Interview tips

[DRBAFC]

Good evening.

I have an upcoming interview this week and could use some great tips and techniques. I'm reading some sites and looking on YouTube but their advice seems rather generic and lame.

It's a medical-related position and I have no relevant experience.

Appreciate any input. Thanks.

 

[cybee]

Well, I guess one thing would be to make sure you don't tell them you have no medical related experience :facepalm:

 

[bradj]

My best interview advice is to not try and make something up if you don't know the answer to a question.

And if they say what is your best/worst quality.. don't say my worst quality is I work to hard...

At the core of it in my opinion the most important thing is to be yourself. If your to busy trying to game the interview you won't put your best foot forward.

As far as the medical stuff... we have alot of doc's that float around in the Chat box, maybe they can help you out?

 

[If you see Kay]

I do interviews. I hire people and I also fire people.

I'm surprised you have an interview for a position in a medical related field with no relevant experience. Is this an entry level position?

Anyways, you cannot appear to be a "beggar" You are not begging for the position, but selling yourself. You need to tell the company what you can do for them, rather than what they can do for you. It is beyond just stating what you have done before.

Think of yourself as a sales associate trying to sell something to a customer. The position is the merchandise, the employer is the customer.

Give lots of examples of previous highlights of what your strengths are.

I could go on and on, but this is the jist of it. or at least some of it. good luck

 

[Painter6]

What is the position? My wife recently went to an interview in the medical field. She has experience in the field, but spent a day researching the position.

Search the companies/Hospitals website to get some possible background info. They may ask you what you know about the company you are applying to.

Also search possible questions they may ask you. They may ask/test you on scenario you may come across on the job. You may not have experience, but if they can't stump you with the "what if" questions, then you can prove you are capable.

The scenarios my wife studied online were almost identical to the ones the panel asked her. She aced the interview. She had the hospital Director come find her to tell her how impressed the panel was with her answers to the questions.

I am not sure what you are going to do, but research the position and possible situations you may have to deal with on the job. Also, keep positive and professional.

I hope this helped a little.

 

[DRBAFC]

It's actually a training program that requires an entrance exam and several hours of interview with the whole committee at a cancer clinic.

The thing I'm uncertain on is how to sell myself and how I can help them. I don't have experience so not sure how I can help them in that aspect. I can say I'm a willing employee, with a great work ethic, and a fantastic team member. But how will that distinguish me from everyone else that will undoubtedly say the same thing?

 

[mfernico]

This is my school's checklist. Not all of it's applicable since it's for legal employment, but there is a lot of useful tips, especially the "what not to ask" portion! Enjoy


C. InterviewingDetails
? Dress professionally. Be clean and neat – this is not the time for high fashion! Shoes and ties should be conservative and hair should be neat and away from your face. Makeup and jewelry, if worn, should be simple. Also, beware of odors – do not arrive smelling like cigarettes or with too much perfume and cologne. Breath mints are always a good idea. You want to be remembered for the content of the interview, not for what you were wearing or how you smelled.
? Never ask questions about salary, benefits, hours or vacation during the initial interview. These questions may be asked in a discreet manner during the call-back stage or more appropriately after an offer has been extended.
? Arrive a few minutes early to make sure that you are on time and prepared for your interview. Turn off your cellphone or smartphone. Be pleasant to everyone – not just your interviewers.
?Bring extra copies of your resume, transcript and writing sample. Use a small briefcase or portfolio rather than a large bag or backpack.
?
Office of Career Services Page 56
? Do your very best at every interview, even if you are not sure that a particular job is right for you. Be open, flexible, and curious; you cannot reject an offer until you receive one and you do not know where an opportunity can lead.
? After your interview, take a few notes about your discussion with each person with whom you met. You will need the notes when you prepare thank you notes, addressed in the section below, or to review when invited to a call-back interview.
D. Sample Interview Questions ? Personal Background
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your strengths and your weaknesses?
3. What qualities do you have that will make you a successful lawyer?
4. How do you take directions?
5. Do you prefer to work with others or alone?
6. What do you consider your greatest accomplishments?
7. How do you handle pressure from tight deadlines and high levels of responsibility? 8. What traits do you believe are vital to success?
9. What do you do in your spare time?
? Educational Background
1. Why did you choose Rutgers?
2. Why did you choose your undergraduate major?
3. What courses have you enjoyed most/least in law school? 4. What is your GPA?
5. Do you believe your grades reflect your ability?
6. Tell me about your journal, clinical experiences?
? Job Search
1. Do you have a geographical preference? 2. What ties do you have to this area?
3. Where else are you interviewing?
4. How long have you been looking?
5. Have you been offered a job by any other firms/organizations? ? Career Objectives
1. Why did you go to law school?
2. What are your long and short term goals?
3. What is most important to you in a job?
4. What motivates you in a work environment?
5. How do you evaluate success?
6. Do you know what type of law you want to practice?
?? Work Experience
1. Describe your recent work experience
2. What did you like /dislike about it? Why did you leave? 3. Did you get an offer from your summer employer?
4. What kind of skills did you develop on the job?
5. How is that experience relevant to our practice?
6. Analyze a hypothetical issue.
? Why this Firm?
1. How did you learn about this firm?
2. What made you decide to interview with us?
3. What do you think distinguishes us from other employers? 4. Do you have any questions that I can answer?
? Behavioral Interview Questions
1. Describe a time when you failed.
2. Describe a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it.
3. How do you work under pressure?
4. Describe a time when you were working as part of a team and had to persuade your teammates about something.
5. Have you ever taken an unpopular stand on a topic at school? What was the situation? What did you do?
6. Describe a time you had to modify your communication style based on the audience. 7. Tell me about a situation where you had to adjust to a significant change at school or work. What did you do?
8. Tell me about a subject you learned quickly and one that took longer to learn.
E. Questions To Ask An Interviewer
Generally, at the end of most interviews, the interviewer invariably asks if you have any questions. You should be prepared to ask some questions. Be aware that the questions you choose to ask may reveal whether you prepared before your interview or whether you have a genuine interest in the employer. Each question forms an impression for the interviewer. Always make sure that you have done your research. Avoid asking the interviewer for information that you can easily find by reading the firm’s website or other easily accessible materials. You may however have a question about something you have read on the website, an article or publication, for example.
Remember that it is important to ask the right questions so that you obtain the information you need to make an informed and intelligent choice about whether the employer is the right fit for you. Some of the best questions come from listening carefully to the interviewer during the interview and following-up on something specific that he or she has discussed with you. Be prepared with questions that you have prepared in advance. Sample questions are as follows.
What is your typical day like (to a junior associate)? What is the typical day of a summer/junior associate (to a partner or senior associate)?
What do you feel are the qualities that make a summer associate successful? How would you describe your ideal summer/junior associate?
Office of Career Services Page 57
?
Office of Career Services Page 58
Does a summer associate have an opportunity to work directly with partners? With clients?
To what extent does the summer program involve substantive activities/opportunities other than strict legal research?
What do you enjoy most about working at the firm?
How is your job different than you expected it would be?
How would you describe the firm’s culture and work environment?
Did you work here as a summer associate (to a junior associate)? If so, did you think that your summer associate experience provided you with an accurate view of work at the firm?
How has the firm changed since you’ve been here? How do you expect the firm and its practice will change in the next few years (to a partner or senior associate)?
What practice areas in the firm show promise or growth?
How is work assigned to summer/junior associates?
What kinds of cases are you working on?
Have you always worked in this practice area? How did you come to be in this area?
Are there formal training opportunities? Are summer/junior associates given regular formal or informal feedback on the quality of their work?
What do you think are the benefits of working in a large/small/non-headquarter/main office such as this?
I read about the XYZ case/deal. What part could a summer/junior associate play in a case/deal like that?
What aspects of the firm make it different from the other law firms in town that focus on XZY law?
F. Questions Not To Ask An Interviewer
You should avoid asking any questions that have a what’s-in-it-for-me tone and that are centered on compensation, benefits, vacation, and the number of hours you are expected to work. There may be a time when it is appropriate to ask such questions but that time is not during the interview stage and before you have received an offer. At your interview, focus on what’s-in-it-for-the-employer – why are you the best candidate for them. Try to avoid negative questions and those that demonstrate that you did not prepare prior to your interview. Some examples of the kinds of questions you should avoid are below.
What kind of compensation can I expect?
Does your benefit plan cover mental therapy?
How many vacation days will I get?
Does the firm give annual bonuses?
What are the (billable) hours?
Do associates really have to work as hard as the rumors suggest? Will I be expected to work weekends?
Will you pay for my relocation expenses?
?
What kind of secretarial or other support will I get?
How many other people are you interviewing/hiring?
What don’t you like about your firm?
I’ve heard rumors that the firm isn’t doing well – is that true? How many attorneys are there?
What practice areas do you have? What is the firm’s work/life balance?

 

[civic4982]

It's actually a training program that requires an entrance exam and several hours of interview with the whole committee at a cancer clinic.

The thing I'm uncertain on is how to sell myself and how I can help them. I don't have experience so not sure how I can help them in that aspect. I can say I'm a willing employee, with a great work ethic, and a fantastic team member. But how will that distinguish me from everyone else that will undoubtedly say the same thing?

It's a cancer clinic.

Cancer patients have special needs.

See how your role fulfills their patients' needs.

You'll be apart of a medical team that's taking care of a patient that has many concerns and worries and is facing rather challenging times. Think about how your task helps them in any way possible.

If you stay patient oriented then you will distinguish yourself from other candidates who are more process oriented.

Good luck.

 

[Irishcain]

This is my school's checklist. Not all of it's applicable since it's for legal employment, but there is a lot of useful tips, especially the "what not to ask" portion! Enjoy


C. InterviewingDetails
? Dress professionally. Be clean and neat – this is not the time for high fashion! Shoes and ties should be conservative and hair should be neat and away from your face. Makeup and jewelry, if worn, should be simple. Also, beware of odors – do not arrive smelling like cigarettes or with too much perfume and cologne. Breath mints are always a good idea. You want to be remembered for the content of the interview, not for what you were wearing or how you smelled.
? Never ask questions about salary, benefits, hours or vacation during the initial interview. These questions may be asked in a discreet manner during the call-back stage or more appropriately after an offer has been extended.
? Arrive a few minutes early to make sure that you are on time and prepared for your interview. Turn off your cellphone or smartphone. Be pleasant to everyone – not just your interviewers.
?Bring extra copies of your resume, transcript and writing sample. Use a small briefcase or portfolio rather than a large bag or backpack.
?
Office of Career Services Page 56
? Do your very best at every interview, even if you are not sure that a particular job is right for you. Be open, flexible, and curious; you cannot reject an offer until you receive one and you do not know where an opportunity can lead.
? After your interview, take a few notes about your discussion with each person with whom you met. You will need the notes when you prepare thank you notes, addressed in the section below, or to review when invited to a call-back interview.
D. Sample Interview Questions ? Personal Background
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your strengths and your weaknesses?
3. What qualities do you have that will make you a successful lawyer?
4. How do you take directions?
5. Do you prefer to work with others or alone?
6. What do you consider your greatest accomplishments?
7. How do you handle pressure from tight deadlines and high levels of responsibility? 8. What traits do you believe are vital to success?
9. What do you do in your spare time?
? Educational Background
1. Why did you choose Rutgers?
2. Why did you choose your undergraduate major?
3. What courses have you enjoyed most/least in law school? 4. What is your GPA?
5. Do you believe your grades reflect your ability?
6. Tell me about your journal, clinical experiences?
? Job Search
1. Do you have a geographical preference? 2. What ties do you have to this area?
3. Where else are you interviewing?
4. How long have you been looking?
5. Have you been offered a job by any other firms/organizations? ? Career Objectives
1. Why did you go to law school?
2. What are your long and short term goals?
3. What is most important to you in a job?
4. What motivates you in a work environment?
5. How do you evaluate success?
6. Do you know what type of law you want to practice?
?? Work Experience
1. Describe your recent work experience
2. What did you like /dislike about it? Why did you leave? 3. Did you get an offer from your summer employer?
4. What kind of skills did you develop on the job?
5. How is that experience relevant to our practice?
6. Analyze a hypothetical issue.
? Why this Firm?
1. How did you learn about this firm?
2. What made you decide to interview with us?
3. What do you think distinguishes us from other employers? 4. Do you have any questions that I can answer?
? Behavioral Interview Questions
1. Describe a time when you failed.
2. Describe a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it.
3. How do you work under pressure?
4. Describe a time when you were working as part of a team and had to persuade your teammates about something.
5. Have you ever taken an unpopular stand on a topic at school? What was the situation? What did you do?
6. Describe a time you had to modify your communication style based on the audience. 7. Tell me about a situation where you had to adjust to a significant change at school or work. What did you do?
8. Tell me about a subject you learned quickly and one that took longer to learn.
E. Questions To Ask An Interviewer
Generally, at the end of most interviews, the interviewer invariably asks if you have any questions. You should be prepared to ask some questions. Be aware that the questions you choose to ask may reveal whether you prepared before your interview or whether you have a genuine interest in the employer. Each question forms an impression for the interviewer. Always make sure that you have done your research. Avoid asking the interviewer for information that you can easily find by reading the firm’s website or other easily accessible materials. You may however have a question about something you have read on the website, an article or publication, for example.
Remember that it is important to ask the right questions so that you obtain the information you need to make an informed and intelligent choice about whether the employer is the right fit for you. Some of the best questions come from listening carefully to the interviewer during the interview and following-up on something specific that he or she has discussed with you. Be prepared with questions that you have prepared in advance. Sample questions are as follows.
What is your typical day like (to a junior associate)? What is the typical day of a summer/junior associate (to a partner or senior associate)?
What do you feel are the qualities that make a summer associate successful? How would you describe your ideal summer/junior associate?
Office of Career Services Page 57
?
Office of Career Services Page 58
Does a summer associate have an opportunity to work directly with partners? With clients?
To what extent does the summer program involve substantive activities/opportunities other than strict legal research?
What do you enjoy most about working at the firm?
How is your job different than you expected it would be?
How would you describe the firm’s culture and work environment?
Did you work here as a summer associate (to a junior associate)? If so, did you think that your summer associate experience provided you with an accurate view of work at the firm?
How has the firm changed since you’ve been here? How do you expect the firm and its practice will change in the next few years (to a partner or senior associate)?
What practice areas in the firm show promise or growth?
How is work assigned to summer/junior associates?
What kinds of cases are you working on?
Have you always worked in this practice area? How did you come to be in this area?
Are there formal training opportunities? Are summer/junior associates given regular formal or informal feedback on the quality of their work?
What do you think are the benefits of working in a large/small/non-headquarter/main office such as this?
I read about the XYZ case/deal. What part could a summer/junior associate play in a case/deal like that?
What aspects of the firm make it different from the other law firms in town that focus on XZY law?
F. Questions Not To Ask An Interviewer
You should avoid asking any questions that have a what’s-in-it-for-me tone and that are centered on compensation, benefits, vacation, and the number of hours you are expected to work. There may be a time when it is appropriate to ask such questions but that time is not during the interview stage and before you have received an offer. At your interview, focus on what’s-in-it-for-the-employer – why are you the best candidate for them. Try to avoid negative questions and those that demonstrate that you did not prepare prior to your interview. Some examples of the kinds of questions you should avoid are below.
What kind of compensation can I expect?
Does your benefit plan cover mental therapy?
How many vacation days will I get?
Does the firm give annual bonuses?
What are the (billable) hours?
Do associates really have to work as hard as the rumors suggest? Will I be expected to work weekends?
Will you pay for my relocation expenses?
?
What kind of secretarial or other support will I get?
How many other people are you interviewing/hiring?
What don’t you like about your firm?
I’ve heard rumors that the firm isn’t doing well – is that true? How many attorneys are there?
What practice areas do you have? What is the firm’s work/life balance?

I generally teach my students the same things as above. I wailed also suggest doing an in depth research of the clinic and determining ways that your current skill set could benefit them. Good luck!

 

[DRBAFC]

Thanks for the tips everyone. A lot of the suggestions were helpful

 

[torobravo]

Don´t wear a Graham

 

[Mendota]

^ Unless you are applying for a job at a Clown College or grenade factory.

 

[civic4982]

Thanks for the tips everyone. A lot of the suggestions were helpful

Did you get the job?

 

[Killn12s]

Search the companies/Hospitals website to get some possible background info. They may ask you what you know about the company you are applying to.

This is the best advice in my opinion. Nothing bothers me more than interviewing a candidate that has not put forward the effort to research the company he/she is applying for. It shows a lot about your work ethic and motivation when you come prepared. I don't want the 40 hour a week employee. I want someone who is motivated, someone that I don't have to ask to go the extra mile.