Mapping Success

You have the right education for the job. You show up 10 minutes early for your interview. Your resume is polished to perfection. So, you think, what else is there?

Plenty. While staffing shortages-especially for lab personnel and nurses-may make your job search easier, being properly prepared for the interview process can mean the difference between 'finding work' and launching the career of your dreams. Just like a road trip, getting your job takes a little bit of advance planning. Whether you're looking for your first position or changing gears after years at the same facility, here's some information on mapping out what to do before-and after-you start interviewing. Consulting the Experts on You Before you apply for any job, you need to line up your references. References are photos albums of your previous work and education experiences for potential employers. Three references is the standard. "Not too many and not too few," explains Trudy Rios, RN, CCM, ABRM, vice president of Outcome Assurance for Dallas-based Concentra Health Services. So, who makes a good reference? Choose people that you've had a positive work experience with, that you've learned a great deal from and you worked well with, counsels Mary Ellen Grohar, RN, PhD, associate professor at St. Louis University School of Nursing. The people our experts recommend include: Supervisors: "It's preferable to see supervisors," says Jaymie Lerner, human resources specialist for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. She adds that if supervisors can't be provided, asking somebody you've done a clinical rotation with, an instructor in the hospital or somebody you've done volunteer work with are good choices. Instructors: "If you're just starting out, having a reference from an instructor-especially if it's in an area that you're interested in-is impressive," adds David Woodruff, MSN, RN, CNS, CCRN, president of Unified Nursing Concepts. Volunteer Work: "If you've done some volunteer work then you can utilize somebody from that organization," Lerner states. Other Jobs: Even a boss from a part-time job can be a good reference, Woodruff says. Somebody you've actually worked for can attest to your job performance, punctuality and skills. "Do not use anyone related to you, or people that are friends but have not worked with you in the past," cautions Lerner. Stick to people who can discuss your work history. When it comes to asking somebody to be a reference, Lerner says, "The best is if you're able to ask in person. If that's not feasible, an e-mail or phone call is acceptable these days." Dr. Grohar adds that you should line up your references in advance, "but not to provide a letter-just [so you can] state that references are available upon request." The employer should be free to decide who to contact and how-either by phone or e-mail. As the job seeker, you have some rights as well. Dr. Grohar reminds, "No past employer is free to give information about employee performance without the permission from the applicant, other than dates of employment." This includes information about performance and termination. When it comes to the format of references, e-mail is "written and customary practice today," she says, though forms are still used by many employers. The issue, she stresses, "is confidentiality for the employee." Hunting for the Right Information You wouldn't drive to a city or town you knew nothing about, so why walk into a facility without being prepared? Once you send out your resume and start interviewing, there are some steps you can take to stand out before you even step into a facility. "Do your homework. I can't emphasize that enough," urges Rios. "You need to learn as much about the company you're applying to as possible and be clear as to why you're choosing that particular company." Another important step is to make sure you understand the position, Lerner advises. Be sure you've seen a job description and prepare questions to ask. "Most hospitals now have a Web page," explains Woodruff. Going online to check out their site can provide information about a facility's research programs, specialties and doctors. Using a search engine (such as Google or Yahoo!) is a good way to find a facility's Web site. Also, when you set up the interview, you can ask if they have a Web site - or just call the facility and ask. Avoiding Interview Dead Ends Packing for a road trip includes at least a toothbrush, toothpaste and a change of clothes; for a successful job interview, we recommend a little more planning. Having great references at hand, understanding the job you're applying for, knowing a few things about the facility-and having some questions to ask-are all important components of preparing for an interview. You should feel confident, but still be careful - there are a few common mistakes you still need to avoid. In his book, Getting a Job In Healthcare (Delmar Learning, 2003) Robert H. Zedlitz recommends organizing your employment portfolio before the interview-get together copies of your resume, cover letter, reference list and completed employment application. As well, your appearance should be as put together as your application. "I wouldn't dress too casually for a serious interview," advises Dr. Grohar. Lerner agrees. "You want to convey a sense of professionalism with the way you dress." She suggests that if you must come to an interview in scrubs, mention this when confirming the interview. If you're a new graduate, you shouldn't go into an interview "with the idea that [you] don't have any experience," says Woodruff. Rather than focusing on the experiences you haven't had, he suggests emphasizing the life skills you've developed. Part-time work can be a learning experience. Working at McDonald's "can help develop organizational skills in a high-pressure environment." You can explain that you want to apply these skills to your health care career, he adds. Interviewees often spend a lot of time discussing skills learned in school and that's a given, Rios says. While you should emphasize your scholastic strengths, be sure to discuss life experiences-such as volunteer work-as well. If you had a great clinical rotation or have a particular interest in a certain area, focus on that, advises Woodruff. This information will tell the interviewer that you paid attention during rotations, and developed interests and skills-signs that you're probably going to progress well in a clinical environment. Maintaining a positive attitude is also critical. Beyond looking for someone with the right skill set, employers want new hires that show the ability to work within an existing group, Dr Grohar states. Show your enthusiasm for teamwork and knowledge of where you see yourself fitting into the current structure. Rios adds, "What's going to help you stand out is to express your passion for what you're applying for. I think that's the number one thing that will make you stand out." Another tricky aspect of an interview usually comes near the end - when a prospective employer gives you a chance to ask questions. If you go into an interview and your prepared questions are answered, you should be ready to expand on those or find other areas where you can request more information, says Lerner. At the end of the interview, if you're interested in the job it's important to state that, says Woodruff. This shows that "you're not just going through the process but are interested in accepting the position if it was offered." Following Up While getting there is half the fun, planning a trip includes knowing how to get home again. Similarly, when you shake hands and part ways with the interviewer, your work isn't over. Follow-up can be the key to obtaining the job of your choice. After an interview, sending a thank-you note is often the next step. This can help keep you in the interviewer's mind, says Rios. While this is starting to change, a hand written note to the person making the hiring decision is preferable to e-mail. "It shows a very poised individual," adds Dr. Grohar. "It's certainly not wrong and I think it would be a judgment call on the part of the interviewee. If you're sending a thank-you letter, here are some tips to keep in mind: The purpose is to convey why, since the interview, you're sure that this is the job for you, says Rios. Thank the person for taking the time to meet with you and the opportunity to learn more about the institution, Dr. Grohar suggests. Emphasize your strengths and your continued interest in the position, writes Zedlitz. The sooner you write the note the better. Woodruff recommends writing it immediately after the interview, while others suggest that within the week is sufficient. Make sure you proofread your note before sending it. "If you have an error on this follow-up letter, you could lose your chance at a job you want," Zedlitz writes. After you've sent your thank-you letter, it's time to consider your follow-up. If the interviewer doesn't provide you with a decision date, or if a decision date has come and gone without any contact from the employer, it is acceptable to follow up with a letter or a phone call. "Don't be harassing, don't make several calls," Woodruff warns, but do use this as a chance to remind them that you're interested in the position. Onward to Career Rewards Following this map, you're ready to head out for your destination-your dream job. Line up references who can speak to your strengths, prepare questions that show you did your research and understand the job's requirements, create a follow-up plan and you're equipped to get your career going. Excellent resources are available to help you create your career map, including career Web sites, magazines, books about your field and job fairs. These are all good ways to begin your search and polish your interview skills. Nicole Benkert is on staff at ADVANCE.