        Tell them about other ways you have learned about the
         importance of occupational therapy
Do you know your preferred working style?
   Do you prefer to work alone or in teams?
   What motivates you to put forth your greatest
    effort?
   Who was your greatest role model?
Trickier interview questions
1.   Give us one good reason not to hire you?
2.   You seem to have more experience than we are
     looking for, don’t you think you might be bored in
     this position?
3.   In what ways is a Masters degree better than a
     bachelor’s degree?
4.   You are young and passionate and your
     academic credentials are a great, I worry that
     there is no substitute for life experience and
     you’re a little light.
Impossible interview questions
1.   “Pop essay” questions
2.   Questions that have no correct answer
3.   Ethical questions with a twist
4.   “Pigeonhole yourself” questions
5.   Questions that send you to confession
Pop essay questions
   If you could change occupational therapy in
    any way what would you change?
     What  changes are happening in health generally
      or occupational therapy specifically?
     What is happening in your community that
      occupational therapy could get more involved
      with?
Questions that have no correct
answer
   What is the real impact of occupational
    therapy?
     Break   it down into sections
     Show your ability to pull apart a puzzle and
      analyse it
     Show your resourcefulness and problem-solving
      ability
     Show that you don‟t believe you are an expert on
Ethical questions with a twist
   When have you confronted unethical
    behaviour and chosen not to say anything in
    order not to rock the boat?
   What if you were working with someone who
    managed to take credit for your good
    ideas, how would you handle it?
     Are   you able to act cautiously and ethically?
“Pigeonhole yourself” questions
   Are you better at visioning or implementing?
   Have you ever been so firm that people would
    describe you as stubborn or inflexible?
Questions that send you to
 confession
   Is there anything that would prevent you from
    giving 110% in this job right now?
   What are the biggest risks you have taken in
    recent years? Which ones worked out best
    and which ones failed?
“What would you do if…”
   You are likely to be given a scenario question
    that describes either an unethical or an unsafe
    situation and then asked how you would
    manage it
   They are looking at your ability to recognize
    what is actually going on AND your capacity to
    manage it.
Personality questions
   Tell me about the last time you made a major
    change. Why did you do it and how did it work
    out?
   What were the least enjoyable aspects of your
    last job?
   Tell us about a time when you experienced
    conflict at work, what was it and how did you
    manage it?
Polishing your persona
   Choose 5 adjectives that describe your ideal work
    persona
       Intelligent
       Perceptive
       Hard working
       Empathetic
       Creative
   Take temperament test and think about how to talk
    about your strengths and how you manage your
    weaknesses
Questions to test your Political
Prowess
   Please give an example of a difficult political
    situation you have dealt with on the job.
   How aware are you of internal politics that may
    affect your performance?
Questions that ask you to take off
your “work mask”
   How would you describe your sense of
    humour?
   Do you have any commitments outside the
    office that might take you away from work?
   Tell me about a time when you were in a
    personal situation that made you feel
    insecure?
   What do you do for fun?
Questions you can‟t be asked
   Marital or relationship status
   Beliefs
   Children
   Ability to deal with people who are not the
    same as you
   Financial or lifestyle questions
Your turn to ask some questions
Five types of questions that you should ask:
1. Get the conversation going
2. Show you studied the employer
3. Internal structure of the employer and/or job
   description
4. Checking if the employer is a good fit for you
5. Questions that put the ball back in the
   interviewer‟s court
Get the conversation going
   What are some of the problems your company
    faces right now and what are you doing to
    solve them?
   What type of employee tends to succeed
    here?
   How would you describe your management
    style and what are you looking for in an
    employee?
Show you studied the employer
   How has the new management structure
    impacted the day-to-day processes here?
   I saw in the news recently that the
    occupational therapy services here are
    expanding, can you tell me more about this?
Internal structure of the employer
and/or job description
   Who would I be reporting to? Are these
    people on the same team and what is the
    “pecking order”?
   How does this team manage ongoing
    professional development?
   Is there an annual review process? How does
    that work?
Checking if the employer is a good fit
   If I decided to undertake further training in
    ______ would this advance me more quickly?
   I enjoy learning with my colleagues, does the
    occupational therapy department run a journal
    club?
Questions that put the ball back in
the interviewer‟s court
   I have my resume and portfolio here with
    me, do you have anything else that you would
    like to ask me?
   Well, I think it’s pretty clear, I would love to
    work here, so what are the next steps?
   How long do you think it will take to make a
    decision about the position, is there anything
    else I can do to help you make it?
Charm can never be
underestimated
   Be playful without being frivolous
   Befriend your interviewers
   Answer thoroughly and keep on track
   Shine: be the best candidate
   Show some of the „you‟ your friends know
    (language and gestures)
   Rephrase key points to show you are listening
   Promise yourself a reward for a job well done
Sending thank you emails after
interview
It is becoming common to send a follow-up
thank you
 Thank you for the opportunity to be

   interviewed
 Mention a topic that was discussed in the

   interview that you enjoyed discussing with
   them
 Reiterate what they said would happen re
If only I had said…
Maybe you wish you could change what you said in
the interview because:
 You didn‟t really answer the question

 You said too much

 You were too general

 You have new information

 You messed up your answer completely
Send an email
   Thank them for the opportunity to be
    interviewed
   Explain that you were unhappy with one of
    your answers (and a quick reason)
   Give your improved answer but don‟t go
    overboard
You have a job offer
   This is the only time that you are in the driver‟s
    seat
       Use it but don‟t abuse it
   You don‟t have to accept immediately!
     Thank them, tell them that you are excited and would
      like to discuss the offer with your family
     Ask if you can have 24 hours and you will get back to
      them
After you accept they will ask
“When can you start?”
   Tomorrow: if you are presently not working
   Two weeks from tomorrow: if you are presently
    working and somewhat junior
   I can give notice tomorrow and start in 3
    weeks: if you are currently employed and
    somewhat senior
   Four (to 12) weeks from tomorrow: if you are
    relocating to a new area to take the job
More resources
   Nine essential job
    interviewing tips
(http://youtu.be/M5ZiuPsb5Zs)

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Preparing for a job interview as an Occupational Therapist

  • 1. PREPARING FOR INTERVIEW As an occupational therapist
  • 2. Your resume and cover letter are excellent Now you have been called for an interview! Picture source: http://www.jobinterviewtechniques.ne
  • 3. Tips on how to prepare for interview  Review your resume and cover letter  Do some more research on the organization and department  Prepare to answer interview questions  Prepare your questions to take to the interview  Prepare your job interview “kit”
  • 4. Tips from the professionals  Decide what to wear one week before the interview  Dressing for a successful job interview (http://youtu.be/a5F43Fp5nMQ)  Be certain that your outfit is pulled together and appropriate for the job  Ensure you are well groomed  Book a hair cut if it‟s overdue!  Don‟t forget nails!
  • 5. TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Simple – tricky– impossible!
  • 6. The following information is from Oliver, V. (2005). 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Naperville, Illinois: Sourcebooks, Inc.
  • 7. Your job interview kit  Cell phone (which is off during the interview)  Directions to your appointment including the name of the contact, full address (room number) & phone number  A few extra copies of your resume  Key excerpts from your portfolio if relevant  A pen and notebook  Breath mints  Picture ID in case you need it to get in the building
  • 8. Top 10 tips for being a brilliant interviewee 1. Be polite, organized and enthusiastic 2. Plan interviews around their schedule not yours 3. Do your homework 4. Ask contacts for the inside scoop 5. Smile at the interviewer and shake hands, thank them for the opportunity to be
  • 9. Top 10 tips for being a brilliant interviewee 6. Avoid canned answers to questions. Practise your answers so they sound natural on the day 7. Don‟t use words such as “like”, “kinda”, “sorta”, “awesome” 8. Follow the news. There might be a story about this organization. 9. Don‟t leave the interview without having asked at least 3 questions 10. Follow up with a thank you email or letter within 3 business days of your interview
  • 10. The four Ps of performing at interview  Be PREPARED  Look PRESENTABLE  Sound POLISHED  Stay POSITIVE
  • 11. Don‟t subtract from the interview  Rest well before the interview  you will look healthy and be mentally focused  Make a great first impression  be early (make sure you have been there before)  be polite to all staff (they will be asked for their impressions)  Be gracious  Your interview may start late  The interviewer‟s phone may ring  Someone may accidentally barge in to the meeting
  • 12. Don‟t subtract from the interview  Give it your best  Avoid canned answers or generalizations  Work with the interviewer‟s style  Meld your style to theirs  Embrace the middle  Dress conservatively but don‟t become invisible  Empathize don‟t criticize  If you are asked to comment but you don‟t want to sound critical, be diplomatic  Be present  Concentrate on what they are saying, listen, reflect, clarify and stay focused
  • 13. Types of interview questions (basic) 1. Do you know what we are looking for? 2. What are your dreams and aspirations? 3. Do you know your strengths? 4. Have you done your homework about us? 5. Do you know your preferred working style?
  • 14. Do you know what we are looking for?  Ifyou were hiring someone for this position, what qualities would you look for?  What would you like me to know about you that is not on your resume?  Let’s say we offer you the job, tell me how this organization will benefit?  Why should we hire you?
  • 15. What are your dreams and aspirations?  Can you tell us a little more about yourself?  (Focus on your OT story, your passion for the profession and where you see yourself heading – keep it to 3 or 4 points)  Can you describe your dream job?  What are your short-range and long-range goals?  What are two or three things that are most important for you in a job?  How do you set and manage goals?
  • 16. Do you know your strengths? (AKA: Sell yourself)  What is the most difficult thing that you have ever accomplished?  Can you tell me about a recent achievement that you’re proud of?  What do you like to do on weekends (in your spare time)?  What special traits do you have that make you well suited to this job?  Can you describe a time when you felt under pressure to perform? What was the outcome?  Please tell me about a time when you had to work independently  What would you say is your most outstanding achievement
  • 17. Have you done your homework?  Why have you applied for this position here?  Why us, why now?  What do you like about occupational therapy?  Your first degree was in _____, how did that prepare you for this career?  What have you done in addition to your degrees to learn about occupational therapy?  Tell them about other ways you have learned about the importance of occupational therapy
  • 18. Do you know your preferred working style?  Do you prefer to work alone or in teams?  What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?  Who was your greatest role model?
  • 19. Trickier interview questions 1. Give us one good reason not to hire you? 2. You seem to have more experience than we are looking for, don’t you think you might be bored in this position? 3. In what ways is a Masters degree better than a bachelor’s degree? 4. You are young and passionate and your academic credentials are a great, I worry that there is no substitute for life experience and you’re a little light.
  • 20. Impossible interview questions 1. “Pop essay” questions 2. Questions that have no correct answer 3. Ethical questions with a twist 4. “Pigeonhole yourself” questions 5. Questions that send you to confession
  • 21. Pop essay questions  If you could change occupational therapy in any way what would you change?  What changes are happening in health generally or occupational therapy specifically?  What is happening in your community that occupational therapy could get more involved with?
  • 22. Questions that have no correct answer  What is the real impact of occupational therapy?  Break it down into sections  Show your ability to pull apart a puzzle and analyse it  Show your resourcefulness and problem-solving ability  Show that you don‟t believe you are an expert on
  • 23. Ethical questions with a twist  When have you confronted unethical behaviour and chosen not to say anything in order not to rock the boat?  What if you were working with someone who managed to take credit for your good ideas, how would you handle it?  Are you able to act cautiously and ethically?
  • 24. “Pigeonhole yourself” questions  Are you better at visioning or implementing?  Have you ever been so firm that people would describe you as stubborn or inflexible?
  • 25. Questions that send you to confession  Is there anything that would prevent you from giving 110% in this job right now?  What are the biggest risks you have taken in recent years? Which ones worked out best and which ones failed?
  • 26. “What would you do if…”  You are likely to be given a scenario question that describes either an unethical or an unsafe situation and then asked how you would manage it  They are looking at your ability to recognize what is actually going on AND your capacity to manage it.
  • 27. Personality questions  Tell me about the last time you made a major change. Why did you do it and how did it work out?  What were the least enjoyable aspects of your last job?  Tell us about a time when you experienced conflict at work, what was it and how did you manage it?
  • 28. Polishing your persona  Choose 5 adjectives that describe your ideal work persona  Intelligent  Perceptive  Hard working  Empathetic  Creative  Take temperament test and think about how to talk about your strengths and how you manage your weaknesses
  • 29. Questions to test your Political Prowess  Please give an example of a difficult political situation you have dealt with on the job.  How aware are you of internal politics that may affect your performance?
  • 30. Questions that ask you to take off your “work mask”  How would you describe your sense of humour?  Do you have any commitments outside the office that might take you away from work?  Tell me about a time when you were in a personal situation that made you feel insecure?  What do you do for fun?
  • 31. Questions you can‟t be asked  Marital or relationship status  Beliefs  Children  Ability to deal with people who are not the same as you  Financial or lifestyle questions
  • 32. Your turn to ask some questions Five types of questions that you should ask: 1. Get the conversation going 2. Show you studied the employer 3. Internal structure of the employer and/or job description 4. Checking if the employer is a good fit for you 5. Questions that put the ball back in the interviewer‟s court
  • 33. Get the conversation going  What are some of the problems your company faces right now and what are you doing to solve them?  What type of employee tends to succeed here?  How would you describe your management style and what are you looking for in an employee?
  • 34. Show you studied the employer  How has the new management structure impacted the day-to-day processes here?  I saw in the news recently that the occupational therapy services here are expanding, can you tell me more about this?
  • 35. Internal structure of the employer and/or job description  Who would I be reporting to? Are these people on the same team and what is the “pecking order”?  How does this team manage ongoing professional development?  Is there an annual review process? How does that work?
  • 36. Checking if the employer is a good fit  If I decided to undertake further training in ______ would this advance me more quickly?  I enjoy learning with my colleagues, does the occupational therapy department run a journal club?
  • 37. Questions that put the ball back in the interviewer‟s court  I have my resume and portfolio here with me, do you have anything else that you would like to ask me?  Well, I think it’s pretty clear, I would love to work here, so what are the next steps?  How long do you think it will take to make a decision about the position, is there anything else I can do to help you make it?
  • 38. Charm can never be underestimated  Be playful without being frivolous  Befriend your interviewers  Answer thoroughly and keep on track  Shine: be the best candidate  Show some of the „you‟ your friends know (language and gestures)  Rephrase key points to show you are listening  Promise yourself a reward for a job well done
  • 39. Sending thank you emails after interview It is becoming common to send a follow-up thank you  Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed  Mention a topic that was discussed in the interview that you enjoyed discussing with them  Reiterate what they said would happen re
  • 40. If only I had said… Maybe you wish you could change what you said in the interview because:  You didn‟t really answer the question  You said too much  You were too general  You have new information  You messed up your answer completely
  • 41. Send an email  Thank them for the opportunity to be interviewed  Explain that you were unhappy with one of your answers (and a quick reason)  Give your improved answer but don‟t go overboard
  • 42. You have a job offer  This is the only time that you are in the driver‟s seat  Use it but don‟t abuse it  You don‟t have to accept immediately!  Thank them, tell them that you are excited and would like to discuss the offer with your family  Ask if you can have 24 hours and you will get back to them
  • 43. After you accept they will ask “When can you start?”  Tomorrow: if you are presently not working  Two weeks from tomorrow: if you are presently working and somewhat junior  I can give notice tomorrow and start in 3 weeks: if you are currently employed and somewhat senior  Four (to 12) weeks from tomorrow: if you are relocating to a new area to take the job
  • 44. More resources  Nine essential job interviewing tips (http://youtu.be/M5ZiuPsb5Zs)