When interviews go well, they really stand out. I am left with very clear memories of the candidate. It is obvious how they will fit into the post I am interviewing for. I would think that only five percent of interviews fall into this group. Most, are quite difficult to recall after a while. Particularly, if I’m doing several a month, for days at a time. That doesn’t mean these unremarkable interviews are delivered by bad Occupational Therapists. Often quite the opposite! After all, the whole rationale behind this site is getting great OTs to show how good they are when it counts; at interview. There are times though, perhaps for another five percent of the interviews I run that candidates are memorable for all the wrong reasons. I am very aware that any of us, under the pressure of an interview could engage our mouths or bodies before our brains have a chance to kick in. However hopefully, by sharing some of these howlers we can all do better and avoid OT interview mistakes. So here we go with some of the top no nos for candidates that really have happened to me when I’m interviewing!
OT interview mistakes:
Going A.W.O.L.
Going AWOL is one of the most common OT interview mistakes. Of course plans and circumstances change! As a panel, we understand that you may have been offered a post before you get to speak to us. Sometimes, fate plays a hand leaving you lost, stuck in traffic or rendering emergency first aid to an injured badger. However, just not turning up doesn’t present you in the best professional light. Remember that one day, possibly sooner than you think in my experience, you may be wanting to apply to the same service. Your dream post may fall through, may not be what you thought, or you just change your mind. For want of a phone call, or an email you can turn what may feel like a frightening situation of ‘letting us down’ into a great example of how ethical and positive you can be in a difficult situation. So in short, communicate early about any problems!
Flirting
No really! I can’t believe that this even made the list either, but it has to be up there in the top ten! No matter what you think of the panel keep it under wraps be it positive or negative. Without divulging or embarrassing any previous applicants flirting this does not, did not and will not to improve your chances. I can only hope that it was done consciously. That way it can be corrected. If it was unconscious then there are some really communication issues that need to be addressed. So for a wider learning point, try to read the nature of the interview room. Different panels have different styles and do your best to match what you are picking up. If it is a friendly conversational interview, match that. If it is a straight, businesslike formal interview make sure your answers are professional and clear.
Overstaying your welcome
The interview is your chance to show off the very best best of your professional self. Use the time to the maximum! Good interviewers will outline at the start roughly the amount of time your interview will take (along with the overall structure). It is the panel chair’s responsibility to keep the overall interview train running on time as there will likely be several interviews lined up that day. That said, it is a two way street. Be mindful of the body language of the panel members. If they are starting to register on the zombie scale of alertness, have stopped writing or are checking the clock, it might be time to draw to a close. Particularly at the end of the interview try and ensure that you leave promptly. Even though you may feel much more relaxed and more yourself please be aware that although your interview is over the panel may have someone waiting outside feeling as nervous as you were 40 minutes ago. So at the end of the interview, thank the panel, shake hands if it is easy and appropriate to do so make sure you take all your items with you and head to the door.
Lazy applications
Although not technically one of the common OT interview mistakes it is infuriating for interviewers. I have highlighted these before. Just because internet based application portals allow you fire off applications to multiple posts at a time does not mean you should. When I receive applications telling me how much candidates want to work in a neighbouring Health Board or Trust they drop down the shortlisting pile. Think about what this is telling your interviewer. Here is an OT who does not pay attention to detail. A therapist who could readily do the same with a home visit report or formal assessment if they used a previous report for structure and guidance. Of course all applications are scored on their merits but if there is competition you are doing yourself no favours. So instead just make sure you applications are relevant to the post and organisation that is actually offering the post.
Dress to depress
Shoes that have a sole falling off, shirts that don’t fit properly, really short skirts and tops that show a bit too much cleavage do not present a professional image. WE all understand that being a good therapist has little to do with what is on the outside, but throughout your training you should have been developing a knowledge of professionalism and how you balance that in a work setting with your own individual lifestyle choices. If you are looking to work in a mainstream environment, particularly one where you are required to wear your own clothes, what you wear to the interview is a good yardstick by which to judge your ability to present professionally on the job. Suits and ties are fine for men, although smart trousers shirt and a tie are fine too. For ladies just think smart but a little boring or conservative and you should be fine.
Feedback demons
If you are unsuccessful at interview, you should be offered feedback from the panel about what you could do to improve for future interviews. Unless you think you have really been unfairly treated take this at face value, maybe ask one or two clarifying questions and move on to your next interview. Challenging the feedback, asking for specific details on individual questions or asking to speak to a different member of the panel are all warning signs that probably the panel were right to reject your application.
All in all a motley crew of classic OT interview mistakes and howlers that we have seen with our own eyes (not to mention the time that one applicant went to kiss a panel member instead of shaking hands but we’ll leave that for another day.) Avoid these and you’ll be half way there. Good luck with the job hunting!