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6 Interview Mistakes for Med Travelers to Avoid

December 13, 2021

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Megan Bebout

InterviewMistakes

“Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses.” We’ve all been there, and we know how intimidating and stressful professional interviews can be. Unfortunately, they’re just part of having a job, and the great news is that job interviews are your time to show off what makes you an amazing traveler.

 

 

Top 6 Interview Mistakes for Med Travelers to Avoid

 

Whether you're headed to your initial job interview with resume in hand or you've got that final interview in the bag, don't mess it all up by making these common interview mistakes. We’ve gathered our top six interview mistakes for medtravelers to avoid and learn how you can wow 'em to land the job.

No. 1: You’re late for a very important date

Ooooh, you saw this one coming, didn't you? If you struggle with punctuality, know that you're not alone. In fact, a nationwide survey shows that nearly 30 percent of all Americans arrive late to work each day. But guess what? Another poll shows nearly half of workers never arrive late. Yeah. Never. So, which half do you want to be a part of?

No. 2: You bring a snack or your lunch

We all know that the focus is on food during lunch meetings. You want the focus on you and your best attributes during your interview, so eat before it starts. Just a water or a coffee in hand will make sure you are hydrated and ready to shine!

No. 3: You don’t dress the part

You don't need to look like you're walking the red carpet, but dressing professionally is pretty important. Regardless of whether you'll be in scrubs all day or your potential employer allows jeans and a casual dress code, toss on some business casual attire for your interview.

Remember that the way you present yourself on the outside really reflects who you are on the inside, both personally and professionally. Employers will take notice. Dress nicely, add a little bit of your personality into the mix, and let them appreciate your pizazz!

No. 4: You don’t prep ahead of time

"So, what do you know about our company?" Uh oh. Did you forget some key info? Take the time to find out some important details about the place you're interviewing for and the main players involved ahead of time. Learn about company history, mission statement, different locations, and what different divisions are all located on the website.

You can also check the company's LinkedIn page, Facebook page, Instagram profile, or any other social media accounts to get a feel for the culture and coworkers. In an age of all things Google, it really couldn't be easier to get the run-down on a potential employer.

No. 5: You’re negative about your last facility or position

"So why are you leaving your current position?"

It’s the million-dollar question in any job interview. When a potential employer asks about your job history, they want to know your strengths and weaknesses, and the way you interact with others. However, they don't need the “Mean Girls” Burn Book version of your story, so save that for your friends.

Talking badly about your former coworkers, place of employment, and bosses could make you look a little witchy. Of course, behonest about your current or past work (lying is no good, either), and here’s a pro tip in case things did end on a bad note: Simply saying something along the lines of, "There were some differences of opinion," is a good way to let your potential employer know there maybe was some conflict, but you're way better than that and don't need to stoop to trash-talking level. Look at you win!

No. 6: You get distracted by your phone

Our smartphones house everything from apps to bank cards to video games. The hard truth is, it’s very disrespectful to get on your phone when having a conversation with anyone, especially your potential future employer. Out of sight, out of mind is the best motto in this case. Don’t leave it on the table or in your line of sight. Don't respond to dings and pings of new messages coming in. In fact, silence your phone altogether. Blatant disregard for phone etiquette makes you look super rude, and you don’t want that.

 

Did you accidentally make one of these mistakes? Take a breath and remember these things:

Step no. 1: Don't over-analyze.

It's really easy to get stuck in your own head and freak out if you think you did poorly in an interview. Just chill.

Take some time to reflect on your performance, but don't dwell. Instead, write down the things you think you messed up on, and see if there is any way to fix them. For instance, if you forgot some key information, send it along with a thank-you email. Something as simple as, "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. It was great to hear about...(mention details of your interview). One thing I realized I didn't mention was... (talk about your info here)." Definitely don’t overthink the small things like failed eye contact or sitting awkwardly. Chances are, you could be overthinking those things, and the interviewer may not have even noticed them to begin with.

Step no. 2: Ask for another chance.

Don't give up! If you were feeling a little off during your interview, explain it to your potential employer. Employers are human. They understand that sometimes, you just have a bad day. Here are some key steps to follow when taking this approach:

    • Make a brief, simple explanation. ("I wasn't feeling well, so I wasn't very focused..." "I'm not normally late, but I had an emergency...")
    • Re-state your interest in the job. ("My lack of focus doesn't reflect how I feel about this position; I'm very excited about working with you..." "I hope this emergency doesn't reflect a lack of interest; I am looking forward to this position...")
    • Offer to meet again. ("I'd love another chance to convey just how important this position is to me. Could we meet again or discuss further on the phone?")
    • Re-state your qualifications. Remind them that you're well-positioned for this job and your work experience proves that.

Step no. 3: Learn from your mistakes.

I know—it's a total bummer to not get a position you were really going for. When getting the "thanks, but no thanks" message, ask your interviewer what you could've done differently. Then next time you're in the hot seat, you’ll nail your job interview.

 

Don’t get shaken up by your next travel job interview. Make sure you’re prepared and ready for what the interviewer throws your way, and be aware of these top six common interview mistakes to avoid. As a professional medical worker, you already have the skills and talent needed to get the job done—the first thing you have to do is nail your job interview.