Job Interview Prep

Toby loves HR

I was invited for two job interviews on Friday after the marathon cold calling Wednesday.  I have to tell you that although only 2 hospitals called back for interviews, they were immediate and quick.  Like "See ya in 24 hours for an interview quick."  (I'm not sure if it was helpful that I contacted them later in the work week)One hospital worked with the health care food service company Morrison and had a catering associate and diet clerk position open (taking diet orders with tickets, helping with trayline production, stocking utensils and plates at stations).  An RD from another hospital called me and we chatted for a bit.  She was hesitant to think about hiring me should she spend a lot of time training me and I leave in a year for a dietetic internship.  However she still agreed to meet with me.  The first interview was at 9:00 and the second was at 11:00, but luckily the hospitals were only two miles away.

Once I found out about the immediate interviews I realized I hadn't been in a job interview since December 2009.  And that interview was a group interview.  I hadn't had a one on one interview since 2008. I asked for some advice from a nutrition teacher, my friend from the Academy, and my HR friend. 


          My nutrition teacher told me to let the recruiter know that I want the job because I need a job and want to use my nutrition degree.  Do not say I need nutrition/hospital experience.  This makes sense considering all of the time hospitals spend training diet aid/clerk/techs.  You want to come off as a dependable employee, not someone there for 3 months just to put it on their resume.  She also told me if hired for the Morrison job I would be eligible to apply to the Morrison DI in the "pre-select" process.  For the other opportunity I asked her about the recruiter who was hesitant to employ me should I leave for a DI.  My teacher said to be honest and emphasize commitment and hard work ethic.  I should let them know it may take another application cycle for me to get matched, but whether I work there for 10 months or 2 years I will give 100%


          My friend who is a VP with the academy spoke very highly of Morrison.  In fact one of their staff members, Kathy McClusky was on the ballot for Academy President while I was in school.  It really shows that they develop leaders in the world of nutrition.
  

          I also met my HR friend for tips.  He told me that there is a saying in HR, "Hire the attitude, teach everything else."  This is especially applicable to my position where I am basically starting at the bottom and much to learn.  I should be personable, energetic, and excited to work for the recruiting company.   We went through a mock interview and I told him about my previous experience at the ASI Children's Center.  He loved this and said I should talk with passion and energy about this because I clearly loved that job.  He also said I should state that although I have a college degree I am willing to start somewhere, even if it is at the bottom.  I want to grow and develop with a job and should ask if there is opportunity to move up.  It shows I am willing to work hard and be committed to the opportunity. 

          He also recommended that I arrive with a resume as well as a list of pre-written questions (i.e. What is the work culture like, what is the turnover, if the hospital belonged to a branch, the relationship between the first hospital and Morrison, the employee organization/who reports to who, position progression, hours, etc).  Being prepared with questions shows recruiters that you are engaged and serious about the position.  I also asked him what to do if I couldn't answer a question they asked me.  He said starting my answer with "That's a very good question" will buy me more time to think.  He also said it is perfectly fine to be honest and say, "That's a very good question, and I can't think of an answer right now.  I would like to think about it more and get back to you with an answer via email."  I was surprised by this, but it shows honesty and seriousness.  It also sounds better than lying or trying to make something up. 

          Lastly he said recruiters look for someone who is professional, courteous, considerate, and values quality customer service.  It's appropriate to end the interview asking the recruiter where they are in the recruitment process to gage when they will get back to you and how many other applicants they are looking at.

On my own, I went to both hospitals' websites to gather information (if they belonged to a branch or family of hospitals, how many beds, additional info I could gather).  I also took my nail polish and rings off for my interviews.  Not mandatory, but many food service positions don't allow either when working.  In hindsight, I wish I had asked the recruiters where I should meet them; hospitals are large and confusing!  Little did I know that Friday would start with a 9:00 interview and wouldn't end until 6:00 that night...more confusion and uncertain awkward situations like getting lost in the pregnancy ward and accidentally skrewing up drug tests by flushing the toilet to come! 

Image from http://petals-in-the-dirt.blogspot.com/2007/11/blues-clues-guy-is-alive-office-may-go.html