INTERVIEWS

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INTERVIEWS
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Prepare for the Interview

• Get to know the place of employment
• Know the basic information
• Know your resume
• Dont exaggerate, but dont sell yourself short
• Know why you are looking for or changing jobs
• Anxiety
• Dont fidget! Find a way to relieve stress.
• Confidence
• People can see it by the way you act, enter a
  room, etc.
• Whether you feel confident or not, APPEAR
  confident.

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Before the Interview

• Night before and morning of interview
• Eat a good evening meal and breakfast
• Dont overdo the coffee or caffeine, but if you
  regularly drink it, dont stop now!
• Take a warm, relaxing bath or exercise
• Get to bed early be well-rested
• Give yourself plenty of time when getting ready
  and arriving at interview site.
• Be prepared for problems (e.g. stain on shirt or
  tie, run in nylons).

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Before the Interview

• What to wear 1st impressions count!
• Body language
• Clothing find out what type of interview it is
• Formal - Wear a suit (both genders)
• Be conservative black, gray, navy blue
• Buy 2 so if you have a 2nd interview youre not
  wearing the same thing!
• Extra shirts, nylons, ties
• Wear solid (white or light-colored) shirt or
  blouse tie simple design
• Shoes polish conservative color
• Dont wear flip-flops or well-worn shoes!
• Casual
• Dress pants, coordinating sport jacket (men)
• Skirt, dress pants, coordinating blazer (women)
• Dont overdress!

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Before the Interview

• Finer details
• Wrinkle free shirts
• Tie straight tie tack
• Extra nylons
• Jewelry bare minimum not large, dangly
• Clean shaven
• Make-up not overdone
• Lipstick nail polish NOT TOO GAUDY!
• Nails trimmed if too long they may wonder what
  you can do!

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What to Bring

• Portfolios, padfolios
• http//www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/category.asp
  ?PageType5CategoryID20
• Copies of resume
• Pen
• Notebook
• Briefcase or small purse
• Dont bring bulky, frumpy handbags!

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First Sighting!

• If they are picking you up from the airport wear
  casual dress. Dont let them see you in sweats,
  flip flops, etc.
• If you are being picked up at the hotel be on
  Time!
• Be in the lobby early. Dont make them wait for
  you!
• If you are arriving at the interview place, BE
  EARLY!
• If you are unsure of the location, find it the
  night before or arrive early.
• If you arrive more than 15 minutes, it may seem
  like you are too anxious. You could be
  interrupting another interview. If you are too
  early, wander or drive around the area.

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Meeting the Interviewers

• Firm hand shake
• Be happy!
• Note names remember them
• Be confident not smug
• Body language nonverbal gestures, mannerisms,
  stay calm
• No gum, hair twirling, chewing lip, wringing
  hands, playing with tie or pendant, clicking or
  tapping pen
• Hands rest on your lap. May clasp, but dont
  grip so hard your knuckles turn white!
• Dont fold arms across chest while in interview
• Make eye contact
• Sit up straight

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Interviewing over a Meal

• Use proper etiquette! If you forget what
  silverware to use use outside to inside.
• Dont shove food in, take smaller bites, break
  into smaller pieces
• Dont bite on silverware

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Interview Questions

• Answer more than just a yes or no, but dont
  ramble on. KISS!
• Rehearse privately with others
• Videotape yourself
• Its important what you say, but it may be more
  important how you say it.
• Dont be negative!
• If you are leaving a job because the boss is a
  dork, dont tell them that. State it in a
  positive way.

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Questions to Prepare For

• Describe yourself.
• What are your strengths weaknesses?
• What made you interested in this position?
• What are your future goals?
• What can you bring to our program?
• What are your expectations with this position?
• How well do you work alone? In a group?

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Situation Questions

• Interviewers may ask you how you would handle a
  situation (emergency case, everyday treatment or
  rehab).
• What is the toughest situation you have dealt
  with?
• They may ask you questions about
• Your personality
• Your skills abilities
• Your accomplishments
• Your education
• Your work history
• Your interpersonal skills
• Did you do your homework? (Find out about
  employee)

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Illegal Questions

• Questions they cant ask
• Race, age, color, religion, national origin,
  pregnancy, family, disabled, weight/height,
  sexual orientation, political affiliation, if
  youve been arrested (can ask if youve been
  convicted of a crime)
• Can ask about drug use.

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Exit Questions

• Once they have completed their questions, they
  will ask you if you have any
• Write your answers down in advance. Make a list
  bring it with you.
• Always have at least one!
• When can I expect to hear from you?
• What are the responsibilities of the athletic
  trainer in this position? (If they have already
  answered this, dont re-ask!)
• What are the expected hours coverage? Am I to
  cover weekend, other school related, or other
  activities?
• How do the coaches communicate with the AT when
  there is an injury or emergency?
• How well do the coaches interact with the AT?
• How is the relationship between the AT and
  physicians?
• Wait until the end of the interview to ask about
  salary, benefits, continuing ed reimbursement,
  time off for conventions, membership dues.
• Thank them and say Goodbye

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What to Think

• When asking questions, you should be looking for
• Is this a good fit for you?
• Do they provide for you what you need?
• Salary, benefits, good facility, good working
  staff
• Is this an organized department?
• Is there a positive, good rapport with the
  athletes? Doctors? Nurses? Coaches? AD?
• Is there an understanding of the demands on
  coaches athletes, and where you fit into the
  plan goals?
• Does the programs goals ideals match up with
  yours?

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Top 10 Things Not to Say in an Interview (McKay,
2004,p. viii)

• That suit looks expensive! How much money do you
  make anyway?
• What would my salary be? I have to make more than
  I did at my last job.
• Ive never heard of your company before. What
  type of business is this?
• It wasnt my fault. My coworkers had it in for
  me.
• My boss was a jerk. I didnt have to think twice
  about quitting after what he did.
• How much time do you give for maternity leave?
• How many vacation days will I have each year? I
  love to travel. I was thinking of Australia next
  year.
• If someone files a harassment charge against me,
  you would cover for me, right?
• Id rather be working in my own field, but I
  cant find anyone who will hire me, so this will
  do for now.
• Can I have my own office? I really dont like
  working with other people.

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Finale

• Always send a thank you cared, note or email a
  couple of days later.
• This will help you stand out from other
  applicants.
• It may give you the edge.
• Make sure correct spelling is used.