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Getting that First Job: Tips for the Interviewawr

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n last month’s issue we gave youtips on perfecting your resume andapplying for jobs. Now you’ve sent

ut your resumes and you’ve gottenome call backs, and it’s time to acehe interview. What can you expect,nd what can give you an edge so youand that job?

AVING A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDEn her nearly 20 years of working as aecruiter, Cindy Krainen, RD, ofichigan-based Harper Associates,

as seen registered dietitians justtarting out make critical errorshen it comes to nailing the job inter-iew. Some interviewees bring up theopic of salary and vacation rightway or dress inappropriately. Oth-rs have forgotten to turn off their cellhones before an interview or, evenorse, answered a ringing phone in

ront of a potential employer. One ofhe most important things you can doo perform well in the job interview iso maintain a professional focus fromeginning to end.“Some young dietitians don’t real-

ze there is competition for every jobnd so they display an attitude,” saysrainen. “It’s ‘what I need,’ instead of

what I can bring to the organiza-ion.’ ”

EFORE THE INTERVIEWpolite, professional attitude begins

hen you are contacted to set up thenterview, says Krainen. Allow your-elf plenty of time when scheduling aeeting—some interviews, especially

f they’re going well, can last severalours and involve speaking with sev-ral employees in the organization. Ifou know you will have another im-ortant obligation on the day you aresked to come in, politely inform themployer of your time constraints in

This article was written byJennifer Mathieu, a freelancewriter in Houston, TX.

qdoi: 10.1016/j.jada.2006.07.019

546 Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATI

dvance and ask if they believe youill have enough time or if you should

eschedule.Before you arrive for the interview,

t’s crucial to research the company orrganization, says Krainen and manyther experts. Develop questions thateflect this knowledge and practicesking them.Sometimes a personal touch helps.yle Shadix, RD, a New York–based

hef and a member of the Americanietetic Association’s House of Dele-ates as well as coauthor of the bookecoming A Nutritionist: A Careeruide for Students and Dietitians,as advised new registered dietitianss an instructor at both Columbianiversity’s Teachers College Nutri-

ion Program and the New York Res-aurant School at the Art Institute ofew York City. Shadix suggests thatnding a potential commonality withn interviewer beforehand can help.or example, if it’s known that yound the person you’ll be meeting withent to the same university, you mayant to bring that up as a startingoint. Shadix even suggests wearingapel pins that show your affiliationsith universities and professional or-anizations. You never know whoight recognize them.“It puts you in a nice place and cre-

tes a personal connection,” says Sha-ix, who also advises you to allowlenty of time to get to the interviewite. Do a practice run just in case. Asor what to wear? “It’s a conservativerofession,” says Shadix. “Err on theide of caution.” Wear an outfit that isodest and fits you well.

HE BIG DAYnce you’ve arrived on time, make

ure your cell phone is off. Offer arm handshake and observe whathadix calls the 80/20 rule.“You’re supposed to be talking 80

ercent of the time,” he says. “You’reupposed to be asking questions.on’t be a mouse.” A potential em-loyer would probably not have re-

uested an interview if he or she i

ON © 2006

idn’t think you were capable of per-orming the job’s duties, says Shadix.ut it’s your performance during the

nterview that determines if you’rehe right person to perform those du-ies at that particular place of em-loyment.“Not asking questions makes you

ook disinterested,” echoes Krainen.till, she adds, remember to makeour questions appropriate for theerson who is interviewing you. Youay have different inquiries depend-

ng on if the person you are speakingith is a representative from human

esources (HR) or your potential fu-ure boss.

“If it’s someone from HR, you can’tsk them what kind of tube feedingshey use,” says Krainen. “That HRerson may feel intimidated and notass you along.”Questions about opportunities for

rofessional development are alwaysood, but avoid asking about salarynd vacation right off the bat. Thisan make you seem too aggressive,ays Krainen. Let the employer guidehis part of the conversation.

Fielding questions from the inter-iewer is also part of the process.hile it’s important to be honest

bout future goals, say experts inter-iewed for this article, it’s equally im-ortant to remain open minded.“Young dietitians can be too highly

elective,” says Jean R. Caton, MS,BA, RD, a life coach based in Stouis, MO with experience in clinicalnd corporate settings. Caton saysven if the job you’re interviewing forsn’t necessarily your dream job, givet a chance. If you’re asked where youhink you might be in 10 years andou’re not sure, answer with integrityut without offending the employer.“We’re not visionaries,” says Caton.

But you could answer by sayingou’re excited about different possi-ilities, and you’re looking for an op-ortunity to advance your skills.”Caton also suggests being profes-

ional but being yourself. Much of an

nterview is seeing if you would fit in

by the American Dietetic Association

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BUSINESS OF DIETETICS

1

ith the culture of the company.Show you can relate to people, thatou have integrity,” she says. “That’sore important than trying to finesse

r impress.”While Caton says you should be

pen to many jobs, it is important tovoid taking a job you know would bebad match for you. “If that little

oice is saying, ‘I’m not really sure,’ou might want to give the job ahance. But if it’s shouting reallyoudly, you’re only going to end upeing back on the job market in 6onths to a year,” admits Caton.If the opposite is true—you reallyant the job—experts say you

houldn’t be afraid to show your en-husiasm in a professional way.rainen says that obvious excitementnd interest might be what gives youhe edge over other candidates.You’ve got to affirm your interest.”

FTER THE INTERVIEW—NOW WHAT?o the interview is over and you’ve

een told that someone will be in m

548 October 2006 Volume 106 Number 10

ouch. What do you do next? It’s verymportant that you send a notehanking the potential employer forheir time. (Remember to take busi-ess cards at the interview so younow how to address the note.) Ifou’re told during the interview thatdecision will be made in the next

ay or two, Krainen says a politehank you e-mail is appropriate andime sensitive. However, if you knowdecision will not be made for a week

r more, send a traditional thank youote via the regular mail the day afterhe interview. Whatever method issed, Shadix stresses the note shouldefer to something that was discusseduring the interview. “Don’t make iteneric,” says Shadix. The thank youote, adds Krainen, is also anotherpportunity to stress your interest inhe position.

It’s also important to make sureour interviewer has all of your con-act information so they can reachou when it comes time for them to letou know their decision. That means

ore than just an e-mail address or a w

ell phone number. “We know thosere not always 100% reliable,” saysrainen. Make sure employers knowhat number is your cell phone androvide a landline phone number asell. Include area codes, especially ifou are interviewing out of town. Ofourse, it’s important to make sure allour outgoing messages—both atome and on your cell phone—arerofessional and polite.Should you also make a follow-up

all? Krainen says it’s important noto be overly persistent—it may turnmployers off. However, if you haven’teard anything once the hiring dead-

ine passes, it is appropriate to callnd politely inquire about the statusf the position.If you don’t get the job, it’s also

mportant to be gracious. Like mostrofessions, the world of dietetics ismaller than you might think at first.

person who interviewed you oneime might become your boss or col-eague down the line. “Stay in touch,”eminds Krainen. “You never know

hat might happen.”

Interviewing Tips for Entry-Level Registered Dietitians*

Before the Interview:● Research the facility or company.● Prepare questions you would like to ask.● Plan what to wear ahead of time.● Give thought as to how you will answer typical questions.● If you are unfamiliar with the location, take a trial run if time permits. Take the phone number with you to the

actual interview in case you get lost or are running late.● Gather all pertinent information you may need (extra resumes, references, data to complete an application form).● Eat before you go.● Turn off your cell phone! If you forget, do NOT answer it during the interview.● Allow plenty of time so that those interviewing you feel you have placed the meeting as a top priority. Interviews

can go for several hours, even all day.

During the Interview:● Always be on time.● Shake hands firmly.● Make eye contact—it confirms your attentiveness.● Show enthusiasm, self-confidence, and a smile!● Do not initiate discussion of salary, benefits, and time-off policies.● Listen carefully and think before you speak.● Be conscious of your appearance. Avoid fidgeting and other nervous habits.● Don’t criticize or divulge confidential information about your present employer or coworkers.● Thank the interviewer for their time and send a business-like thank you note after the interview.

�Source: Harper Associates, Farmington Hills, MI (www.harperjobs.com).