One thing you must realize when going in for a job interview is, if you can see yourself in the position or at the company five or ten years in the future, you've got to take steps to make yourself the obvious choice for the job. Don't let the job slip through your fingers simply because you assumed your resume would sell itself or because you don't want to be "pushy".

Anyone can have the training and skills necessary to do the job, but many employers will choose to hire someone based on his or her personality, not just skill. Unfortunately, personality doesn't generally come through loud and clear in a written resume. It will, though, in the answers you give and the information you provide, during your face-to-face interview.

Your Resume Is Important, But Will Only Get You So Far

Keep in mind, the employer you are interviewing with isn't necessarily going to see you are the perfect fit for the job just from your resume. You need to sell yourself. You need to make it clear why you are the obvious choice for the job. What sets you apart from another applicant? Is it your go-getter attitude? Is it how to stick to a task until it is done? Is it your compassion with patients? Is it your ability to multi-task? What is it?

Even though you may have the same, or at least similar, qualifications as someone else, give the employer a reason to choose you. If you want the job, then make it 100% clear why you are the obvious choice. If you are really excited about the job, be sincere and express your enthusiasm for the position and for the company itself during your interview. 

Make a Good First Impression

Making a good first impression will also go a long way in selling yourself. It will also show a potential employer that you are serious about getting the position. These are some of the basics you should follow when seeking to make a good first impression:

• Arrive on time
• Dress professionally
• Be polite to each person with whom you come in contact
• Unplug so the employer knows you are serious and not easily distracted by your phone
• Speak clearly and with confidence

Be the Solution to The Problem They Are Trying to Solve

In order to be the solution to the problem the company is trying to solve (whether it be they simply need a new physical therapist to replace the one who is leaving, or they need a compassionate therapist to work with special needs kids, or they want a therapist who is willing and able work as part of a larger team), you're going to need to learn a little about the company ahead of time.

Do your research before you go in for your interview. Find out about the company. What is its focus? What is the company striving to achieve? Understand what they want so you can make it clear how you will be that person. Show how your past achievements are right in alignment with helping them achieve their objectives. Talk about your work ethic and explain your interest not only in the position, but in getting positive results to ensure the future success of the company.

5 Ways to Sell Yourself Without Sounding Arrogant

Some people consider there to be a fine line between selling yourself and bragging. Fortunately, even if you don't consider yourself a sales person, we've got five simple ways to sell yourself without sounding arrogant:

• Tell a story, especially one that highlights your skills or gives a little insight into your character. Maybe something about how you overcame a particular obstacle or how you dealt with a difficult case.
• Answer the employer's questions genuinely and with 100% honesty. Even if you're feeling the desire to talk yourself up, remember it is you who were called in for an interview, so they are already interested. They'll be even more interested if you don't exaggerate. Simply give examples or explain how the position is in direct alignment with your strengths.
• It's okay to show weakness too. Many employers want to know what an applicant feels is not only their greatest strength, but also what is their greatest weakness. Nobody is perfect. Do you have things you need to work on? If so, share that information if asked to do so. Then, let them know how you are working to make yourself better and how that will benefit the company.
• Remember to talk about the company and what you bring to the company. Talk about positive changes you have made at other places you've worked, and if those changes are needed at their company (do your research ahead of time to find out, of course), how you could help make those improvements.
• Share your excitement, not just about the possibility of getting the job and working with the company, but about the impact you will have and have had on others. Employers, particularly those in the Allied Healthcare industries, want people who are passionate about their jobs and interested in getting real results. They want a person who will not only just do the day-to-day tasks at hand, but who wants to do them in order to see the results in their patients.

In the end, you want the employer to understand who you are, what you are passionate about, and what you bring to the table. Give the interviewer a glimpse into the real you. Stand out – in a positive way.

Be Ready to Prove Your Worth

Sometimes employers want potential employees to do working interviews to see how they do – to prove your skills, to see if you really are the right person for the job. Go to your interview prepared. Be ready to step in and prove your worth. Taking a hands-on approach can often be a major selling point. It also helps an employer see how to interact with, not only patients, but other staff as well.

Be Polite, Yet Persistent

Be sure to say thank you before you leave the interview and ask about when you should expect to hear back. Ask about following up and when you should do so.

Also, if you are interested in the job, don't forget to ask for the job. Seriously, before the interview is over. Let the employer know you want the job. Sometimes people forget this simple, but very important step. If you leave the interviewer wondering whether you're interested, you have not made the impression you want to make.

You don't need to act desperate, because you aren't. But once you find the ideal position, why pass it up? Pursue it until you get it. You wouldn't stop reaching for a goal simply because there were a few, minor obstacles in your way, would you? Same applies here. If you want the position, be polite but persistent in your pursuit.  

Line Up Your References Ahead of Time

Employers often want applicants to provide references, people they can contact to find out more about you, your work ethic, your skills, your personality and more. Don't list references for people you worked with 10 years ago. These people won't be able to provide any current information. List co-workers, supervisors and others from recent jobs. List people who really know you, know what you can do, know and understand how valuable an asset you will be.

If you are currently looking for a job in the Allied Healthcare or Dental industries and you need a little help, whether it be with finding the ideal job or simply getting a little resume advice, we are here to help. Call Mya directly at 818-890-9998 to discuss your options or take a look at one of our current job listings