Wednesday, August 6, 2008

For Real



Up until this point in my life, I've never had to seriously interview for a job. I'm used to meeting with the owner/boss, sitting down for a few minutes, handing them a resume and answering a few questions. No big deal. Well, before even processing what was going on, I scheduled an interview for an activities director position at a brand new long-term care facility in Round Rock, Texas. I wasn't even thinking about the fact that I might be nervous, or that I should probably prepare for this until today at work, a few too many people overheard that I had an interview coming up and next thing I know I'm sitting in the center of 3 of the administrators answering my best to their sly and creative questions I may be asked tomorrow such as... "What is something you would bring to this facility and this company that no one else could?" umm........ Now I'm starting to feel a little more like the guy in the picture! This may sound silly but the drive home I turned off the radio and practiced answering these possible questions as professionally and prompt as possible. I must say, interviewing is not my forte, simply because I haven't had much experience with it. The fact of the matter is though--I am well cut out for this job. I've been in the industry over 5 years, have a broad range of experience, and know how to handle this population well. Now, learning to "sell" all of this efficiently in 10-15 minutes....any last minute advice?

6 comments:

marissa said...

eek. interviews are a little scary, but i'm glad you have one!

relax
don't fidget
be in a good mood--smile
answer honestly, and creatively if possible
look awesome :)

good luck!

Darrel & Jessica LeSueur said...

Um, you will rock it. I know it! You are so easy to be around, and I am sure they will feel it too.

P.S. Darrel and I just went and saw IronMan and the ENTIRE movie I was like, HOLY MOLY, that IS Heather. Its crazy, you look so much alike {but she isn't quite as good looking}

Jene and Megan said...

Be yourself! You will be great! If it's meant to be it will be. Good luck!

Nate said...

look the interviewer(s) directly in the eyes.

They may ask you what your weaknesses are. Turn them into a strength. See http://jobboomcc.canoe.ca/News/2006/04/05/1521084-sun.html for examples. Prepare beforehand what you will say for your biggest strengths and "weaknesses". Interviewers like people who are interested in the program, so ask a lot of questions. Ask how they handle certain issues/situations, and bring up previous experiences dealing with those issues. Bring a copy of your resume for each person that will be interviewing you. Be at least five minutes early. Don't be afraid of "selling yourself", just be careful about not sounding too arrogant.

You will be great.

Good luck.

Kirsten Sue said...

You should ask Josh. His interviews are so intense they involve test after written test. Then a practice ride in the airplane and then finally an interview to find out about his personality.

You will do great hune. Just have confidence. If you know you are right for the job then they should know it too! Good Luck! that is so exciting.

Jodi said...

Shoot... I'm too late for last minute advice apparently but...How did it go?? (Also: call me if you have some time, I have news.)