Modern Hygienist | Professional Center


Your professional Q&A

Tips for making the job interview less stressful and more insightful.

by Melinda Heryford, MBA

Securing the job of your dreams is within your reach. With careful preparation, an action plan and thorough execution, that “perfect” job is yours. You will find that in doing some self-reflection and homework, you will be able to present yourself as unique, and prepared. The best place to demonstrate this? The interview.

The interview action plan is developed in a four-step process: 1) knowing yourself, 2) knowing what you are looking for, 3) knowing who you are looking for and 4) implementing your strategy while interviewing. The process begins with a self-assessment to determine your best fit.

WHO AM I?

Finding the job of your dreams starts with knowing yourself and being able to articulate who you are and what is unique about you. To begin, study your current resumé. Next, make a list of all the skills that you have acquired since you last updated your resumé. List all the courses you have completed in the last three years. Have you acquired any special certification(s), or learned any new skills? Some popular and necessary skills might include the latest in soft-tissue techniques, diagnostic proficiency, new materials or supplies, intraoral camera, digital camera, computer skills, and new sterilization skills. Dental practices can benefit by new team members bringing in new ideas, so be able to articulate what you’ve learned and any special interests.

Next, make a list of what you value most. What are the conditions that have the most worth to you professionally? Some team member’s value relationship and connection above all else, for others they want to be thorough, methodical and produce a result. When you can prioritize your values, you will be able to determine if a particular dental office is a good match for you.

Finally, in knowing yourself, consider your long-term goals, how you want to practice, how you want to treat patients, and what you want to accomplish professionally in the long run. It is essential to communicate this during the interview process as well as to identify the practice long term-goals. Knowing yourself and being able to articulate your vision, values and goals as a practicing professional pave the way to finding the job of your dreams.

WHAT DO I WANT?

What factors are you looking for in an office? What kind of work environment, location and techniques are important to you? Do you want to work for an established practice that runs efficiently and where change is infrequent, or would you prefer a more progressive office, that is changing constantly and that will push you to perform? Ask yourself, do you want to learn the latest technologies and materials and to be supported in implementing new skills on an ongoing basis, or would you rather work in an environment that is stable and conventional. Consider that when you work for a new doctor, you may not get the advantage of experience; things may change frequently and without notice. There will be trade-offs with either choice.

WHO DO I LIKE?

Knowing who you are looking for, what kind doctor and team you want to work with is crucial. Make a list of the words you would use to describe the perfect doctor and team for you? This will give you a sense of what kind of practice, doctor and staff you desire. To find the office that is closer to your requirements, you should find out what is available in the dental market.

Conduct a study of the practices in your targeted area; call the dental society and dental hygiene association, interview peers, study the dentists who are advertising and what they advertise. From this inquiry, form a list of ideal offices you might like to work with. Having this assessment allows you to know more about the dental market in your area and what dental practices might be better suited to your needs. Now you are ready for the interview.

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

When interviewing, always put your best foot forward. Make sure your cover letter and resumé are updated. In your cover letter, state your skills and latest education. Write about what you value, what you bring to the work environment and what you are looking for in your career. Have someone else proofread your paperwork. Make sure you put the length of employment for each job, check all spelling and include special certifications and skills. Following this initial process comes polishing the interview process.

When interviewing, remember 87% of communication is non-verbal language. First, show up for the interview five minutes early, wearing business attire, skirt or slacks with a jacket or cardigan sweater. Appearing polished and professional establishes a good first impression. Second, have a positive, cheerful tone; smile, extend your hand when introducing yourself, shake hands with a firm grip, and stand up straight to appear confident and personable. If you are reserved by nature, bring your tone up to cheerful. If you are naturally bubbly, make sure you let the interviewer control the situation and try to give concise, accurate answers. Practice answering and asking questions prior to the interview so that you don’t stumble when speaking.
Use the interview to assess if a practice is a “fit” for you. Asking questions at the interview demonstrates both confidence as well as interest in the job. Some questions that you might ask to gain insight into the practice:

1. What is the doctor passionate about?

2. Ask them to describe the practice, the team and the patients.

3. What are the expectations of employees?

4. What are the goals of the soft-tissue management program?

5. How does he/she ask the dental hygienist to support restorative care?

If possible, a working interview always helps to better assess your “fit” with a practice. Much like any fulfilling relationship, job satisfaction is derived from matching your strengths to that of a practice so that you work together towards success for both parties.  
 

Melinda Heryford, MBA, is a practice enhancement and implementation consultant who specializes in professional development.