When an employer contacts you to set up an interview, be prepared to ask a few questions. Some companies may keep you seemingly all day, filling out applications, taking tests, going for a drug test, etc., and others just want to interview you and schedule the rest later. Be sure you know how long they might need you and what you'll be expected to do so you can plan accordingly.

Before the Interview

Arrive early. Be sure to have a copy of your resume and a notepad. You need to dress in business attire and, of course, be impeccably groomed. Don't wear heavy scents, and use a breath mint before you go in. Be sure you have two working black pens. Have a list of your references with complete contact information. Also have complete contact information for your emergency contact person.

Eat something before you go. Never go to an interview or important meeting with an empty stomach. If you do, be prepared for your stomach to start “growling” at the most inopportune time. Be sure to avoid obnoxious or offensive foods such as garlic and onions.

Be sure you have all licenses, including your driver's license and professional license(s), with you. You should also have your CPR card, if indicated, and your social security card. If you have a green card you must have this as well. Most people don't carry all of these at all times, so be sure you have them with you, as prospective employers will need to make a copy of them for your file. It can be irritating to HR personnel if you neglect to have these items with you. First impressions are important.

During the Interview

Be prepared to explain gaps in your experience or other holes in your resume. Be prepared to explain why you would be a good match for this job. Expect the unexpected. Take a deep breath and think for a moment about anything you aren't sure about or might be uncomfortable discussing. If you have a bad work experience glaring on your resume, just explain that it wasn't the right position for you. Take responsibility and don't bad-mouth others.

Be aware of your posture and body language. Sit up straight and be attentive. Crossing your arms gives an impression that you are closed to communication or input. Smile and always make eye contact.

You should expect to be asked to discuss your strengths and weaknesses in some fashion or another, so be prepared. Many will ask where you see yourself five years from now. Be prepared with an answer, such as one demonstrating a desire to grow and advance in your profession.

If you have to complete paperwork, read it over first and check carefully what information goes where. Remember, neatness counts! Don't leave blanks. If you don't understand what you need to do, ask. (Having a small pad of sticky notes would be useful so that you can reference areas you need assistance with and complete the rest of the form if you can before asking questions.) If you make errors, ask for a new copy to complete. If possible, take the paperwork home with you so that you can give it more time and attention.

Before you leave the interview, be sure you have had a chance to get all of your questions answered. Know what the job entails, what your responsibilities would be, and what would be expected from you. Have a clear understanding of major policies, what shift you'd be working, how many weekends and holidays you're expected to work, etc. Understand who you'd be working for, who you'd be supervising, how performance is evaluated, how raises are determined, and what opportunities you would have to advance.

The Salary Question

The subject of salary may or may not come up. If they ask you about your requirements, tell them that it will have to depend upon several factors, including such things as your responsibilities, shift, on-call responsibilities, benefits, opportunities for raises (are they merit based? how often and what percentage is the usual amount for this job?), and opportunities for advancement. Usually salary and other benefits can be negotiated when a job offer is made. That may or may not take place at the time of the interview.

Don't enter into a job with false hopes and misunderstandings of expectations. You will only find yourself disenchanted and unhappy. Sometimes this leads to good people leaving the profession; at the very least it affects morale, performance, and productivity. Have a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities before you begin a job.

After the Interview

Again, make eye contact and thank interviewers for their time. Shake hands. If they have to make a decision, ask when you'll know what their decision is and if they'll call or contact you either way. Follow up interviews with a written response, again thanking the person who interviewed you and stating that you look forward to working for the company. Send this off right away.

If a networking contact helped you get this interview, touch base with your contact to thank him or her. If you get the job, be sure to thank your contact appropriately.

The Sign-On Bonus

Many employers are now offering sign-on bonuses, especially for hard-to-fill positions. This is a common occurrence for nurses, and it is becoming so for physical and occupational therapists as well as many other health care professionals who are facing shortages in their fields.

Get it all in writing and have a full understanding of how much you get and what your obligations are. Also have a full understanding of how and when the payments are made and how they are taxed. A large lump sum sounds great, but if it's highly taxed, is it really worth it?

Also be aware that these are hiring incentives. Long-term staff in these facilities may have morale issues and professional jealousies about sign-on bonuses. Salaries and bonuses should always be kept confidential.