As a military spouse I move more than most. Which means I get to interview for Speech Pathology jobs more than most. So, come on in. I’d like to share some tips that have found helpful when seeking a new position in this amazing field of work.

Arrive early.

Sit in the waiting room and look around. Take in the nature of the place and relax before you dive into the interview. Use the restroom before it’s your turn.

Always read through an application before you start to fill it in.

It’s happened to all of us. You’ve started writing your name on the initial line of the form and then realized they wanted Last Name first. It’s so annoying, and then your application looks messy and the interviewer knows you made a mistake right away. Take your time, read all the blanks and gather the information you’ll need to complete the application in one sitting. If you’re completing a paper based form, use a pen that’s easy to read. I really like these fine point Sharpies (Amazon Affiliate link).

Wear something smart, but comfortable.

That business pencil skirt suit may be what you’ve always pictured yourself interviewing in, but it’s not the most practical of outfits if the interviewer wants to see you in action with a client…who’s in preschool…and playing with cars and trucks on the carpet. Make sure you can perform the duties of the job you’re seeking in the outfit you wear to interview.

Bring extra copies of your resume.

I pack at least five copies of my current resume when interviewing. You never know how many people will be sitting in on your interview and it’s impressive to be able to hand someone new a fresh copy of your credentials. It shows you’re prepared for anything. One other note: invest in some resume paper (Amazon Affiliate link). It makes a statement and sets yours apart from the stack of papers.

Always have a question prepared for your interview team.

You’ve just spent the last 20 minutes answering all kinds of questions about yourself and your experiences. You’re nervous and hoping for the best. The interview is drawing to a close and they say, “So, do you have any questions for us?” You should always have something to inquire about because you’ve done your research on the facility and its current employees. Your question could be the one thing that makes the team remember you over the others. If there’s nothing about the place or the job that I feel needs more attention, I tend to ask about what roles I’ll be expected to fill outside the listed duties or what materials are available to me within the district or practice. And I always discover when I should be hearing from the team about a final decision.

Make a follow-up effort.

After your interview, contact the team and tell them how much you appreciate their time and enjoyed meeting with them. Confirm your interest in the position and let them know you’re excited to hear back from them. This can be done by phone, email, or my favorite, a handwritten thank-you note.
Good luck to all those out job seeking. You’ve chosen a rewarding field that is growing. I hope to hear about some success stories on Facebook or Twitter.