dr. ron mclaughlin, mississippi state university - american
TRANSCRIPT
Ron McLaughlin DVM, DVSc, DACVS Head, Department of Clinical Sciences
Chief of Staff- Animal Health Center College of Veterinary Medicine
Mississippi State University
Objectives:
• Finding and investigating available positions
• What is the institution looking for?
• Application process
• Interview ▫ Process and Basic skills
▫ Common questions
▫ Mistakes to avoid
▫ Interview Presentation
▫ Follow-up
• Job offer and negotiation
Clueless?
Finding Available Positions
• JAVMA and other journals
• Specialty Colleges ▫ Journals
▫ Web-sites and list serves
• Department Office
• Colleagues (internal and external)
• Residency Advisors
• Others?
Investigate the Position • Review job description carefully
▫ Requirements
Rank - Assistant, Associate or Full Professor
▫ Tenure Track vs Clinical Track Substantially different expectations
Teaching, Service and Research
▫ Benefits info on-line at university web site
Health care, retirement, insurance, etc. Vacation, leave and consulting policies
▫ Prepare questions to ask
What are they looking for?
• Potential
• Ability to work with others
• Professional and competent
• Impressive CV
• Relevant experience and skills
• Problem solving skills
• Multitasker, productive
• Enthusiasm and initiative
• Good cultural fit
Application
• Curriculum Vitae ▫ Professional and complete
• Cover letter ▫ Concise, targeted and professional
▫ Focus on what you will do to address employers needs! Teaching, service and research
Avoid bragging statements
Forbes- worst cover letter: “That semester I achieved a 3.93, and in the same time I managed to bench double my bodyweight and do 35 pull-ups.”
Application
• Ask your mentors to review ▫ Grammar & spelling count!
• References ▫ Very important – choose wisely
Knowledgeable about your work
Qualified Experienced professionals in the field
• On-line application (send hard copy, too)
Interview - Process • Search committee ▫ Faculty members – review application packets ▫ Select candidates qualified to interview ▫ Make recommendations to the Department Head
• Invitation to interview ▫ Scheduling
Typically 2 days Be cooperative and accommodating
▫ Ask questions
Interview - Process • Interview ▫ Starts at the airport
Dress appropriately
▫ Tour facility
▫ Meetings! Faculty and staff Administrators – Deans, Department Heads Be prepared – notebook/pen, business cards Remember who you meet with
Follow-up
Interview - Process
▫ Meals
Reasonable with order
No or very limited alcohol
Good manners!
▫ After you leave:
Participants provide input to DH Suitability for position
Suitability as a potential colleague
Candidate selected for job offer
Interview – Basic Skills
Interview – Basic Skills
• Prepare, Prepare, Prepare! ▫ Visit web-site
▫ Learn who you will meet with (itinerary)
Who knows who? Great ice breakers
Know what they are interested in (field of study)
• Dress professionally! Suit that fits, iron clothes
Deodorant
Avoid cologne or perfume (allergic)
Interview – Basic Skills • Be positive and smile!
• Good handshake
• Good eye-contact ▫ Shows you are interested ▫ Pick up “non-verbal” clues
< 40% = “shifty” > 60% = “intimidating, weird”
• Relax, slow down, breath! ▫ Don’t talk too fast ▫ Body language: calm, confident, self-assured
Interview – Basic Skills • Remember you are “Always ON” ▫ Hallways, meals, etc.
• Plan: questions and answers ▫ Prepare questions in advance
Expectations?
Environment?
Institutional culture?
▫ Listen carefully Don’t interrupt
▫ Think, breath, respond
Interview – Common Questions
▫ Incisive summary of your career. Succinct
Pertinent skills, work experience, accomplishments
▫ Don’t give your life story. Irrelevant personal or
professional background
“Tell me a little about yourself.”
Interview – Common Questions
• Have “beyond-the-basics knowledge of the job and expectations.
• Be specific about why you're an excellent fit.
• What you “bring to the table”
• Don’t answer in the context of your financial needs.
“Why are you interested in this position?”
Interview – Common Questions • Demonstrate self-awareness, sincerity and
problem-solving skills.
• Turn a “weakness” into a “strength”
• Give a area where you could improve and spotlight the steps you've taken to do so.
• “Sometimes overextended myself, but reading time-management books has helped. Now, I make prioritized to-do lists, learned when to delegate, and am more efficient with my time.“
• Don’t pretend to be perfect
• Don't be your own worst critic by citing countless shortcomings.
“What is your biggest weakness?”
Interview – Common Questions
• Give an example of a time you managed a conflict in a positive manner.
• Prepare an example in advance.
“How do you manage conflict?”
Interview – Common Questions
• Position yourself as an ambitious but flexible realist. Its good to have goals.
• Describe a desire to continually take on broader responsibilities and grow professionally.
• Emphasize your commitment to improving or interest in attaining advanced training/skills.
• Don’t give an overly lofty objective – be realistic and thoughtful.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Interview - Mistakes
• Forbes: most common mistakes: ▫ Inappropriate attire.
▫ Showing up late.
▫ Bad breath.
▫ Answering cell phone or texting
▫ Appearing disinterested
▫ Appearing arrogant
▫ Talking negatively about current or previous employers
▫ Chewing gum
Interview Presentation
• Typically 45-50 minutes ▫ Research presentation
Bring laptop or jump drive Extra copy
Polished and professional Speaking style Powerpoint presentation
Practice! advisor
Be prepared for questions
▫ Know your audience
End of interview and follow-up
• Always thank the interviewers.
• Demonstrate your sincere interest.
• Discuss time-line for a decision.
• Follow-up within 24 hours with a “Thank-You” note. ▫ Handwritten
• Customize the note. ▫ Refer to something you learned or discussed
▫ Reconfirm your interest
Job Offer- Negotiation • Negotiable items
▫ Assignment (teaching, service and research) ▫ Salary ▫ Start-up funds ▫ Laboratory space ▫ Equipment needs (research and clinical) ▫ Start date ▫ Study time for boards?
• Be clear about your expectations
▫ Ok to ask- don’t be pushy ▫ Be willing to compromise
• Final offer letter or contract ▫ Administrative approval ▫ Acceptance signature
Questions?